NBA Superstars of the 90's Who Would Be Great Free Agents for Each Current Team

With NBA free agency set to begin, general managers around the league will be looking for and fighting over players who they think will improve their team. As well as be that extra piece of the puzzle for team success.

While not every team is going to sign a high quality guy, each hopes to improve the team in some way heading into the upcoming season.

With all of the speculation of which player will sign where, and which team will overpay. I thought it would be fun to take a look at where the Superstar players from the 90's would land if each of them were available in free agency for this season.

This article will show dream free agent match-ups. Also, in what way the players of the past would benefit each current team.

However, there are a few simple rules.

First, Michael Jordan was not included. He was far and away the best player of the decade. To include him would just not be fair.

Second, each player had to have spent the majority of the decade in the league. He can not be an active player currently. Players joining the teams are considered to be in their prime.

Third, salary cap considerations did not factor into the equation. It is based more on position need, and players that will help the team on the court.

Under this scenario some players joined new teams. In addition, some landed with an old team and others may be playing for a rival team. Let me know how your team ended up, and how the player they obtained will help out.

This article was done in collaboration with Bleacher Report and NBA community member The Bear. This creative idea was his and he matched the majority of players with their teams. We worked together on this piece.

Atlanta Hawks- Dikembe Mutombo

A return to the Atlanta Hawks for Dikembe Mutombo would be a great fit for the team this season.

A center like Mutombo, who was one of the most dominant of the decade, would allow Al Horford to move to the power forward position where he can focus more on scoring while improving the interior defense.

Imagine "Mt. Mutombo" patrolling the paint, grabbing rebounds and wagging his finger in the face of today's NBA players.

Mutombo was a four time Defensive Player of the Year, and an eight time NBA All-Star.

Boston Celtics- Alonzo Mourning

If there is a player to add to the current Boston Celtics team, it would be Alonzo Mourning.

The Celtics need to add several players to round out their roster. If one of them were Mourning it would help the team return to the Finals.

During his playing days, Mourning was a ferocious low-post player. He was a dominant force in the middle.

Matching him up with Kevin Garnett would make one of the best low-post tandems in league history.

Just think of the starting line-up with Mourning, Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.

Mourning was a seven time NBA All-Star, two time Defensive Player of the Year and won a Championship in 2006.

Charlotte Bobcats- David Robinson and Mookie Blaylock

The Charlotte Bobcats need a lot of help this season. They will be relying on rookies to play well and help the team.

This team would benefit greatly from adding two players from the 90's. David Robinson and Mookie Blaylock.

The addition of Robinson would bring instant leadership to a young team who desperately needs someone to take charge.

Adding Blaylock would bring a solid point guard who is a great defender and a league leader in steals and assists.

The combination of these two players would finally bring the Bobcats to a respectable team status.

Robinson was a two-time NBA Champion, 10-time All-Star and the league MVP in 1995.

Blaylock ended his thirteen year career as a two-time leader in steals, a two-time member of the All-Defensive team and a NBA All-Star.

Chicago Bulls- Mitch Richmond

The Chicago Bulls had a great season last year, but are still one piece of the puzzle away.

If the Bulls could add a strong back court running mate to match with league MVP Derrick Rose, they would be in even better shape to contend for an NBA Title.

The best fit from the 90's would be the often forgotten Mitch Richmond.

Richmond played with four teams but spent most of the decade with the Sacramento Kings.

He was known as a pure shooter who would help the already strong Bulls offense this season.

Richmond was a six-time All-Star, the Rookie of the Year in 1989 and a NBA Champion in 2002 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Cleveland Cavaliers- Eddie Jones and Glenn Robinson

After LeBron James left last season, the Cavaliers can use all the help they can get.

Two players from the 90's who would be a great addition to the team are Eddie Jones and Glenn Robinson.

Jones was known as an athletic shooting guard who helped carry the team in the years between Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. He served as a mentor to Bryant, and ended up playing for several teams.

Robinson was a scorer who would help these young Cavaliers to find some consistent offense and create problems for opposing defenses.

Jones was a three-time NBA All-Star.

Robinson is a two-time NBA All-Star, and won a Championship in 2005 with the Spurs.

Dallas Mavericks- Sam Perkins and Chris Gatling

The defending Champion Dallas Mavericks need to hold onto their own free agents more than they need to add players. Here are some suggestions for the team:

What team couldn't use Sam Perkins to stretch the defense and open things up even more for Dirk Nowiztki?

Add in a workhorse of a player in Chris Gatling and the Mavericks become a much tougher team.

