NBA Free Agents 2011: Most Underrated Free Agents This Offseason
Certain NBA players always seem to be underrated when free agency hits, whether they haven't been given enough minutes or aren't explosive enough to gain widespread attention.
This offseason, there are five players in particular who will make new teams happy for a bargain.
Here are the five most underrated players in 2011's NBA free agency.
5. Jason Kapono, G/F
Jason Kapono isn't an all-around player by any means, but what he can do is shoot the lights out from three-point range.
For his career, Kapono is shooting over 43 percent from downtown, and he's a valuable bench player to keep defenses honest on the perimeter.
The Los Angeles Lakers have apparently taken notice and are reportedly set to offer Kapono a one- or two-year deal.
4. Reggie Williams, SF
Reggie Williams made his name coming up through the D-league and predictably found himself on the Golden State Warriors, a team that has a history of finding hidden gems.
Last season, in limited action behind Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry and Dorell Wright, Williams shot 46 percent from the floor and 42 percent from three-point land.
He also takes care of the ball, averaging 0.7 turnovers in 20 minutes per game last season.
3. Glen Davis, F
Glen Davis may have found himself in Doc Rivers' doghouse more than a few times on the Boston Celtics, but the fact of the matter is he's a nice addition for a defensive-minded team.
Despite being undersized, Davis uses his bulk to get good position on taller players in the post and he averaged one steal per game last season, as well.
2. Wilson Chandler, G/F
The former 2007 first-round pick has been a solid contributor ever since his second season in the NBA.
For his career, Chandler is averaging 13.9 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 45 percent from the floor.
He had a rough time shooting the ball with the Denver Nuggets last season, but history suggests he'll get back on track this season.
He also averaged 1.4 blocks in 52 games with the New York Knicks last season and 1.1 blocks with the Nuggets.
1. J.J. Barea, PG
J.J. Barea is one of the most underrated players in the league, particularly after last season.
He's not the best shooter, which explains him shooting 43 percent from the field in his career, but he's the ultimate team player whose time playing under Jason Kidd has shown.
He's a spark plug off the bench, and several opponents (particularly the Lakers) found that out the hard way last season.
Apparently the Dallas Mavericks are lukewarm on re-signing him, which is fine by him considering the Lakers, Miami Heat, Knicks and Sacramento Kings have all reportedly expressed interest in him.
He's the kind of backup point guard any contending team would love to have on its roster.
