NBA Free Agents 2014: Analyzing Latest Rumors, Predictions on Available Talent
Ray Allen is still the most prominent and potentially important NBA free agent available. It seems several teams are interested in signing the future Hall of Famer, but Jesus Shuttlesworth might be waiting until midseason to pick his team, per A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN Northeast.
Blakely quoted Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge from an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub. Ainge said:
“Ray can really help [Cleveland], but I anticipate that Ray will wait and see the landscape of the NBA. I just think he might wait and see how everybody’s clicking. There’s a handful of teams that would love to have Ray on their team right now that are trying to win a championship.”
With two championship rings to his credit, nearly 3,000 made three-pointers and 24,505 points, the 39-year-old future Hall of Famer has earned the right to take his time.
As it turns out, Allen could have his pick of just about any team considering he'd be signing for a veteran's minimum contract. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs could use him.
There was obviously talk about Allen possibly retiring, but that doesn't seem likely. If he were going to go that route, he could have made that announcement months ago.
There seems to still be a desire there. I'm expecting Allen to pick a squad somewhere near the All-Star break.
Tyrus Thomas Inching Closer to NBA Return
Believe it or not, Thomas is only 28 years old. It seems like eons ago the Bulls foolishly traded the Blazers the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge for Thomas. It sounds preposterous right now, but on the strength of a strong NCAA tournament run with the LSU Tigers back in 2006, Thomas had the looks of a Shawn Marion-type player.
After an uneventful stint with the then Charlotte Bobcats, Thomas has found himself out of the NBA.
He didn't get any offers to play for a team last season and has yet to latch on with a club this year. Prospects are seemingly improving, though.
Quoting sources, Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy reports that Thomas has worked out for the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers. No deal has been struck as of yet, but Thomas is clearly trying to resurrect his career.
At 6'8", Thomas is an athletic, long-armed forward who never seemed to be given or accept a defined role. Had he accepted an identity similar to what Philadelphia 76ers rookie K.J. McDaniels is adopting—especially with the Bulls—Thomas could have been a force.
Perhaps now that he's older and more mature, Thomas can find his niche in the NBA.
If he's persistent, Thomas will get another shot. The league isn't exactly filled with athletic forwards who have averaged 10.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots per game in their careers.
Lakers Unlikely to Sign a Free Agent
Despite working out Thomas and others, David Pick of Basketball Insiders (h/t Alex Kennedy) says it doesn't appear as though the Los Angeles Lakers will sign a free agent any time soon.
The primary reason is that L.A. would have to release someone on the current roster to make room.
The Lakers are playing better, having won their last two games. The thought process might be to wait and see how the current group grows and comes together before a signing takes place.
Perhaps the biggest key for the Lakers to maximize their talent is for Kobe Bryant to simply pass the ball more. In the Lakers' five wins this season, Bryant's averaged 20 field-goal attempts per game.
In the losses—13 of them—he's taken 24.8 shots. I'm just saying. It seems as though the Lakers will probably wait until they are bit by the injury bug to make a move.
