Best Potential 2015 NBA Free-Agency Landing Spots for Kevin Seraphin

In five seasons with the Washington Wizards, center Kevin Seraphin has only started a total of 31 games. But that hasn't stopped him from taking an ambitious approach to free agency.

"I definitely want a chance to be a starter," Seraphin told CSN Washington's J. Michael in May. "I definitely want to be somewhere I have a chance to be a starter."

Odds of locating a starting job aren't especially high for Seraphin at the moment, but he's established himself as a reliable reserve. The former first-round pick averaged 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in just 15.6 minutes per contest. 

Several teams are reportedly interested in his services. Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears reported via Twitter on July 11 that, "Seraphin [was] getting interest from Washington, Lakers & Dallas, a source told Yahoo Sports."

Each of those teams could use Seraphin, and each finds itself on this list. We've ranked five spots for him according to which represents the greatest opportunity and fit. That starting role may prove elusive, but all is not lost. There are still teams that make sense for the 25-year-old.

5. Portland Trail Blazers

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The departures of starting big men LaMarcus Aldridge and Robin Lopez have spurred a rebuilding process along the Portland Trail Blazers' front line. Acquisitions of Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis and Noah Vonleh will help solve the power forward problem, and holdovers Meyers Leonard and Chris Kaman will likely adopt something of a platoon approach at the 5 spot.

There's certainly room for Seraphin in that equation. Portland is trying to get younger, and Seraphin fits that trajectory as well. The organization also has plenty of money to spend after its offer to center Enes Kanter was matched by the Oklahoma City Thunder. If money is an important factor for Seraphin, there's a good chance Portland can (and would) offer more than other suitors.

It's unlikely Seraphin would start at center ahead of both Kaman and Leonard, but he could conceivably compete for the job. Nor would he start in front of Plumlee at power forward. Plumlee also might get minutes at the center spot after spending significant time there a season ago. 

One way or another, he'd certainly be due a bit of a promotion after languishing on the bench over the past two years in Washington.

The Trail Blazers have suddenly been demoted from would-be contender to an up-and-coming project led by point guard Damian Lillard. The franchise has to be patient and explore various options in the frontcourt. That could be an ideal situation for Seraphin to prove himself and earn a more prominent role.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

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DeAndre Jordan isn't going anywhere, but Spencer Hawes was packaged in a trade to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Lance Stephenson. That leaves room for a backup center, particularly after a season in which the undersized Glen Davis often replaced Jordan as the second unit entered.

Seraphin would offer a little extra size and rim protection. He blocked as many as 1.3 shots per game during his sophomore campaign, showing his defensive potential back when he played over 20 minutes per game. He might not see a lot of time in Los Angeles, but he could help fill a very real need.

He'd also get to join a winner. Whereas a team like Portland (or even the Philadelphia 76ers) could offer more money, the Clippers would be one of the few opportunities to carve out a role while also pursuing a championship. One can only speculate about what's motivating Seraphin at this juncture—other than a desire to start. 

But if he wants to play for a legitimate contender, the Clippers may be his best bet.

3. Washington Wizards

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As Marcin Gortat and Nene Hilario get a bit older, Seraphin might inherit more playing time in Washington. He seems to have faded from regular rotation minutes, but it's certainly possible to reverse that trend by continued development. Some of the onus has to fall on Seraphin here. 

Are the Wizards still a realistic option? Here's how the Washington Post's Jorge Castillo assessed the odds:

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There’s a slim chance Seraphin, 25, could return to Washington. The team lacks young big men and could use another one after acquiring wing depth in Jared Dudley, Gary Neal and Alan Anderson. But the Wizards have conducted business this summer under the assumption that Seraphin would move on.

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He may well do just that, especially if the promise and allure of increased playing time emerges elsewhere. But there's something to be said for continuity, and Seraphin may find that Washington is really his best chance to continue improving. Otto Porter Jr. proved youngsters can crack this rotation after disappearing from it entirely, and Seraphin could force head coach Randy Wittman to use him with the right kind of play.

The Wizards haven't been the perfect opportunity for Seraphin. They are, however, a known commodity. That should be worth something in Seraphin's estimation. 

2. Los Angeles Lakers

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The big stories in Los Angeles are Kobe Bryant's return from injury and the organization's decision to select point guard D'Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick in last month's draft. But the Lakers also quietly acquired center Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers via trade, quickly finding a replacement for free agent Jordan Hill, who subsequently signed with the Pacers.

Behind Hibbert, the situation is less certain. Tarik Black will compete for minutes, but Seraphin would probably win the backup job if he joined the club. That would be especially ideal in light of Hibbert's typical haul of under 30 minutes per contest. There might be plenty of minutes to mop up.

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has already done most of the team's spending this summer, inking Louis Williams and Brandon Bass in addition to the Hibbert acquisition. There's not much left to spend on Seraphin, but there's certainly a role for him in L.A. 

The one caveat is that anything can happen with the Lakers. This team is still rebuilding, and a lot could change over the next year or two. Seraphin's role could disappear in the blink of an eye after another trade or free-agent acquisition. If he signs with the Lakers, a one-year deal is probably in order.

1. Dallas Mavericks

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No DeAndre Jordan? No problem. Well, it was sort of a problem, but the Dallas Mavericks have moved on anyway.

Owner Mark Cuban and general manager Donnie Nelson are now exploring their Plan Bs and Cs, and they've been linked to a number of names—including Seraphin's.

As NBA.com's David Aldridge noted via Twitter, "Mavs' contingency in case Jordan goes back to Clips: focusing on Wizards' free agent center Kevin Seraphin, per source."

Some reports have also mentioned JaVale McGee and former Mavericks Samuel Dalembert, so there's no telling how much priority the organization is placing on Seraphin. He could very well get lost in the mix if the franchise pursues more of a rim protector.

Dallas also acquired Zaza Pachulia via trade, so he'll be part of the solution. But the good news is there's not yet a definitive starter at the Mavericks' 5 spot, so someone like Seraphin could theoretically step in and vie for the job. Dalembert and McGee both have more experience in that regard, and that could prove decisive.

But if the Mavericks remain interested in Seraphin, anything can happen once training camp starts.