NBA Free Agency 2012: Statistical Predictions for Every Major Free Agent

The 2012 NBA free-agency period has seen a flurry of moves so far, with several impact players signing contracts that will alter the landscape of the league.

How will the major free agents fare next year?

Some are entering an entirely different situation with a new franchise and new teammates. Others are continuing with their current team, but they still have adjustments to make and new faces with which to work.

If you're looking for a complete statistical breakdown of how each big name will play next season, you're in the right place. Take a look at these free-agent stat projections for 2012-13.

Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers

When Jamal Crawford laces his sneakers up for the Los Angeles Clippers, he'll be playing for the sixth different team of his career.

The veteran slasher will be given ample opportunity to contribute to the squad, as he'll see more playing time than he did in Portland. He can hit long- and mid-range buckets and also get to the rim effectively.

With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin occupying much of the opposition's attention, Crawford will thrive and have a bounce-back campaign.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 30.2

Points: 15.8

Rebounds: 2.8

Assists: 3.3

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.3

FG%: 41 percent

3P%: 34 percent

FT%: 88 percent

PER: 17.2

Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns

Goran Dragic and the Phoenix Suns are happily reunited, and Dragic should be particularly pleased considering he landed a $34 million contract with his former club.

Dragic has paid his dues in the NBA and earned a starting point guard job (and starting point guard money), but he and rookie Kendall Marshall have big shoes to fill with Steve Nash gone.

The left-handed Slovenian won't put up Nash-esque numbers, but Phoenix fans will be pleasantly satisfied with his work.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 35.4

Points: 15.0

Rebounds: 4.4

Assists: 8.0

Steals: 1.8

Blocks: 0.4

FG%: 43 percent

3P%: 36 percent

FT%: 83 percent

PER: 19.4

Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks

2012's basketball darling is staying in New York, as the Knicks will reportedly match the Houston Rockets' offer to Jeremy Lin.

The restricted free agent will run the point in Madison Square Garden with assistance from veteran floor general Jason Kidd. Lin has the potential to grow as a leader and a facilitator, although his ceiling isn't sky-high.

Mike Woodson would love to see an improved assist-to-turnover ratio, but the Knicks ownership is already drooling over a different statistic: abundant revenue generated by the globally-popular guard.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 32.1

Points: 13.9

Rebounds: 3.5

Assists: 7.2

Steals: 0.6

Blocks: 0.1

FG%: 44 percent

3P%: 35 percent

FT%: 81 percent

PER: 18.6

Lou Williams, Atlanta Hawks

Lou Williams has the potential to be a cheaper version of Joe Johnson for the Hawks. Even if he doesn't quite reach Johnson's past production, the cost-benefit result will be worthwhile for Atlanta.

Williams notched career-best numbers in a slew of categories last year, but his change of address will be an obstacle in exceeding those great stats next year.

Fortunately for Williams, the Hawks will present him with playmaking opportunities on a consistent basis, as he'll be one of the primary shot-creators on the squad.

The early season might be tough from a team-cohesion standpoint, but Williams will gradually carve out an important role with Atlanta and thrive in its up-tempo style.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 30.6

Points: 14.8

Rebounds: 2.9

Assists: 4.1

Steals: 1.0

Blocks: 0.4

FG%: 42 percent

3P%: 35 percent

FT%: 79 percent

PER: 19.8

Jason Kidd, New York Knicks

Although he's in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, journeyman Jason Kidd still has some of the best vision in the game. His court sense and deft passing skills will open up the New York Knicks offense, even if he only plays 20 minutes per game.

Other than facilitating and hitting the occasional triple, Kidd won't contribute too much on the court. His most valuable gift to the team will be his guidance of Jeremy Lin and the rest of the roster.

At this point in his career, stats are the last thing Kidd cares about, so don't expect impressive numbers.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 23.3

Points: 5.9

Rebounds: 4.7

Assists: 4.8

Steals: 1.3

Blocks: 0.2

FG%: 38 percent

3P%: 34 percent

FT%: 82 percent

PER: 12.7

Chris Kaman, Dallas Mavericks

It looks like the 2009-10 All-Star season was a fluke for Chris Kaman, but he's still a great addition for the Dallas Mavericks as a 13-point, eight-rebound type of player.

The nine-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the 2011 NBA champs. The move helps solidify their frontcourt and gives them a much better chance to make it back to the playoffs. Kaman has a polished offensive game to go along with solid defense.

He probably won't see more than 30 minutes per game, even if the Mavericks part ways with Brendan Haywood. The statistics might not be shiny, but Kaman will do well in Rick Carlisle's system.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 29.0

Points: 13.0

Rebounds: 8.1

Assists: 2.5

Steals: 0.3

Blocks: 2.0

FG%: 49 percent

3P%: N/A

FT%: 75 percent

PER: 16.0

O.J. Mayo, Undecided

Even though his destination is unclear, O.J. Mayo is too good to not include on this list.

The star substitute has been linked to multiple teams, including Boston and Indiana, and his 2012-13 production could vary significantly depending on which team he signs with. He certainly wouldn't score as much with the Celtics as he would with the Pacers.

If you judge by the last couple seasons, it's easy to think the talented wingman's career will be a bust, but he's still young and just entering his prime years.

Following are some best- and worst-case scenarios, which largely depend upon where he signs.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 32.9 (Best), 23.4 (Worst)

Points: 16.5 (Best), 11.5 (Worst)

Rebounds: 4.5 (Best), 2.3 (Worst)

Assists: 4.0 (Best), 2.0 (Worst)

Steals: 1.4 (Best), 0.6 (Worst)

Blocks: 0.7 (Best), 0.2 (Worst)

FG%: 48 percent (Best), 39 percent (Worst)

3P%: 43 percent (Best), 32 percent (Worst)

FT%: 84 percent (Best), 70 percent (Worst)

PER: 20.5 (Best), 13.8 (Worst)

Jason Terry, Boston Celtics

He's in his mid-thirties and he's not the "Jet" of old, but Boston Celtics fans are going to fall in love with Jason Terry's competitiveness and penchant for clutch plays.

