Much to consider in NBA free agent pool
An NBA free-agent class with a little something for everyone hits the market on July 1. The group includes an array of superstars, big men, glue guys and sharpshooters. Here’s a look at some of the players to follow when the action begins:
SUPERSTARS
Kevin Durant (player option): Has expressed his desire to remain with the Warriors. He’s in the middle of his prime as one of the game’s premier players.
Paul George (player option): He has one of the best all-around games in the league and is still fairly young at 28.
LeBron James (player option): Still the free-agent grand prize at age 33, James has shown few signs of wear and tear despite 15 stellar seasons in the league.
Chris Paul (unrestricted): Among the league’s best point guards even at 33, but he’s struggled some with injuries over the years, including a hamstring issue in last year’s playoffs.
BIG MEN
Clint Capela (restricted): He’s emerged as one of the league’s top young big men after averaging 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game with the Rockets.
DeMarcus Cousins (unrestricted): He was playing very well for the Pelicans before an Achilles injury ended his season. He’s a guy who can score 25 points a game if he regains form.
Derrick Favours (unrestricted): He’s not flashy and doesn’t stretch the floor, but the 6-foot-10 forward has had several productive seasons with the Jazz.
DeAndre Jordan (player option): He’ll be 30 years old next season, but was still one of the league’s dominant rebounders last season, averaging more than 15 per game.
Brook Lopez (unrestricted): He averaged just 13 points per game for the Lakers last season, which was his lowest since his rookie year, but he remains a 7-footer who could help several teams.
Julius Randle (restricted): He’s quietly turned into a promising young player with the Lakers, averaging 16.1 points and eight rebounds last season while shooting nearly 56 per cent from the field.
GLUE GUYS
Trevor Ariza (unrestricted): A valuable forward who can stretch the floor, he’s provided solid shooting and good defence for the Rockets over the past four seasons.
Avery Bradley (unrestricted): Struggled with injuries last season, playing just 46 games, but is still considered a solid two-way player that can help a team in many ways.
Aaron Gordon (restricted): Still just 22 years old, the 6-foot-9 Gordon turned into a productive all-around player for the Magic last season, averaging 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds. His ability to make 3-pointers last season is a big plus.
Marcus Smart (restricted): The Celtics guard is not a great shooter, but can impact the game in many different ways. He averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds last season while playing great defence.
SHOOTERS
Wayne Ellington (unrestricted): He’s emerged as a reliable shooter off the bench for the Heat the past few seasons. He averaged a careerhigh 11.2 points last years while shooting nearly 40 per cent from 3-point range.
Doug McDermott (restricted): Mr. McBuckets has turned into a very good role player, staying excellent from 3-point range while improving the other parts of his game.
J.J. Redick (unrestricted): Had a solid season for the 76ers, averaging a careerhigh 17.1 points per game and shooting 42 per cent from 3-point range. He just turned 34.