NBA Free Agents 2012: Analyzing Best Fits for Most Coveted Remaining Players
NBA free agency doesn't have many eye-catching names available. Deron Williams, Ray Allen and Steve Nash have all worked out their future plans. Teams aren't necessarily scraping the bottom of the barrel, but they will have to settle for role players at this point.
With things more definitive now, teams will be looking to plug their remaining needs with key veterans and displaced young players. General managers will be searching for the final piece to their championship puzzle.
That guy could still be available, even if they aren't "superstars."
Let's take a look at the best fits for the best players still on the free agent market.
ESPN's Ric Bucher gave a list of teams interested in Kaman on Thursday.
"Source: teams still w/ a shot at Mayo (Mavs, Rockets, Pacers, Clippers, Knicks and Suns) + Kaman (Mavs, Pacers, Spurs, Kings and Jazz)
— Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) July 5, 2012"
Kaman's best bet lies in Indiana or San Antonio. With Tim Duncan in the twilight of his career, he will get minutes as a quality reserve and eventually take over as the starter.
In Indiana, Kaman would be valuable even though the Pacers are matching Portland's offer for Roy Hibbert. Kaman would provide a veteran presence behind Hibbert, or a very large duo in the paint.
I like him in Indiana. He's an underrated talent with double-double upside. Indiana could use his scoring, and he buys in on the defensive end.
Lou Williams
SI's Sam Amick's suggestion regarding Lou Williams' future destination is the only real hint at this point.
"When New Orleans matches Phoenix's max offer for Eric Gordon, don't be surprised if Suns set their sights on free agent G Lou Williams.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 6, 2012"
This makes complete sense, as he fits what they have in place. Eric Gordon may not wind up in Phoenix whether he likes it or not, and the Suns need a backup plan.
Williams is an excellent scorer. That's something no other Phoenix guard brings to the table. Goran Dragic and Kendall Marshall are above-average players, but they thrive in distribution.
Williams would give the Suns a necessary perimeter presence. Their frontcourt is fine with Marcin Gortat, Channing Frye and newly-acquired Michael Beasley. Williams' presence would spread the defense and enhance their scoring ability.
O.J. Mayo
The Pacers and the Boston Celtics are the two hottest names surrounding Mayo right now. Indianapolis Star reporter Mike Wells reported Indiana's interest on Friday. Boston's maintained interest was reported by CSNNE.com on Monday. You can also look at Bucher's tweet in the Kaman section for more interested teams.
Mayo would fit each of these teams perfectly, but I think he fits Indiana more. Mayo's scoring and youth would be a welcome addition to Boston's rotation, but it would cause problems when Avery Bradley returns from injury. The Celtics are better off doing a sign-and-trade with Houston for Courtney Lee.
Indiana desperately needs a go-to scorer, and Mayo could be their best chance at that. He has considerable upside, and he never had his chance to shine in Memphis. Don't be surprised if Mayo has a breakout year playing a new role for a new team.
The Pacers could use Mayo at the point, or as a backup to Paul George. He plays hard on both ends of the floor, and he would instantly be their best "pure" scorer.