It will be interesting to see how Terry fits in with Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and company after so many years in Dallas. He's a more dynamic player than Ray Allen, even though Allen was a unique asset for the squad.

Terry's overall production has gradually declined over the last couple years, and it will continue to do so in Boston. But chipping in nearly 14 points and 3.5 assists per game off the bench would make Doc Rivers smile.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 24.8

Points: 13.7

Rebounds: 2.4

Assists: 3.1

Steals: 0.9

Blocks: 0.1

FG%: 41 percent

3P%: 38 percent

FT%: 86 percent

PER: 15.0

Ray Allen, Miami Heat

Three-point marksman Ray Allen took a huge pay cut in order to bring his talents to South Beach, but it will be worth it if he's holding the Larry O'Brien trophy next spring.

If Allen is healthy for the duration of the season, he could enjoy a renaissance with the Miami Heat. He'll share minutes with the other role players, but make no mistake, LeBron and D-Wade will definitely make it a priority to get him several shots per quarter.

However, if Allen is injured or slows down, he won't even reach double-digits.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 32.6

Points: 11.5

Rebounds: 3.0

Assists: 2.4

Steals: 0.6

Blocks: 0.2

FG%: 46 percent

3P%: 43 percent

FT%: 90 percent

PER: 14.0

Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers need Nicolas Batum's versatility, which is why they will match any offer an outside team extends to the restricted free agent.

The lanky French forward will likely earn a pretty penny for his talent and potential. His career is on the upswing, as he brings length, outside shooting, defense and fast-break skills to the table.

It looks like it's 99 percent certain that Batum will re-sign with Portland, so these statistic projections are based on that assumption.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 33.1

Points: 15.2

Rebounds: 5.6

Assists: 2.1

Steals: 1.1

Blocks: 0.7

FG%: 44 percent

3P%: 37 percent

FT%: 84 percent

PER: 18.8

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

Kevin Garnett was considering retirement, so the Celtics must be thrilled with the fact that he inked a multi-year deal to keep playing.

2011-12 was his best season since the 2008 title year, so it's a bit optimistic to hope for similar or better production. "The Big Ticket" is still a force in the paint, and Doc Rivers knows he's going to get 100 percent on both ends of the floor.

Fast breaks and alley-oops may become less frequent, but expect the usual crafty plays, aggressiveness and physicality from the 14-time All-Star.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 30-plus

Points: 15.0

Rebounds: 8.4

Assists: 3.3

Steals: 0.8

Blocks: 0.8 

FG%: 52 percent

3P%: 30 percent

FT%: 83 percent

PER: 20.0

Eric Gordon, New Orleans Hornets (or Phoenix Suns)

The New Orleans Hornets have not yet matched the max contract offer the Phoenix Suns sent Eric Gordon, but they need to.

His injury-shortened 2011-12 season gave us a small sampling of what he looks like as a Hornet, but if Gordon's 2010-11 statistics are any indication of his NBA future, he'll be worth big money.

Gordon can create on the wing, facilitate for his teammates and shoot at a high clip.

If in New Orleans, he'll team with Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers to make the Hornets an exciting basketball club, even if they aren't playoff-bound. If Gordon lands in Phoenix, he'll post similar numbers in a lead-scorer role.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 36.4

Points: 21.7

Rebounds: 3.2

Assists: 5.0

Steals: 0.6

Blocks: 0.2

FG%: 48 percent

3P%: 38 percent

FT%: 85 percent

PER: 23.2

Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers

Pacers fans can breathe easier knowing Indiana matched the Trail Blazers' max contract offer to restricted free agent Roy Hibbert.

The 7'2" behemoth has turned into an efficient pivot man and a terrific rebounder who's set to have a brilliant NBA career. He's already one of the game's best on the offensive boards.

There's no reason to believe he won't continue to progress as a scorer and defender next year.

If the Pacers have any chance of making a deep run in the playoffs, Hibbert should be a big part of the equation.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 31.6

Points: 13.5

Rebounds: 9.6

Assists: 2.7

Steals: 0.2

Blocks: 2.3

FG%: 53 percent

3P%: N/A

FT%: 75 percent

PER: 23.2

Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers

With weapons like Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol at his disposal, Steve Nash won't ever run out of options while running the point.

The Lakers won't rely on him to shoot as much as Phoenix did, but Nash is still an excellent perimeter scorer who will knock down open looks.

It might take No. 10 and No. 24 a couple weeks to figure out how to share the playmaking and facilitating responsibilities, but Nash will probably end up with double-double numbers.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 29.4

Points: 11.9

Rebounds: 3.0

Assists: 10.3

Steals: 0.5

Blocks: 0.1

FG%: 51 percent

3P%: 41 percent

FT%: 90 percent

PER: 20.2

Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets

In a signing that saved the foreseeable future of the Nets, Deron Williams opted to stay with the new-look Brooklyn franchise.

With former Atlanta Hawks forward Joe Johnson in the fold, Williams will take fewer shots per game but convert a higher percentage of his looks. Having another elite shot-creator will alleviate some pressure.

Look for D-Will's scoring to stay the same or drop slightly, but his assists and three-point percentage will rise.

Per-Game Projections for 2012-13

Minutes: 36.0

Points: 20.5

Rebounds: 3.5

Assists: 9.6

Steals: 1.1

Blocks: 0.4

FG%: 42 percent

3P%: 35 percent

FT%: 83

PER: 19.8

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