NBA Free Agency: Baron Davis and 25 Players Who Didn't Deliver on Big Contracts

Baron Davis should just shrink down inside that car so nobody can see through the tinted windows.

He came home to Los Angeles and was widely thought to be a turning point for the downtrodden Clippers franchise, but instead turned out to be everyone's favorite punch line.

But his contract isn't even the worst.

It may surprise you to see who is number one on this list. 

25. Ben Gordon

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

AUBURN HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 11: Ben Gordon #7 of the Detroit Pistons looks to pass around Mike Miller #13 of the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills on February 11, 2011 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Miami won the game 106-92. NOTE TO USER: User expres

Contract: 5 years, $55 million

Gordon was supposed to come to Detroit and stretch the floor for the Pistons.

Instead, he's spent the majority of his time stretching his hamstrings on the bench. He hasn't resembled the player that he was in Chicago at all. 

24. Larry Hughes

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 24: Guard Larry Hughes #0 of the Charlotte Bobcats shoots a three point shot in the game against the Orlando Magic during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on

Contract: 5 years, $70 million

One of the bigger wastes, Hughes never met a shot that he didn't like and wound up hurting the Cavs after coming in.

He was supposed to be LeBron's wing man, but just because a team overpays a guy doesn't make him a legitimate number two scoring option. 

23. Andrei Kirilenko

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 23: Forward Anrei Kirilenko #47 of the Utah Jazz is fouled by Jason Kidd #2 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on February 23, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

Contract: 6 years, $86 million

When AK-47 signed his extension, it looked like it may even be a bargain for the Jazz.

Now? It's a massive migraine. Kirilenko has regressed in every season since landing the big bucks, and he'll never reach his full potential. 

22. Jerome James

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON - NOVEMBER 24: Eddy Curry #13 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Banknorth Garden on November 24, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 101-77. NOTE TO USER:

Contract: 5 years, $30 million

If Isaiah Thomas' tenure in New York wasn't legendarily awful, James would be a lot higher on this list.

But really, $6 million per season for a reserve center with less skill than Joel Anthony? Please. 

21. Peja Stojakovic

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 23: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers goes for a la up agianst Peja Stojakovic #16 of the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at the Rose Garden

Contract: 5 years, $64 million

Stojakovic was on the verge of being one of the greatest European players of all time, but then he signed in New Orleans.

He played just 13 games in his inaugural season with the club and soured his relationship with the front office rather quickly as a result. 

20. Andris Biedrins

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Willie Green #33 of the New Orleans Hornets shoots over Andris Biedrins #15 of the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on February 15, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Contract: 6 years, $63 million

Despite the fact that Biedrins is still just 25 years old, there isn't a talent evaluator in the league looking to roll the dice on this guy.

A horrific free throw shooter with absolutely no offensive skills, it's no wonder he's not exactly a coveted asset. 

19. Michael Redd

Nick Laham/Getty Images

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Michael Redd #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Nate Robinson #4 of the New York Knicks on December 19, 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Contract: 6 years, $91 million

Maybe Michael Redd should have taken less money to go play alongside LeBron in Cleveland.

The former 20-point per night scorer has played a combined 61 games over the last three seasons, which put him firmly in the running for the highest paid player in the league on a per-minute basis. 

18. DeSagana Diop

Nick Laham/Getty Images

NEW YORK - MARCH 07: DeSagana Diop #7 of the Charlotte Bobcats dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks on March 7, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using

Contract: 6 years, $32.4 million

I know that talented big men are at a premium in the NBA, but why do general managers seem to have an affinity for overpaying the marginal talent as well?

Diop is a solid backup, capable of playing 15-20 minutes per game (when he's not hurt), but to invest over $5 million per season over such a long amount of time makes absolutely no sense. 

17. Nazr Mohammed

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Nazr Mohammed #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Contract: 5 years, $31 million

Similar to Diop, Mohammed is a great veteran backup to have at the end of the bench.

But when your expiring contract is the most attractive element to your game for an NBA team, it might be time to admit that you're making more than you probably should be. 

16. Brandon Roy

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 23: Fans watch as Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. NOTE

Contract: 5 years, $82 million

After signing a lucrative extension that cemented his status as the face of the Portland franchise, Brandon Roy's NBA future is still very much an uncertainty.

Despite finding limited success this season with his balky knees, Roy's doctors have already called his injury woes "chronic", and it's not looking promising that he'll enjoy a miraculous comeback. 

15. Samuel Dalembert

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 13: Omri Casspi #18 and Samuel Dalembert #10 of the Sacramento Kings look on against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 13, 2011 at Power Balence Pavilion in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Contract: 6 years, $64 million

Dalembert has played well when given the opportunity, but after signing his fat contract with Philadelphia, he became an unwanted commodity and was shipped off of the team.

Defensively he's still a presence inside, but if you're making more than $10 million per season, you should be a prolific contributor on offense, too. 

14. Tracy McGrady

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 23: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Detroit Pistons gets a shot off over Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills on March 23, 2011 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Miami won the game 100-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Contract: 6 years, $110.1 million

The saga of T-Mac.

Once in the middle of the conversation to be the best wing player in the NBA, McGrady's fall from grace might be one of the saddest stories to ever grace the hardwood.

The injuries sapped his explosiveness, and he'll always be remembered as one of the most overpaid players of his generation. 

13. Adonal Foyle

Doug Benc/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 31: Desmond Mason #24 and Andrew Bogut #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks battle for position with Adonal Foyle #31 of the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on October 31, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Contract: 6 years, $42 million

Now this one is a head-scratcher.

A defensive specialist who should never see more than 10 minutes of court time per game, Foyle's asinine extension speaks to the whacked-out salary structure of the sport.

