NBA 2009 Free Agency: Not Too Shabby

While 2009 free agency class is not filled with super stars , lets not over look some of the role players that could make a difference between a playoff team and a championship team.  Lets take a look at some of the 2009 free agents that will be approached aggressively by teams this summer.

Paul Millsap.  Last year he proved that he was able to get the job done when Boozer was injured.  Millsap became a starter and averaged 16pt 10reb a game.  Although Boozer and Okur opted in to their final year in contract, look for the Jazz to try to resign him.  But don't expect him to come cheap.  Teams that are looking for quality PF's are willing to sign Millsap to a high offer sheet.

Lamar Odom.  Odom is another guy that proved he could play when the team's starter, Andrew Bynum, got hurt.  The Lakers move Gasol to the center and put Odom at the starting PF.  Odom responded with 14pt 11reb/ game.  On top of that he's a versatile PF that could handle the ball and knock down the three's.  The Lakers will try to keep him while not going over the cap.  But teams like Portland or Detroit will surely make decent offers for Odom, and the Lakers will be busy freeing up cap room over the summer to resign him.

Ben Gordon.  Some call him streaky, I call him explosive.  A scorer by the bunches.  He could score 10 points in the first three quarters and then put up 20 in the fourth.  There will be teams that will want this scorer to push them to the next level.  Rumor has it that Detroit wants BG7.  The question remains that will the Bulls make an effort this time to resign him.

Hedo Turkoglu.  Now that Vince Carter is coming to Disney World, we are sure that Hedo will be heading out.  This 6-10 versatile forward could handle the ball and is a great shooter and passer for his size.  Rumor has it Portland is willing to do a sign and trade with Orlando, but Detroit could be another team that is interested in Turkoglu's service.

Shawn Marion.  The Matrix saw a big drop in numbers last year playing with Miami and Toronto.  But lets not forget he's a versatile small forward that could get you a double-double and great at running the floor.  Teams will try to sign him to a mid-level due to his sub par numbers from last season.

Ron Artest.  Not your No. one offensive choice, but certainly your No. one defensive guy.  Artest certainly proved himself as a worthy defender in the playoffs.  Though he didn't lock down Kobe, he did give him a hard enough time to push the series to seven games with the Yao-less Rockets since game four or the seconnd round.  The big question is that will he continue to behave.

Allen Iverson.  Did you forget about the Answer?  Yes, things didn't work out in Detroit.  But many still thinks the Answer could put up points and sell tickets.  Rumor has it AI doesn't mind playing for Larry Brown again.  The Bobcats could surely use a player that could sell tickets.  However, don't expect the Answer to turn your team into a championship caliber team.

Jason Kidd.  Yes, he's 36.  But that doesn't mean he couldn't play.  We know that he could get you rebounds and assists easily.  He knows how to run a team.  And he gives you all the intangibles that doesn't show up on stat sheets.  Many teams will be interested to add this point guard to the roster.  Rumor has it that the Knicks and the Trailblazers are interested in having Kidd.  But don't expect the Mavs to let him go easy.

Andre Miller.  No jump shot.  Not athletic.  And getting old.  But yet he was able to help the 76ers into the playoffs with his leadership in the regular season.  Averaged a decent 15pts 6ast 4reb last season.  Teams with a need for a consistent pg will take a good look at him.

Mike Bibby.  With the addition of Jamal Crawford, it seems like the Hawks won't be resigning Bibby.  He's another steady point guard WITH a jumper.  He'll be able to help teams right away with his leader ship and scoring ability.

Other players that's worth mentioning:  Charlie Villanueva, Antonio McDyess, Grant Hill, Anthony Parker, Drew Gooden