NBA Free Agents 2011: Josh Howard and More Underrated Players Still Available

Most of the elite free agents have been picked up, which leaves only second-tier contributors available with 10 days until the shortened regular season begins. Here are three underrated players who will get signed late in the process but will still make an immediate impact.

Josh Howard

Injuries have deflated Howard's value. He played in just 18 games last season with the Washington Wizards and will probably be hoping to sign a short-term contract so he can prove his health woes are behind him. Hopefully they are, because he was a exciting player when healthy.

Howard's best season came in 2007-08, when he averaged 20 points and seven rebounds for the Dallas Mavericks. Those days are probably over, but there's no reason he can't chip in around 14 points and four boards for a contender.

Prediction: San Antonio Spurs

DeShawn Stevenson

Stevenson has carved out a nice niche for himself by playing solid defense. Whereas shooters can have cold streaks, hard work doesn't slump. It's not a major surprise that he's still available because teams had bigger priorities, but his market should start heating up quickly.

He won't contribute much on the offense end as his shooting percentage has remained below 40 for quite some time. His value will come during the playoffs when he can shut down an opponent's top scorer, just like he did for the Mavericks last season.

Prediction: Dallas Mavericks

Reggie Evans

Another specialist, Evans does his best work on the glass. He was among the league leaders in rebounds last season before injuries slowed him down for the second consecutive season. Assuming he can stay healthy, he'd be a highly effective depth addition.

Like Stevenson, the offensive end isn't Evans' strong suit aside from some put-back layups, but he'll be a tireless worker underneath the hoop. Don't be surprised to see him latch on with one of the league's elite teams and thrive as a role player. Competitors like him are perfect to round out a bench.

Prediction: Boston Celtics