NBA Free Agents 2010: The 12 Best Big Man Values on the Market
Alright, so not everyone can grab the top-shelf guys. But the good news about this free agent class is that it offers plenty of guys who can contribute to contenders without breaking the bank.
Here's a look at the post players who will fit that category
David Lee
Make no mistake about it, Lee is about to get paid.
But unless the Knicks decide to throw him something close to the max, Lee may be a guy who outplays his salary slot.
What makes the market difficult for teams shopping for post help are the contracts Darko Milicic and Drew Gooden just pulled. Guys who provide average production at best just pulled pretty substantial annual salaries from the Timberwolves and Bucks respectively.
That could drive Lee's price tag out of the value range.
But, we—along with a number of cash-strapped contenders—are going to hope Lee hangs around this tax bracket.
Already the best American-born white guy in the NBA (a list that is not hard to top), Lee will provide great energy, strong rebounding, and solid offensive skills for somebody.
He is a nice consolation prize for the teams that miss out on Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer. Although, personally, I like him better than Boozer.
Luis Scola
He is a restricted guy but teams who miss their early targets could throw him a substantial offer in an effort to steal him away from Houston.
Ultimately, I think the Argentinian stays right where he is, considering the Rockets can ill-afford to lose Scola right after giving up Carl Landry in the Kevin Martin trade.
But the possibility remains that Scola could be on the move, and the fact is that he could provide some considerable toughness for a team in need of low-post help.
Udonis Haslem
Speaking of low-post help, Haslem could be had fairly cheap.
Right now he looks like a casualty of the financial chess match that is going on in pursuit of top-flight guys.
But Haslem can play.
He averaged a hair under 10 points a night to go along with his eight boards a game last season. Those are nice contributions to be had at the right price.
Al Harrington
He is not glamorous at all. Nobody gets this guy and thinks he is the missing piece to the puzzle.
However, Harrington is coming off a season in which he averaged 17.7 points per game, a full 3.6 points higher than his career average.
Harrington should not command a lot of money given the climate of this market, making him a nice fit for somebody in need of shooting in the frontcourt.
Anthony Tolliver
This guy just might be my favorite post player on the market in terms of value.
Still just 25 years old, the 6'9'', 240-pounder averaged right at 12 points and seven boards in 44 games for the Warriors last season.
Anticipation is that he won't demand a lot of cash, but he'll provide plenty of quality minutes.
Brendan Haywood
He turns 30 in November, so there should be some mileage left on his 7-foot frame.
He is always active around the basket and averaged just under 10 and 10 last year before being traded to Dallas.
His production with the Mavs didn't slack, despite the fact that he played an average of six minutes less per night.
He capped the year at nine and nine per game between his two stops.
But the most impressive tick on his stat line is that BPG column that indicates he blocked two shots a night. He would be a strong addition for a contender.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Assuming Big Z doesn't call it quits, he'll be 35 when the season tips off.
He is a strong candidate for a one-year deal and could probably be had for very little, given that he has already made his money.
Don't be fooled by the numbers; he lost playing time last year to the lethal combination of injuries and the Shaqtus.
Z can still contribute.
Despite playing only 20 minutes a night, the Lithuanian still averaged seven points and four boards a game.
At 7'3'', he'll eat up plenty of space and probably makes the most sense as a guy coming off the bench.
That's right. I said it.
We've waited about 20 years for the Diesel to be a value, and now that he is 38 years old, we might finally realize the dream.
Face it, Kazaam can't get up and down like he used to, but he did average about 12 points and seven boards a night for Cleveland last year.
I doubt Shaq seriously studies a bench role, but that would be the best fit for him at this point in his career.
And if Steel can swallow his ego, he could be a valuable part of a championship run for somebody next season.
Jermaine O'Neal
He'll be 32 in October and his contract has been a bit of an albatross the last few seasons, but O'Neal can still play.
And now that franchises are realizing that he is not a viable first or second option, his value is increased.
O'Neal averaged about 14 and seven for the Heat last year, so he has proven himself to potential suitors.
But the best part is that, for the first time in his career, he should get paid about what he's worth on this next deal.
Theo Ratliff
Scoff if you like, but the fact remains that this guy can still contribute quality minutes on the defensive end of the floor.
He is one of the most accomplished shot blockers in the game, and he understands how to work for rebounds.
Plus he provides legitimate post depth at a very low price.
Brad Miller
He is no longer a starter in the NBA. But even at 34 years old, Miller can make an impact in the NBA. Experience. Size. Leadership. Discount rate. What else do you need?
Ian Mahinmi
He didn't play much in San Antonio's crowded frontcourt but a lot of NBA people think Mahinmi is a future star in this league.
He is 6'11'', 230 pounds and still just 23 years old.
His lack of production to this point means teams will be able to snag him at a low rate, making him a low-risk, high reward pick-up.
