
NBA Free Agents 2011: Least Desirable Signing Each Team Should Avoid
It's inevitable that teams sometimes make bad decisions. It's the human element of error, and no one is exempted.
That said, aside from the draft, franchises will look into the free-agent market to fill their needs.
Obviously, only a few players will fit the mold for each team.
However, there also are those that simply do not match.
Whether they just don't fit the system, or aren't simply good enough to fill the role, these players should be avoided for that specific team.
Just because one player fits well with Team A does not mean that he will fit well with Team B, etc...
Now, that isn't always the case either, but nonetheless, here are those that are the least desirable for each team.
NOTE: To view an article of free agents that do fit the mold of each team click here. Also, no FA was selected more than once in order to capitalize on all of those available.
Atlanta Hawks: Shaquille O'Neal, C Boston
1 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 20.3
POINTS: 9.2
REBOUNDS: 4.8
FG%: 66.7
FT%: 55.7
The Hawks have solid forwards in Josh Smith and Al Horford.
Their centers are also good, but not complete players like Smith or Horford.
So a center is needed.
That said, Shaq is way too old, and although he'd be a decent role player for them, they're better off looking elsewhere in free agency or the draft since Atlanta already has four centers.
Boston Celtics: Yao Ming, C Houston
2 of 30
2008-09 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 33.6
POINTS: 19.7
REBOUNDS: 9.8
FG%: 54.8
FT%: 86.6
The Celtics are in need of a center.
However, they need a fresh man at center as opposed to the injury-prone Yao Ming.
Either in the draft or elsewhere in free agency will suffice, because those injuries have made Ming older than he really is.
Charlotte Bobcats: Josh Howard, SF Washington
3 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 22.7
POINTS: 8.4
REBOUNDS: 4.1
FG%: 35.8
FT%: 61.7
Because of injuries the past few seasons, don't be surprised if a lot of teams needing an offensive-oriented SF pass on Josh Howard.
He can be very effective when healthy, but it is a risk nonetheless.
That said, the Bobcats need an SF who can propel their 29th-ranked scoring offense (93.3 ppg).
Not to say that Howard couldn't be that guy, but taking the safer route with a healthier player is the better decision.
Chicago Bulls: J.R. Smith, SG Denver
4 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 24.9
POINTS: 12.3
ASSISTS: 2.2
FG%: 43.5
FT%: 73.8
J.R. Smith's offensive game is very good.
However, if Chicago were to sign him, then it would just replicate what they now have with Kyle Korver.
Coach Tom Thibodeau needs a complete SG, because the Bulls first priority is defense, which coincidentally is not J.R.'s forte.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Tim Duncan, PF/C San Antonio
5 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 28.4
POINTS: 13.4
REBOUNDS: 8.9
FG%; 50.0
FT%: 71.6
As much as Cavs' fans would love to see the Big Fundamental in Cleveland, Tim Duncan is just not a good fit.
Cleveland is in a rebuilding process, so signing Duncan, who will be 36 next season, doesn't work.
In addition, it's virtually impossible to picture Timmy not ending his career with San Antonio.
Dallas Mavericks: Samuel Dalembert, C Sacramento
6 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 24.2
POINTS: 8.1
REBOUNDS: 8.2
FG%: 47.3
FT%: 73.0
The Mavericks could use another solid center, even if it's just for depth purposes.
The problem is, Samuel Dalembert is used to being a starter in Sacramento, where he's a big fish in a small pond.
In Dallas, he would be far from the spotlight with the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler and Jason Kidd.
Denver Nuggets: Grant Hill, SF Phoenix
7 of 30
SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 30.1
POINTS: 13.2
REBOUNDS: 4.2
FG%: 48.4
FT%: 82.9
It may seem like a good fit at first, since Grant Hill is a solid defender on and off the ball.
Combine that with George Karl's fandom of defense, and it's a win-win.
Problem is, the Nuggets already have a solid core group who have top-seed potential next season.
Chances are that Grant would not start, and it's reasonable to believe that that would be troublesome for him.
Detroit Pistons: Mike Bibby, PG Miami
8 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 28.6
POINTS: 8.6
ASSISTS: 3.3
FG%: 43.1
FT%: 62.9
Detroit is in the need of a standout PG who's had a significant amount of experience in the Association.
Mike Bibby does meet that criteria, but with all the problems going on in the Motor City, a complete overhaul appears more evident.
That said, although Bibby would definitely start and contribute, he's better off elsewhere if he wants a shot at an NBA championship.
Golden State Warriors: Jason Richardson, SG Orlando
9 of 30
SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 33.9
POINTS: 15.6
ASSISTS: 1,8
FG%: 44.7
FT%: 73.0
If Jason Richardson were to sign with Golden State, he'd battle Monta Ellis for the starting SG position.
Ellis has a lot of potential, and Richardson, although talented, needs to go where offense is a top priority.
Also, it would interfere with the chemistry between Ellis and PG Stephen Curry.