Just think, Foyle signed his deal in 2004, and we haven't seen any improvement on contracts in the NBA.

12. Kenyon Martin

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: Kenyon Martin #4 of the Denver Nuggets sits frustrated on the sidelines during a 97-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on April 23, 20

Contract: 7 years, $91 million

Martin should be in prison for grand theft considering all of the money he's stolen during his NBA career.

He has NEVER played a full slate of games (career-high 77 in 2002-03) and managed to appear in a lousy two games in 2006-07.

Oh, and did I mention he's never even averaged a double-double? Yeah, that's a sound investment. 

11. Baron Davis

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - MARCH 29: Baron Davis #85 of the Cleveland Cavaliers keeps the ball inbounds during the game against the Miami Heat on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

Contract: 5 years, $65 million

Well, it looked like a good deal on paper when the Clippers signed Davis, but the game isn't played on paper.

An out-of-shape, overpaid Baron took his first year in Los Angeles for granted, and he never was able to win the fans back after that. 

10. Eddy Curry

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

NEW YORK - MARCH 16: Eddy Curry (L) and Stephon Marbury of the New York Knicks react at the end of the match against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden March 16, 2008 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Contract: 6 years, $60 million

Curry has no business making more money in one season than most people do in the tenure of their professional careers.

He should be considered one of the biggest busts in NBA history considering he was the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft, and it's likely that he'll never be able to escape that stigma. 

9. Gilbert Arenas

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usin

Contract: 6 years, $111 million

Hey, I have a great idea.

Let's reward an over-the-hill superstar coming off of chronic knee problems with a maximum contract extension and make him the face of our already sinking franchise.

And now, the Wizards have Rashard Lewis as a result.

What a good deal.  

8. Austin Croshere

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - NOVEMBER 18: Austin Croshere #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a free throw against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 18, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Bucks 114-105. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Contract: 7 years, $51 million

When the Pacers went insane and gave Croshere this money, the team was seeking to lock up their young core of talent that helped propel them to the 2000 NBA Finals.

Clearly, they went overboard.

He did the dirty-work down low, but how that justifies to more than $7 million per season is beyond my level of comprehension. 

7. Steve Francis

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Steve Francis #1 of the New York Knicks looks to pass as he is defended by Chris Duhon #21 and Adres Nocioni #5 of the Chicago Bulls November 28, 2006 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

Contract: 6 years, $80 million

"The Franchise" gave Houston fans something to be excited about for the future of the team.

Well, that didn't exactly work out.

After being shipped to Orlando from the Rockets, Francis enjoyed one good season before flaming out. 

And his time with the Knicks? Tenuous. And that's putting it lightly. 

6. Raef LaFrentz

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 25: Raef LaFrentz #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on October 25, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 97-89. NOTE TO USER: User expr

Contract: 7 years, $70 million

How on earth did LaFrentz ever land such a bloated contract?

What did he do to deserve it? He parlayed his reputation as a defensive stopper in Denver into a huge deal with Dallas, and they gave up on him after just two seasons.

He's the poster boy for the expiring contract club, and that's not exactly a desirable title. 

5. Elton Brand

Rob Carr/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 21: Elton Brand #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with teammates Jrue Holiday #11 (L) and Lou Williams #23 (R) during the closing moments of their game against the Miami Heat during game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterf

Contract: 5 years, $82 million

Brand spurned the Clippers for a chance to be a part of something bigger with the Sixers.

I wonder if he regrets his choice, but I know that Philadelphia wishes they hadn't given him the big money that they had.

He hasn't come close to resembling the player that he was with the Clippers, and both parties are probably wishing that this marriage never occurred. 

4. Rashard Lewis

Rob Carr/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls guards Rashard Lewis #9 of the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center in Washington on February 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

Contract: 6 years, $110 million

Lewis was part of a sign-and-trade from the Seattle SuperSonics to the Orlando Magic in a deal that was supposed to make the Magic elite title contenders for the better part of the decade.

Now in 2011, Dwight Howard and Co. still don't have a ring. And Rashard Lewis isn't even on the team.

He and Arenas are the two most overpaid players currently still playing, so it's only natural that they were swapped for one another. 

3. Stephon Marbury

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Stephon Marbury of the Boston Celtics attends Game Two of the 2009 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic at Staples Center on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackno

Contract: 4 years, $76 million

The extension looked like a good one for the Suns, but after he was dealt to the Knicks, the wheels completely came off of Marbury's train.

He enjoyed two decent seasons, but the team was never any good, and the brunt of the criticism fell on Marbury because he was the highest paid player.

Starbury became the iconic image for the Isaiah Thomas tenure in New York, and that's not a desirable title no matter how you look at it.  

2. Brian Grant

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

MIAMI - MAY 18: Brian Grant #44 of the Miami Heat collects the ball after stealing a pass from Jamaal Tinsley of the Indiana Pacers during first half action in game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2004 NBA Playoffs May 18, 2004 at the A

Contract: 7 years, $86 million

Brian Grant was a great role player who brought energy, defense and extreme effort to every team he ever played for.

But since when do role players deserve mega-bucks like this? Before signing his contract, he averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Oh, now I see why he got paid. 

1. Jermaine O'Neal

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 10: Jermaine O'Neal #7 dunks the ball during the NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at Conseco Fieldhouse November 10, 2007 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Nuggets won 113-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Contract: 7 years, $126 million

Holy cow.

Another player who never saw the court for a full 82, I can think of 126 million reasons why the Pacers regret re-signing the once-promising superstar.

O'Neal spent the final three seasons of his deal on the Raptors and Heat, and never has he ever looked like the player he was upon signing that insane contract.