NBA Free Agents 2012: News and Notes on Under-the-Radar Players

The big-name free agents are dominating the headlines, but several important role players are attracting attention from teams around the league. 

While players like Deron Williams and Steve Nash can create seismic shifts the NBA’s power balance, other players receiving less publicity are capable of doing the dirty work and helping a team win a championship.

Here is the important information on all the guys flying under the radar this offseason. 

Ronnie Brewer

The Chicago Bulls chose not to pick up a $4.37 million option for Ronnie Brewer, making him an unrestricted free agent. 

The 6’7” shooting guard said he would consider returning to the Bulls after exploring the free agent market, as noted by K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

But Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York is reporting that the New York Knicks are interested in acquiring the defensive stopper.

Brewer may not be an offensive force, but his size and hustle allow him to standout on the defensive end of the floor. These skills would be useful off the bench for any team.

Anthony Tolliver

Anthony Tolliver is getting attention from all over the league.

Fox Sports’ Chris Tomasson reported that the Miami Heat were considering the power forward before signing Rashard Lewis, and now several other teams are in the mix. 

"

Until getting Rashard Lewis, Heat were looking at FA F Anthony Tolliver Teams now eyeing Tolliver: Chicago Dallas Cleveland Lakers Minnesota

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 12, 2012"

Tolliver is the ultimate under the radar player. He works tirelessly on defense and sacrifices his body, he rarely makes mistakes and never tries to do too much. 

Team’s vying for a title would be smart to give a selfless player like Tolliver a small contract and a few minutes per game.

Carl Landry

Carl Landry has managed to avoid the rumor mill this summer, but the offensively talented power forward has at least one interested party.

Bay Area News Group’s Marcus Thompson reported via Twitter that Landry may be heading to the Golden State Warriors.

"

The Warriors took another step in their efforts to land power forward Carl Landry. Friday, Landry and the ... sulia.com/c/golden-state…

— Marcus Thompson (@gswscribe) July 14, 2012"

Landry suffered a knee injury last year that caused him to miss time, but when healthy, is a potent scorer both in the paint and in the mid-range. 

The Warriors have made a concerted effort to add frontcourt players, and Landry would certainly give them depth at power forward.

Jermaine O'Neal

Jermaine O’Neal is name that would have made headlines a few years ago, but now is an afterthought. 

But he still has a chance to make an NBA roster, and ESPN Los Angeles’ Dave McMenamin reports that the Los Angeles Lakers could be interested.

He spent last season with the Boston Celtics and averaged 5.0 points and 5.4 rebounds. 

If he makes the traitorous move to the Lakers, the team would have a throwback roster as he, along with Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, would be the third player on the Lakers roster who was a part of the 1996 draft class.

Delonte West

Delonte West has not created much buzz as an unrestricted free agent, but he has skills that could be useful for many teams.

That is why his last team, the Dallas Mavericks, are interested in bringing him back, according to ESPN Dallas’ Tim MacMahon.

West is a solid defender and versatile enough to play either guard spot and even though Dallas just added Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones, he can still play a valuable roll.

Concerns include behavioral issues and a checkered past with injuries. Still, his skill warrants serious consideration and the Mavs will bring him back if the price is right.