NBA Free Agency 2012: Restricted Free Agents Teams Wisely Retained
While Deron Williams and Steve Nash stole much of the spotlight in free agency this year, some of the top talent on the market came from the ranks of the restricted free agents.
While Landry Fields and Jeremy Lin have moved on, most of the teams set to lose restricted free agents have wisely retained their talents.
Let's take a look at the three best players on the RFA market that were smartly brought back by NBA teams.
Eric Gordon, New Orleans Hornets
The future is bright in New Orleans, with Eric Gordon, Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers the faces of the future for this organization.
When Gordon stays healthy, he is one of the exciting young talents in the NBA. His career averages of 18.2 points and 3.3 assists per game in four NBA seasons should only improve, and the inside-outside threat he and Davis represent could become one of the game's best pairings.
Yes, giving him four years and $58 million was expensive.
But for an organization that hasn't had much to be excited about in recent years, it was absolutely necessary to keep Gordon in town.
Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
Good big men don't exactly grow on trees in the NBA, which explains why the Pacers were willing to shell out a contract worth $58 million over four years to retain Hibbert.
Hibbert has steadily improved throughout his four-year career, averaging career highs in points (12.8), rebounds (8.8) and blocks (2.0) last season. His defensive presence in the post is vital for the promising Pacers, who have a very nice foundation in place.
Hibbert is the base of that foundation, and the Pacers were wise to pay him as such.
Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers
Sorry, Minnesota, but your pursuit of Mr. Batum will ultimately be fruitless—he's returning to Portland:
"Drama finally ends. #Blazers officially have matched Minnesota's offer sheet for Nicolas Batum. He will remain a Blazer.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) July 18, 2012"
The Blazers matched Minnesota's four-year, $46 million offer sheet, wisely keeping the solid swingman in Portland. The 23-year-old has steadily improved in his four-year career, and along with LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard will help make up a nice young core in Portland.
Smart move by the Blazers.
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