Game-changing free agent signings
Although there are still a good number of unsigned talents, the NBA’s free agency frenzy has subsided with all the impact players available collared and sequestered by interested teams. It is well hoped that these players will improve their new home’s surroundings with their presence.
There were forgetful and horrible blunders in the free agent market. It involved several millions of dollars, further enriched the lives of athletes and at the same time added to the misfortunes of the teams concerned.
But some signings altered the courses of teams and in the past two decades, three major FA signings led these three franchises to respectability and greatness.
Shaquille O’Neal –Probably the most dominating center of his era, Shaq played for six teams but his best years were spent with the LA Lakers. Coming in from Orlando in 1996 riding on a 7-year, $121 million contract, Shaq spent 8 seasons with the Lakers.
Under the tutelage of Phil Jackson and teaming with Kobe Bryant, Shaq dominated the middle and was instrumental in giving LA 3 consecutive NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and at the same time winning 3 consecutive Finals MVP.
Steve Nash – He spent his first two years with Phoenix, was dealt to Dallas for 6 years and in 2004, came back to his roots and effectively changed a 29win Suns to 62-20 title contender. With Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Joe Johnson at the wings, Nash orchestrated a fast-paced, Mike D’Antoni scripted offense.
He edged Shaq for the league MVP in 2004, brought the Suns to the Conference Finals, eventually losing to eventual champion San Antonio. The following year, Nash again won the league MVP, fought and lost to Dallas in the WC Finals.
LeBron James – By bringing his talents to South Beach, LeBron abandoned and jilted star-crossed fans and ignited a campfire of his #23 Cleveland jerseys. In his first season as a Heat, along with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, he led Miami to the championships in 2010, coming up short against the Spurs. The next season, they again are in the title chase but fell to the Mavericks. Consecutive titles were achieved in 2012 and 2013.
LeBron brought Miami to four straight Finals appearances. He could have made a dynasty together with Wade and Bosh had San Antonio and Dallas been cooperative. Bringing his talents back to Cleveland last season, he almost single-handedly carried the Cavs to the NBA title, losing to Golden State and the ridiculously unbelievable Stephen Curry. It was LeBron’s fifth straight championship appearance.
San Antonio had the most notable FA acquisitions in LaMarcus Aldridge and David West this year. It is a next to impossible mission to topple the Spurs with the two signings added to an already intact and wellblended lineup. Hopefully, Coach Pop will use Jimmer Fredette and gain back his shooting confidence. How this FA signings will come out for San Antonio will be answered when the NBA season starts and progresses.