Perhaps tough enough to win a few more Championships and prove that they belong among the leagues elite.

Perkins was drafted by the Mavericks. He was one of the top role players of the decade. He was named to the All-Rookie first team in 1985.

Gatling was also a top role player in his 15 years in the league, and a NBA All-Star in 1997.

Denver Nuggets- Vin Baker and Allan Houston

With a relatively young team and some of their guys in China without an opt out clause, the Nuggets will be looking for players.

Vin Baker and Allan Houston are both players that could help out the team.

During his career, Baker was a strong low-post presence who played for six different teams. He would be an upgrade over the post players they currently have. As well as a good replacement if they are not able to re-sign Nene Hilario.

Allan Houston is known as being a great three-point shooter and scorer. Something the Nuggets need after losing Carmelo Anthony last season.

Baker is a four-time All-Star, and averaged 15 points per game over his career.

Houston played for both the Pistons and the Knicks. He was a two-time NBA All-Star.

Detroit Pistons- Tim Hardaway

Tim Hardaway would be a great point guard addition to the Detroit Pistons.

With Rodney Stuckey possibly leaving the team and Brandon Knight likely starting at point guard, the team could use a guy like Hardaway.

During his time in the league Hardaway was one of the top point guards who was known for his strong crossover and averaged better than 17 points and eight assists for his career.

Hardaway was a five-time NBA All-Star.

Golden State Warriors- Larry Johnson

One could assume that new Head Coach Mark Jackson would like to have none other than Larry Johnson on his team as he is starting his coaching career with the Warriors.

The Warriors are in good shape with their guards, but could use some size up front.

Picking up Johnson, especially how he played with the Hornets, would give them a type of low-post presence that they really need.

Matching him with Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis and Dorrell Wright would make a nice team for Jackson to start with.

Johnson ended his career as a two-time NBA All-Star and having won the Rookie of the Year award in 1992.

Houston Rockets- Hakeem Olajuwon

Surely most teams in the league could find a way to use Hakeem Olajuwon, but he would be a great fit in Houston.

After losing Yao Ming and not really having a center, the Rockets would welcome the return of the best player the team has ever had.

Olajuwon would instantly transform the Rockets into a contender. Adding his low post presence to the scoring ability of Kevin Martin and the athleticism of Chase Budinger would equal instant success for the Rockets.

Olajuwon is a 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA Champion and the league MVP in 1994.

Indiana Pacers- Derrick Coleman

Coming into the league Derrick Coleman was compared to Karl Malone and Charles Barkley but with the added skill of an outside shot.

The talent that Coleman had early in his career would certainly help the young big men that the Pacers currently have.

Add him to the play of the underrated Danny Granger and the Pacers are in good shape once again.

Coleman was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1991 and a NBA All-Star.

Los Angeles Clippers- Scottie Pippen

If there were actually some way to take the talent, scoring and defensive ability of Scottie Pippen to the Clippers, then there might be a new top team in Los Angeles.

Pippen was an integral part of the Chicago Bull's dominance in the 90's and would bring that to the Clippers.

Adding Pippen to Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon would create a big three on the West coast that would challenge for the NBA title.

Pippen is a six-time NBA Champion, a seven-time All-Star. He is one of the 50 greatest players of all time.

Los Angeles Lakers- Gary Payton

Although he did try to win a title with the Lakers when he teamed with Shaq, Kobe and Karl Malone, Gary Payton returning to the team is just what the Lakers need.

The Lakers are looking for a defensive minded point guard, and Payton would be the perfect fit.

"The Glove" as he was known in his playing days, was also a good scorer and great at dishing out assists.

His presence would free up shots for Kobe Bryant and he would be able to find Pau Gasol with the ball.

Payton was a nine-time NBA All-Star, the Defensive Player of the year in 1996 and did win a title in 2006 with the Miami Heat.

Memphis Grizzlies- Terry Porter and Brian Grant

The Memphis Grizzlies showed in the playoffs last season that they have the talent to be successful in the NBA for years to come.

Former Trailblazers Terry Porter and Brian Grant would fit nicely with this young team and would provide a lot of experience and leadership.

Porter had a successful career where he was a two-time NBA All-Star and played in the playoffs for back-to-back seasons.

Grant would be an asset off the bench, and could teach the Grizzlies young big men a lot about how to be successful in the league. 

Grant was known as a tough rebounder and a hardworking defender.

Porter is a two-time NBA All-Star.

Miami Heat- Shaquille O'Neal

Despite being towards the end of his career Shaquille O'Neal was capable of winning a NBA title in 2006 with the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Wade was a big part of that Championship team and is still with the team.

