If you’re an NBA team looking for a little extra veteran help, this could be a good summer for you.
If you’re nowhere near the playoffs, well, then free agency might be a little tougher.
That’s because the biggest names hitting the open market this summer also tend to be some of the league’s oldest players. Included in that group: Phoenix’s Steve Nash, and Boston’s Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
While those names may sound better suited to participate in a chess match at a retirement home in 2013, each continues to play at or near an All-Star level.
Nash still scoots around the floor like a soccer player in baggy shorts and high tops, finding the open man and burying perimeter shots.
Garnett remains a staunch defender, top-notch competitor and underrated rebounder.
And even Spike Lee would tell that Ray Allen still got game. That’s especially the case when it comes to Allen’s ability to free himself for open shots, then coolly knock ’em down.
All three are among the latest class of free agents whose contracts expire at the end of the season, freeing them to sign with any team.
But those belonging to the NBA’s senior crowd aren’t the only ones drawing attention from general managers. Far from it. Younger players such as New Jersey’s Deron Williams and Kris Humphries, Portland’s Nicolas Batum and Indiana’s Roy Hibbert can also become available.
Of course, that’s no longer the case with who was expected to be the biggest potential free agent prize — Orlando’s Dwight Howard. As you know, he picked up the option on his contract last week, guaranteeing him at least one more season with the Magic.
Here’s a look at what’s left, with “PO” indicating players who can opt out of their deals (or pick up the player option), “R” indicating restricted free agents whose current team can match any offer, and “UR” indicating unrestricted types who can bolt for any team:
POINT GUARDS
1. Deron Williams, Nets (PO). Likely to test the market after it became clear the Nets won’t land Howard in time for their first season in Brooklyn.
2. Steve Nash, Suns (UR). He loves Phoenix and it loves him. But it may be time for both to move on.
3. Jason Terry, Mavericks (UR). Hard to envision him anywhere but Dallas.
4. Kirk Hinrich, Hawks (UR). Still one of top two or three backcourt defenders. Sure would look good in Bulls uniform again.
5. Jason Kidd, Mavericks (UR). Another member of the slightly over-the-hill gang. Time to retire?
Others: Andre Miller, Nuggets (UR); D.J. Augustin, Bobcats (R); Jameer Nelson, Magic (PO); Raymond Felton, Trail Blazers (UR); George Hill, Pacers (R); Jeremy Lin, Knicks (UR); Mo Williams, Clippers (PO); Aaron Brooks, Suns (R).
SHOOTING GUARDS
1. Eric Gordon, Hornets (R). Missed almost the entire season with an injury. Hornets will offer him more than anyone else and he’s said to be cool with the idea of staying.
2. Ray Allen, Celtics (UR). Would be the perfect Maverick or Spur.
3. Nick Young, Clippers (UR). Has the rest of the season with a good team to earn a big payday.
4. O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies (R). Constantly mentioned in trade rumors, may be time to leave on his own.
5. Jamal Crawford, Trail Blazers (UR). Blazers unable to deal him at deadline.
Others: Landry Fields, Knicks (UR); Carlos Delfino, Bucks (UR); J.R. Smith, Knicks (PO); Courtney Lee, Rockets (R); Rudy Fernandez, Nuggets (R); Jodie Meeks, 76ers (UR).
SMALL FORWARDS
1. Nicolas Batum, Trail Blazers (R). You would think he’d be back, but Blazers will be undergoing offseason facelift. So could be as good as gone.
2. Michael Beasley, Timberwolves (R). So-so season. More likely to be signed and traded than to leave via free agency.
3. Gerald Wallace, Nets (PO). Fantastic hustle player and rebounder. Question is, what direction will Nets take in July?
4. Grant Hill, Suns (UR). Nearing 40, but still scoring in double figures and playing smart.
5. Matt Barnes, Lakers (UR). Lakers ready to let him leave despite intangibles he offers.
Others: Alonzo Gee, Cavaliers (R); Steve Novak, Knicks (UR); Anthony Tolliver, Timberwolves (UR); Jeremy Evans, Jazz (UR); Dahntay Jones, Pacers (PO).
POWER FORWARDS
1. Kris Humphries, Nets (UR). Inconsistent, but when he’s good, he’s very good. Could mean big bucks when July rolls around.
2. Kevin Garnett, Celtics (UR). Reportedly OK with going to a younger team on the rise if he’s not back in Boston. Imagine Garnett on the Thunder.
3. Ryan Anderson, Magic (R). Career year as do-it-all type who can really shoot.
4. Tim Duncan, Spurs (UR). Not what he once was, but still a champion who can put together the occasional big night. That’s worth a lot.
5. Antawn Jamison, Cavaliers (UR). Another older guy. Can still offer a team anywhere from 18-to-30 points a night.
Others: Carl Landry, Hornets (UR); Brandon Bass, Celtics (PO); Jason Thompson, Kings (R); J.J. Hickson, Kings (R); Kenyon Martin, Clippers (UR); Anthony Randolph, Timberwolves (R); Troy Murphy, Lakers (UR).
CENTERS
1. Roy Hibbert, Pacers (R). Second-best center in East. Would be a shocker if Pacers let him get away.
2. Brook Lopez, Nets (R). Plays hard, plays smart, has skills. Will get serious consideration from lots of teams, but likely to stay right where he is.
3. Chris Kaman, Hornets (UR). When healthy, he’s a big help. Contenders want him.
4. JaVale McGee, Nuggets (R). Very gifted and getting a fresh start. Future depends largely on these last 20-25 games.
5. Spencer Hawes, 76ers (UR). Starting-caliber center who is loved by his teammates. The former is rare in today’s NBA.
Others: Nazr Mohammed, Thunder (UR); Marcus Camby, Rockets (UR); Kwame Brown, Bucks (UR); Aaron Gray, Raptors (UR); Mehmet Okur, Trail Blazers (UR); Joel Przybilla, Trail Blazers (UR); Greg Oden, (UR).
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