Houston Rockets: Shane Battier, SF Memphis
10 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.0
POINTS: 7.6
REBOUNDS: 4.5
FG%: 45.0
FT%: 68.8
As much as the fan base would love to see Shane Battier back in a Rockets uniform, the organization is clearly headed in a new direction.
There's going to be a new head coach, Battier is better off with Memphis, and center Yao Ming needs to begin anew elsewhere.
Indiana Pacers: Troy Murphy, PF Boston
11 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 13.3
POINTS: 3.1
REBOUNDS: 3.2
FG%: 36.8
FT%: 66.7
This one would put Pacers' fans in somewhat of a conundrum.
Troy Murphy was a part of them for four seasons from 2006-07 through 2009-10, but they now have the young Tyler Hansbrough at PF.
Even if Murphy were to switch to SF, there's Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kurt Thomas, C Chicago
12 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 22.7
POINTS: 4.1
REBOUNDS: 5.8
FG%: 51.1
FT%: 62.5
Kurt Thomas put in a lot of work this past regular season due to Joakim Noah being out for two months.
Now although Thomas did produce, he's going to be 39 this fall, so retirement is sooner than later.
However, the Clippers could use a more experienced center to pair with Blake Griffin, but they first should give their young centers some more opportunities to try and improve.
Los Angeles Lakers: Jamal Crawford, G Atlanta
13 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 30.2
POINTS: 14.2
ASSISTS: 3.2
FG%: 42.1
FT%: 85.4
Jamal Crawford would be a tough fit for the Lakers because he's not used to sharing the rock.
As we all know, Kobe runs the Lakers, and bringing in another guy whose main priority is scoring seems kind of redundant.
Which is also why they neglected to pursue Carmelo Anthony when he was with the Denver Nuggets.
Memphis Grizzlies: Ronny Turiaf, C New York
14 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 17.8
POINTS: 4.2
REBOUNDS: 3.2
FG%: 63.2
FT%: 62.2
A big question in Memphis is whether Marc Gasol is the long-term answer as the primary big man.
They could use some depth there, but adding a player like Ronny Turiaf doesn't add that defensive attitude they're looking for.
For starters, New York doesn't really play defense, and it actually matters to Memphis, so no reason to force the issue.
Miami Heat: Tony Battie, C Philadelphia
15 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 9.9
POINTS: 2.6
REBOUNDS: 2.6
FG%: 46.9
FT%: 57.1
If the Heat want to be NBA finalists and champions for consecutive seasons, adding a dominant big man at center is a must.
That said, they need someone who can keep up with Dwayne Wade and LeBron James as much as possible.
Tony Battie is not that guy.
It's rough in the paint, and only giving roughly 10 minutes per game won't cut it.
Not to mention, he will be 36 next season.
Milwaukee Bucks: David West, PF New Orleans
16 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 35.0
POINTS: 18.9
REBOUNDS: 7.6
FG%: 50.8
FT%: 80.7
As appealing as a free agent David West is to Milwaukee, they need to look at an offensive juggernaut.
West can give you the points, but with forwards like Carlos Delfino, Corey Maggette, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Drew Gooden, the Bucks are basically set.
Now, it does depend on whether they are willing to split with some of those forwards, but don't expect them to look in West's direction.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Rasual Butler, SG Chicago
17 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 16.4
POINTS: 4.7
REBOUNDS: 1.6
FG%: 33.3
FT%: 66.7
Rasual Butler is definitely better on the defensive side, and the Timberwolves are in need of a SG.
And, they allowed 107.7 points per game ranking them 30th in the NBA.
However, since Minnesota has two top-20 first-round picks (one being the No. 2 overall), they should take their chances with the draft.
That way, they can mold a player along with Kevin Love from the get-go.
New Jersey Nets: Jared Jeffries, PF New York
18 of 30
SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 14.3
POINTS: 1.8
REBOUNDS: 2.8
FG%: 34.9
FT%: 41.4
The Nets need a solid PF, period.
Thing here is that there are a lot PFs available in the market than Jared Jeffries.
He could be a decent contributor, but those players are already in place with New Jersey.
They need someone who's on a whole other level of game, and Jeffries just isn't that guy.
New Orleans Hornets: Daequan Cook, SG Oklahoma City
19 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 13.9
POINTS: 5.6
ASSISTS: 0.5
FG%: 43.6
FT%: 80.0
Last season, the Hornets finished 27th in offense averaging 97.9 points per game.
PG Chris Paul is in definite need of a SG, but unfortunately for Daequan Cook, he is not the answer.
New Orleans loves defense, so that is a prerequisite.
Therefore, anticipate NOLA signing someone else, or scouting the draft to fill the role.
New York Knicks: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C Miami
20 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 15.9
POINTS: 5.0
REBOUNDS: 4.0
FG%: 50.8
FT%: 78.3
By the looks of the picture, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is shooting from downtown.
Does he know that he's a center?
There's no reason for NYC to gamble with him because they already have outside shooters.