Imagine what the Heat would look like if Shaquille O'Neal were added into the mix. Any inside presence that the Heat needed last season would be taken care of by O'Neal.

Adding Shaq into the mix would make the Heat one of the best regular season teams in league history.

O'Neal was a 15-time NBA All-Star, four-time NBA Champion and a two-time scoring champion.

Milwaukee Bucks- Charles Barkley

"The Round Mound of Rebound" would be a great addition to the Milwaukee Bucks.

It may be hard to believe, but in his prime Charles Barkley was very athletic and a dominant scorer and rebounder.

Adding Barkley to Andrew Bogut underneath would make it very difficult for other teams to get a rebound. To see him on the break again with Brandon Jennings would be very exciting.

With newly acquired player Stephen Jackson, the Bucks should be improved. To put Barkley on the team would only be better.

Barkley was an 11-time NBA All-Star and the league MVP in 1993.

Minnesota Timberwolves- Clyde Drexler

The Minnesota Timberwolves have a wealth of talented players in the front court, but could really use a quality player on the wing.

Coming into the league Clyde Drexler was a bit underrated. Yet he grew into one of the best players in NBA history.

Think of the talent and athleticism this lineup would have with Drexler, Kevin Love and rookies Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio.

With that lineup the Timberwolves would surely win more games than last season.

Drexler is a 10-time NBA All-Star and won a championship with the Rockets in 1995.

New Jersey Nets- Dennis Rodman and Latrell Sprewell

Not the two most level headed players in league history, but two that would help the Nets not only to be a solid team, but maybe to keep Deron Williams long term.

Like he did throughout his career, Dennis Rodman should have no problem doing the dirty work. While Latrell Sprewell, Deron Willams and Brook Lopez take care of the rest.

With the addition of these two players from the 90's the Nets would be a tough team that could be part two of the "Bad Boys" that were in Detroit.

Rodman is a five-time NBA Champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time NBA All-Star.

Sprewell was named to the All-NBA First Team and is a four-time NBA All-Star.

New Orleans Hornets- Shawn Kemp and Reggie Miller

The New Orleans Hornets may lose David West, and would need a quality Power Forward.

Imagine if the team could pick up former Seattle Supersonic Shawn Kemp. Add Reggie Miller into the back court with Chris Paul, and this is a team that could contend for the Championship.

Miller and Kemp both nearly led their teams to the Championship. If they joined the current Hornets, it would help them to not only keep Chris Paul from going to New York, but it may help keep New Orleans from losing a franchise for the second time.

Kemp is a six-time NBA All-Star who averaged 14.6 points per game over his career.

Miller is five-time NBA All-Star. He is one of the best three-point shooters ever to play the game.

New York Knicks- Patrick Ewing

There could only be one player from the 90's for the Knicks and that would be the return of Patrick Ewing.

Bringing back Ewing would give the Knicks a very strong front court trio with Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

If it were possible, Ewing would give New York the "Big Three" that they are looking for.

Ewing is an 11-time NBA All-Star and was the Rookie of the Year in 1986.

Oklahoma City Thunder- Horace Grant

With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder are set up well for the long run.

Last year's playoff run should be a sign of things to come.

If the team needs to add a player from the 90's, a solid rebounder and interior scorer would help out nicely.

Horace Grant was an integral part of three of the Chicago Bulls Championships and was the low-post presence for Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Grant is a four-time NBA Champion and was a NBA All-Star in 1994.

Orlando Magic- John Stockton

John Stockton made a career of passing to a dominant big man and would make a great fit in Orlando with Dwight Howard.

Stockton, who is the all-time leader in assists and steals, would be the exact player the Magic are looking for.

Stockton, who could have been a more dominating scorer if he had wanted to, would be the calming force on this team.

He would bring consistency and help Dwight Howard to be even more of a dominating player. Stockton would also be a great mentor for Jameer Nelson and the rest of the young players.

Stockton is a 10-time NBA All-Star and one of the 50 greatest players in league history.

Philadelphia 76ers- Vlade Divac

The Philadelphia 76ers need help at several positions and need to make some player movements to return to success in the league.

Why not start with a big center Vlade Divac, who is also a good passer and interior scorer.

Vlade Divac had a long career with several teams but is most well known for his time with the Sacramento Kings where he showed he could play with other star players.

Adding him to the predominantly young 76ers would help the team to get tougher in the middle. He could be a good mentor for the young big men on the team.

Divac is one of six players to have 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists and 1,500 blocked shots. He was also a NBA All-Star in 2001.

