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.

Chris Paul