NBA Free Agents 2013: Underrated Targets That Will Make a Huge Impact
The 2013 NBA playoffs may be ongoing, but it certainly isn’t too early to start exploring some of the possible offseason moves that will shake the league to its core.
With just four teams left to contend for the NBA Finals, fans of the other 26 franchises around the league are hoping that their organization can make some big changes.
Some of these adjustments will involve free agency, as there are players available whose signing may even be the difference between their team bowing out early from the postseason or hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy next June.
Let’s take a look at some of the more under-the-radar free agents that will not get a lot of attention this offseason, but will definitely have a positive impact on the club that they ink a deal with.
Tony Allen, SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Defense wins championships, which is why Tony Allen may be one of the most coveted free agents on the open market this summer.
The perimeter-stopper was acknowledged for his efforts on that end of the floor this year, earning a significant amount of votes for the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Award (which teammate Marc Gasol won) and being named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team.
He’s been doing this all at an absolute bargain price, too, as he's only on Memphis’ books for $3.3 million in 2012-13, the last year of his contract.
Allen may not be much of an offensive presence, but he’s reliable enough that Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins has been able to leave him on the floor during crunch time. He averaged a respectable 8.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season, but Allen’s opponents’ stats stand out most when evaluating the swingman.
He was one of the anchors on a club that allowed just 97.4 points per 100 possessions in the regular season, the second-best rate in the league.
Memphis relies on Allen to consistently hound the opposition’s top perimeter option on a nightly basis, which is something he embraces and excels at.
With superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and more to get through on the way to the finals, any team hoping to have a shot at winning will want to bring Allen aboard.
David West, PF, Indiana Pacers
West is currently aiding the Pacers in their attempt to oust the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Whether its his toughness in the low-post, deadly accurate jumper from mid-range or veteran presence in the locker room, the 32-year-old always finds a way to make a positive impact.
This is only his second season with the Pacers, but he’s already become an indispensable part of the rotation. With 2012-13 regular season averages of 17.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks, it’s clear that the 10-year veteran still has plenty left in the tank.
Some organizations have already made their desire to land West in free agency apparent. According to ESPN's March Stein, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly wishing to reunite the big man with point guard Chris Paul, as both were former teammates during their time in New Orleans.
It would be downright foolish for the Pacers to let West walk away, but the former Xavier product will likely field some big offers and gain some leverage in the offseason.
Paul Millsap, PF, Utah Jazz
Millsap has seven productive seasons under his belt since being selected in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft. He’s proven, time and time again, that he’s one of the league’s best rebounders, and he uses his strength as an advantage with aggressive play.
While he only stands at 6’8”—which is quite small for a power forward in the modern NBA—the former Louisiana Tech star can bang on the boards with the best of them. He uses his girth and 253-pound frame to box out opponents, and he uses his 7’1” wingspan to reach out and snag jump balls out of the air.
Millsap’s numbers took a dip during the 2012-13 campaign, but much of that can be attributed to the organization’s indecisiveness regarding whether or not to trade him away or keep him around for a possible playoff run.
The Jazz wound up holding on to the 28-year-old, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they let him go this summer in order to allow the young bigs on the roster to develop.
Expect a number of astute general managers from the league’s more prestigious teams to float offers to Millsap’s agent, as he’s the kind of big that will have a huge impact coming off the bench for a championship contender.
Carl Landry, another undersized PF, made a major difference for the Golden State Warriors this year, and Millsap should be able to have that kind of impact for his next squad.
