2011 NBA Free Agents: Tracy McGrady and Under-the-Radar UFAs Worth Gambling On
While names like Tyson Chandler, Nene and David West are likely to be highly sought-after this offseason, not every team has the financial means to sign a top free agent. Because of that, teams are forced to go bargain shopping with low-level and mid-level exceptions, or pay the veteran minimum for bench players.
Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are already up against the cap, so they will be looking to get plenty of bang for their buck. While these players may not set the world on fire, here are three serviceable veterans who should be able to contribute to winning teams at a low cost.
Troy Murphy
Last season was an embarrassing one for forward Troy Murphy, as he split the year between the New Jersey Nets and Boston Celtics. He averaged a mere three points per game and was seldom used by the Celtics after being released by New Jersey. With that said, he has a pedigree that should be attractive on the open market.
Prior to last season, Murphy had had his two best seasons as a pro with the Nets. Murphy averaged over 14 points and 10 rebounds per game in consecutive seasons, and he also averaged around two three-pointers per game. That type of versatility is quite rare, especially among players with a 6'11" frame.
It isn't as if Murphy is far removed from those numbers either, so it might be best to chalk up last year as a lost season. While Murphy severely damaged his market value with last year's performance, he should be a great value signing. I think Murphy can still be a starter in the league—he is just 31 years old—and he could certainly be a great source for rebounds and three-pointers off the bench as well.
Michael Redd
Just a couple years ago, Michael Redd was considered to be one of the premier perimeter scorers in the league. Knee injuries have limited him to just 28 games over the past two seasons, though, and have essentially made him an afterthought. With the Milwaukee Bucks unlikely to re-sign him, he could be a great value nab for a team looking for a scorer off the bench.
Prior to his injuries, Redd could fill it up like nobody's business. From 2003-04 to 2008-09, Redd averaged at least 21 points per game, as well as two three-pointers per game. His injuries likely won't ever allow him to return to that level, but his shooting ability and scoring instincts will still be there.
Redd won't cost much at all on the open market since he has been unable to stay healthy, so he would be a true low-risk, high-reward candidate for a contending team. Redd may only be effective in small spurts, but if he can get over his injury issues, he could be a very valuable three-point marksman and hot hand off the bench.
Tracy McGrady
It has been three years since Tracy McGrady last averaged over 20 points in a season, and his best days are certainly behind him, but there are few better options in terms of a cheap, veteran scorer off the bench. McGrady played 72 games last season with the Detroit Pistons—appearing in the most games since 2004-05—and averaged eight points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Those numbers are far from overwhelming, but he has established himself as a stat-stuffing small forward or shooting guard when healthy. The Pistons aren't going to bring back any of their veteran players in all likelihood, so McGrady will likely end up elsewhere this season—and it will probably be with a contending team.
T-Mac used to be one of the NBA's premier players, so he knows what it takes to excel. He would be an ideal player for any of the league's top teams; he could play 10-15 minutes per game in a purely offensive role off the bench. While I wouldn't say that McGrady will put anyone over the top, his presence will be a welcome one and he should produce at a low cost.