What's the point of having a center if he's not going to play down low? Blasphemy.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Anthony Parker, SG Cleveland
21 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.0
POINTS: 8.3
ASSISTS: 3.0
FG%: 33.9
FT%: 77.9
The Thunder have way too many guards to begin with.
Combine all their current SGs and you have one complete No. 2 guard, but it's obviously easier to just have one complete player.
That said, Cleveland's Anthony Parker isn't a fit, and in addition, OKC is interested in going the young route as well.
Orlando Magic: Juwan Howard, PF Miami
22 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 10.4
POINTS: 2.4
REBOUNDS: 2.1
FG%: 44.0
FT%: 82.9
Dwight Howard does need some help around the rim and in the paint.
It's a shame that Juwan Howard will turn 39 during next season, because pairing a younger him and D12 together would have been awesome.
Sadly, though, that's not the case, and Orlando will have to explore other options this summer.
Philadelphia 76ers: Erick Dampier, C Miami
23 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 16.0
POINTS: 2.5
REBOUNDS: 3.5
FG%: 58.4
FT%: 54.5
If Philadelphia were to sign Erick Dampier, it wouldn't really be any different than their current state at center.
That said, Philadelphia could use a center that completely dominates in the middle.
But, Spencer Hawes does need a bit more time to develop, so a lot will depend on his progress.
Phoenix Suns: Maurice Evans, SF Washington
24 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 21.2
POINTS: 6.3
REBOUNDS: 2.1
FG%: 41.7
FT%: 89.7
There wasn't much the Phoenix Suns could do once Amar'e Stoudemire split for NYC.
Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Vince Carter are aging, and revamping the core unit will soon become an issue.
And, if they happen to sign Maurice Evans from Washington, nothing will change.
As you can see by his 6.3 points per game, he's not much of an offensive force.
Well, that's what they want in Phoenix, so no dice on this one.
Portland Trail Blazers: Delonte West, SG Boston
25 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 18.9
POINTS: 5.6
ASSISTS: 2.7
FG%: 45.8
FT%: 86.7
With the recent injuries to Brandon Roy, the Trail Blazers have had to rely on Wesley Matthews and Rudy Fernandez as the No. 2 guard.
Now, even if Roy is not healthy in time for next season, then Matthews and Fernandez will just split time.
Delonte West doesn't really fit, because although he can score just as well as, if not better than, Rudy or Wesley, his defense needs some work.
And in Portland, defense is a critical aspect to their philosophy.
Sacramento Kings: Greg Oden, C Portland
26 of 30
2009-10 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 23.9
POINTS: 11.1
REBOUNDS: 8.4
FG%: 60.5
FT%: 76.6
The Kings do need some depth behind Samuel Dalembert at center.
The question for Greg Oden is obviously whether he can remain healthy.
Well, it would be a great risk, because if Sacramento were to sign Oden, what if he gets injured, again?
Then there goes another few million dollars, and it's back to the drawing board.
San Antonio Spurs: Kwame Brown, C Charlotte
27 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 26.0
POINTS: 7.9
REBOUNDS: 6.8
FG%: 51.7
FT%: 58.9
The main reason why Kwame Brown wouldn't be a good fit for San Antonio is because he wouldn't start over Antonio McDyess.
If you're a competitive person who's a starter elsewhere, why sign with a team where you'll become a role player?
He would add much needed depth since the 6'7" DeJuan Blair acts as the backup to McDyess, but he's still much better than just a role player.
Toronto Raptors: Mike Dunleavy, SF Indiana
28 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 27.6
POINTS: 11.2
REBOUNDS: 4.5
FG%: 46.2
FT%: 80.0
One reason why Mike Dunleavy doesn't get to Toronto is that Indiana will probably get to him first, because they really need him.
As for Toronto, the Raptors run pretty deep at both forward spots, but Dunleavy would be an upgrade.
In any event though, the Raptors need a major upgrade as opposed to a minor one, so expect them to spend the dough elsewhere.
Utah Jazz: Acie Law, PG Golden State
29 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 14.2
POINTS: 4.2
ASSISTS: 1.6
FG%: 43.5
FT%: 73.4
After Hall of Fame head coach Jerry Sloan retired and point guard Deron Williams was traded away, the Jazz's season fell a part.
Well, they do have Devin Harris as a solid PG, but bringing in Acie Law wouldn't be much help.
Utah needs to give Harris a full season to develop and then determine their PG route thereafter.
Washington Wizards: Caron Butler, SF Dallas
30 of 30
2010-11 SEASON AVERAGES
MINUTES: 29.9
POINTS: 15.0
REBOUNDS: 4.1
FG%: 45.0
FT%: 77.3
With Maurice Evans, Josh Howard, Rashard Lewis and Andray Blatche as the forwards, adding Caron Butler would just cause even more chaos.
If they want to make room for him by not re-signing Maurice Evans or Josh Howard, that's not a bad idea.
The problem then becomes choosing to start Butler over Rashard Lewis.
Why?
Because if you sit Lewis, then there's tens of millions of dollars on the bench not being put to use.