Phoenix Suns- Chris Webber and Jamal Mashburn

The arrival of Chris Webber in the 90's transformed the Sacramento Kings. He would do the same thing for the Phoenix Suns today.

He would fit in well, and give Steve Nash another quality big man to pass to. Add in the scoring of Jamal Mashburn and the Suns would be dominant.

With Mashburn and Channing Frye opening up the floor, Webber would quickly return to the force he was during his playing career.

Webber was the 1994 Rookie of the Year and a five-time NBA All-Star.

Mashburn was a NBA All-Star in 2003, and averaged over 19 points per game for his career.

Portland Trailblazers- Kenny Anderson and Michael Cage

The Portland Trailblazers need help at the point guard position, and they need to get tough inside.

Two players from the 90's who could fill this need for the team are Kenny Anderson and Michael Cage.

Anderson led several teams and averaged just over 12 points and six assists for his career.

Cage, known as "Windexman" was a strong inside presence and rebounder who did the dirty work to help the team win every night. This type of attitude and play would help the Blazers get tough and open up the game offensively for LaMarcus Aldridge.

Anderson was an NBA All-Star in 1994.

Cage was in the league from 1984-2000 and contributed to several different teams.

Sacamento Kings- Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway

The Sacramento Kings need a player who can once again bring excitement to the city. As well as help the franchise not to move the way it was rumored at the end of last season.

Jimmer Fredette may be that player. However, if they could bring one back from the 90's, then it would have to be Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.

Hardaway was one of the most athletic and exciting players of his time. He led the Orlando Magic. He was a part of the team that reached the NBA Finals.

He would bring a sense of structure to the Kings who are loaded with talent, but have not quite figured out how to put it all together successfully.

Hardaway is a four-time NBA All-Star.

San Antonio Spurs- Detlef Schrempf

The aging San Antonio Spurs need some more scoring help, and another player that can open up the floor.

Known as the best German player in the NBA prior to Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf would help give the team a bit of a scoring lift. He would be good as either a starter or off the bench player to bring some help when the starters rest.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have enough left to play in the league. To add  Schrempf would only help them out.

Schrempf is a three-time NBA All-Star and a two-time Sixth Man of the Year Award winner.

Toronto Raptors- Kevin Willis and Chris Mullin

The Toronto Raptors are another team that needs some help. They do have DeMar DeRozan and Ed Davis who are promising young players. Although, adding a couple of new guys would not be bad.

The Raptors need a consistent scorer and Chris Mullin would fill that nicely. He was one of the best scorers of his time and part of the uptempo offense in Golden State.

Kevin Willis was an underrated rebounder, and hustle player who played good defense. He always did whatever was needed to help the team.

Both of these stars of the past would help a Raptors team that is in need of having a good season next year.

Mullin is a five-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.

Willis won a NBA Championship in 2003 with the Spurs and was an All-Star in 1992.

Utah Jazz- Steve Smith and Kevin Johnson

Heading into the upcoming season, the Utah Jazz have a very crowded frontcourt. They have a good mix of veteran players and young big men who will all compete for playing time.

The area of need that they have is in the point and shooting guard positions.

If they could add Kevin Johnson and Steve Smith from the 90's, they would have a team that would help ease the pain of Jazz fans that are still frustrated by the trade that sent Deron Williams away.

Johnson was a quick guard who could both score and hand out assists. He led the Suns into the playoffs for several years and rivaled John Stockton and Magic Johnson as the best point guard in the West.

Smith was one of the best long range shooters of the 90's who played for several teams during his career. He would help the Jazz by stretching the defense so the forwards had more room to work.

Johnson is a three-time NBA All-Star and the current mayor of Sacramento, California.

Smith won a NBA Championship, was a NBA All-Star in 1998, and hit the first three-point shot in franchise history for the Charlotte Bobcats.

Washington Wizards- Karl Malone and Glen Rice

The Washington Wizards are a team on the rise who have good talent and a great young point guard in John Wall.

This team would benefit greatly from the addition of Karl Malone and Glen Rice. These two past stars would bolster the lineup and help the Wizards return to the playoffs.

Matching Malone underneath with shot blocker JaVale McGee would allow for both interior scoring an defense. Pairing Rice with John Wall would give the Wizards a solid outside threat and an option for Wall on the outside. 

Rice is a three time NBA All-Star and won a Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000.

Malone is one of the greatest power forwards to play the game. He is a 14 time NBA All-Star, two time league MVP and one of the 50 greatest players in league history.

Statistical Information found at www.basketball-reference.com