So far this week, we have looked at the top guards and wings who will be available when the free agent market opens on July 1 but now we turn our gaze to the top power forwards in the NBA Draft.
It has never been the glamour position of the league but one just needs to look at the NBA Finals, with the Heat featuring Chris Bosh and the Spurs being led by Tim Duncan, for one to understand the importance of the position.
There are a pair of stud power forwards hitting the open market in David West and Paul Millsap, who could be difference-makers next season. Both players will provide the muscle to allow teammates to grab the glory while still posting decent numbers on their own.
Behind them lies a long list of players who will contribute in some fashion to whatever team they settle with.
1. David West, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers were able to sign David West to a two-year, $20-million deal in 2011 partially because he was coming off a torn ACL but I suspect his price tag will go up after a tremendous performance in the playoffs. He is not the biggest, or the fastest, but West is perhaps one of the smartest power forwards around. He uses his bulk and guile to score easy buckets while also playing solid defence. The Pacers say their priority is to keep him but can they afford to?
Potential suitors: Indiana, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, Phoenix, Philadelphia.
2. Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz
The Jazz could lose both Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson to free agency this summer but they have Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter waiting in the wings. Utah has plenty of cap space available but it remains to be seen if they want to keep Jefferson and/or Millsap around or look to add some depth elsewhere. His numbers took a dip this season as did his minutes but he still should be able to pull in an eight-figure deal on the open market this summer.
Potential suitors: Utah, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, Phoenix, Philadelphia.
3. Carl Landry (Player Option), Golden State Warriors
While Landry has not made it clear whether he will opt out of the final year of his contract yet, he would be wise to do so. Despite a lack of size, he has the ability to cover both forwards and centres in the post although he will not provide much rim protection. In about 23 minutes per game, he averaged a 10-and-6 for the Warriors. It will be interesting to see if he flourishes if he is ever given a full-time role somewhere.
Potential suitors: Golden State, Houston, Portland, Philadelphia.
4. Antawn Jamison, Los Angeles Lakers
Jamison’s days as a Laker are likely done after one season in Los Angeles. The veteran forward was never given a steady role under Mike D’Antoni and given his stellar locker-room record, there is a solid chance he will latch on somewhere else. Just two seasons ago, he averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in Cleveland. While he will likely never return to those lofty heights, he can be useful in an appropriate role.
Potential suitors: Dallas, Cleveland, Portland, Philadelphia.
5. Elton Brand, Dallas Mavericks
Remember when Elton Brand was a dominating force in the NBA? Seems like eons ago but just three seasons ago he was averaging 16 points and eight rebounds a game. Far from outstanding numbers but still useful for a team in need. Last season he posted averages of seven points and six points a game plus a swat in just over 20 minutes of action. He will still be a useful player but the days of the dominating force passed when he left the Clippers to join the Sixers.
Potential suitors: Dallas, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland, Philadelphia.
6. Marreese Speights (Player Option), Cleveland Cavaliers
Speights is already on his third team in five years but began to flourish in Cleveland when he was finally given a semi-regular role. While he has shown occasional flashes, there always seems to be question marks surrounding his attitude inside the locker room. He will need to get that straightened out soon or is destined to become a journeyman.
Potential suitors: Cleveland, Portland, Atlanta, Houston.
7. Ivan Johnson (Restricted), Atlanta Hawks
It would be hard to see the Hawks allow Ivan Johnson to leave unless he got a major offer from another club or if Atlanta were able to reel in a couple of really big fishes from the free agent pond. He has looked fairly impressive in limited time as an energy guy but his lack of passion for the game will probably prevent him from ever being much more.
Potential suitors: Atlanta, Portland, Houston.
8. Chris Andersen, Miami Heat
His poor reputation has been somewhat cleansed by his season with Miami. He has brought hustle and energy to the floor although his hunger for blocked shots forces him into poor position as a defender and leaves him in constant foul trouble. The fact that he isn’t a strong shooter is also a game-killer. He would be best back in Miami as a role player or on a similar roster fulfilling a minor role.
Potential suitors: Miami
9. Jason Smith (Team Option), New Orleans Hornets
While many may not know who Smith is, as the game becomes more and more stats based, he will garner some interest on the market if the Pelicans decide it is time to cut ties. He has an above average player efficiency rating but injuries continue to hamper his growth. I suspect he won’t be allowed to test the open market.
Potential suitors: New Orleans
10. Tyler Hansbrough (Restricted), Indiana Pacers
Hansbrough was a dominant force for four years at North Carolina but has been more known for his hustle and sometimes dirty play around the NBA. If anyone were to make a decent offer to Hansbrough, it would seem very unlikely that Pacers could or should match considering they drafted Miles Plumlee last year but barely played him.
Potential suitors: Indiana
Others: Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons; Kenyon Martin, New York Knicks; Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Clippers; Charlie Villanueva (Player Option), Detroit Pistons; Chris Wilcox, Boston Celtics.
