Free Agent Tracking Part 2: Role Players

During the Fantasy Offseason, I'm trying to fill the blog with write ups to preview how Fantasy Season will look like eventually. It's impossible to leave out stats outright, since it is, after all, a game based on stats. However, most of the points raised in this blog will mostly be based on box scores, expert analysis from other blogs, news articles, and gut feel.

In part two of the Free Agent series, I'm looking at role players still out in the market.

Role Players

These are players that probably won't be developed because of their age, but may already have defined roles waiting for them. They aren't players you'd expect to see in an All-Star game probably for their whole careers, but their specialties may be useful to teams with who may need in areas they are good at. 

Gustavo Ayon (PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks)

Could he have hit a sophomore slump, or is he just not good enough for the NBA?

The third year center from Mexico had a somewhat productive season with the listless New Orleans Hornets, but fell back to anonymity when he was traded to Orlando and later Milwaukee. He has a decent inside game, and has a knack for grabbing rebounds. He's not the intimidating force you'd want inside for your center, but he could probably complement one by playing the PF role. I imagine a more offensive-minded Reggie Evans.

Possible upside to a team: Nice back up PF/C, that won't sacrifice a team's offense. 

Possible red flag: Still enigmatic. Who knows if his time in New Orleans was a preview of things to come or the showcase of all he can offer.

Antawn Jamison (SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers)

I guess even Kobe's telling you to go, so go.

While Jamison isn't the same player he once was back in Washington, he could still strut some offensive prowess when called upon, as evidenced in his short run with the Lakers. He has range and veteran leadership. He'll be a nice locker room guy, I think, and he readily accepts the role he is given. 

Possible upside to a team: Apart from offensive outbursts from the bench, he could provide a voice other player may look up to.

Possible Red Flag: He may be reaching the twilight of his career, and the roster space could belong to a young player that a team could develop, rather than a washed-up former All-Star.

Ronnie Brewer (G/F, Oklahoma City Thunder)

Where to now?

Brewer has become somewhat of a journeyman as he somewhat declined after prominent roles in Utah and Chicago. I assume he's one of Deron Williams' favorites in the team back then; if I remember correctly, Deron allegedly was upset that Utah let him go (or was that Wesley Matthews?). He's a nice defensive stopper with shooting range. Injuries have hobbled him since he left Chicago's Bench Mob. 

Possible upside to a team: Defense, three point shooting.

Possible Red Flag: Limited minutes since his time in Memphis. He was hardly used in New York, and was still used sparingly in Oklahoma. Teams may not want to risk spending on a player that's going to be wearing a suit more than a uniform. Unless you're Derrick Rose, that is.

Timofey Mozgov (C, Denver Nuggets)

One of the rare times that Mozgov is in the other side of the poster

Blake Griffin made a monstrous dunk that made "Mozgov'd" an actual word. While it was probably a humiliating experience, looking at the flipside, he wouldn't have been dunked on if he didn't try to go after the shot. Mozgov has been in countless posters, not because he's a bad defender, but because he goes after every shot. It just so happens that those were some pretty amazing dunks. He's playing behind highly-paid JaVale McGee and another young, promising center in Kosta Koufos. He might be better of being the next Omer Asik or Marcin Gortat by playing behind a legitimate Center.

Possible upside to a team: Size. You can't teach size, and Mozgov has it. He's a relentless defender around the rim, and no amount of shame can stop him from trying to block a shot.

Possible red flag: He still has a limited offensive game. He'll give you garbage points or points off rebounds, but the team's offense can't flow through him. 

Terrence Williams (G/F, Boston Celtics)

Not sure if Terrence Williams or UFC's Rashad Evans

A versatile young talent who started his career with the worst team in NBA history (09-10 New Jersey Nets), Williams has become a journeyman in the NBA, having played for four teams in the four years he's been in the league (plus a year in China). He's got skills that could help a team on both ends of the floor, and he's also capable of contributing across the board. His being part of that bad Nets team probably isn't helping his reputation to be added to a team, but in short stretches, he has provided ample 

Possible upside: Across the board contribution, also could provide athleticism from the bench to provide a nice slasher and defender.

Possible red flag: I'm not really sure. He's a beast in 2k13, and he has shown flashes of what he could do when he's able to play. For some reason, he just can't stay on a team. Could it be because of his personality? 

Other Names Not Included

1. Marquis Daniels - A late pick in the draft, Daniels was part of the 2006 Mavericks' run at the Finals. He was quite a slasher, despite his stoner look, and was a nice finisher at the rim and on fast breaks. He's a classic example of a guy who let it all out in his first year and couldn't quite figure out what to do after. Hopefully he goes to a team in need of his talents to revive his career. 

2. Brendan Wright - a promising young talent who was touted for his athleticism and wingspan, I was intrigued by this kid since draft night of 2007. He never really got in traction for his career, but made quite some noise as the guy who took the overpaid Chris Kaman's spot in the Mavericks' starting lineup. *update: Signed with the Mavs*

3. Sam Young - Pretty defensive-minded player, as shown in the Indiana-Miami series. He was used almost the same way back when he was in Memphis. If he can improve his back cuts and finishing, maybe he won't be so much of a one-way player. 

Free Agent Tracking Part 1: (Relatively) Big Names

The Fantasy Season has not started yet, but teams are being shaken up so well that Fantasy Draft Stocks are getting quite unpredictable on a daily basis. Imagine what would happen to Al Horford and Paul Millsap's rebounding numbers in Atlanta, or if Monta Ellis would beast it up in Dallas. Let's not even talk about how the ball is going to be shared in New York or who's going to rebound with Melo, JR Smith, and Andrea Bargnani chucking up shots from everywhere in the court. Chris Copeland signed up with the Pacers, giving them added bench depth despite the loss of Tyler Hansbrough.

The list could go on and on, and that would probably go on my team previews blog. For now, here's an assessment on notable free agents that haven't been signed as of July 19, 2013 (as per NBA.com's Free Agent Tracker). Assessment will be based on the players' limited action during the regular season, some of their performances in the summer league, and some articles written about them at some point in time. I won't be including stats, as they probably won't "wow" anyone anyway. And the fact that these stats would be useless if they are given new roles in new teams. 

This will be a three part series, looking at relatively big name talents, some veteran role players, and raw talents that have yet to find a home almost a month into free agency. 

Big Names...Kinda

While the "big names" have already found new homes or stayed where they are, there are still quite some recognizable names out in the market. These names are not new to NBA fans. They have had their moments of brilliance on the court and may have teased All-Star potential. However, that's who they remain to be, "potential" All-Stars.

Nate Robinson (PG, Chicago Bulls)

Remember that triple-OT game against Miami? Yep. That guy still doesn't have a team.

Krypto-Nate was amazing as he carried the shorthanded Bulls on his 5-foot something frame against the mighty Miami Heat in the playoffs. He's always been a feisty player who plays with a lot more heart than his body could contain. He exemplifies "irrational confidence" whenever he gets hot. After his Playoff run, it's amazing that nobody has signed him yet. He could be a nice backup guard off the bench, playing the JR Smith/Jamaal Crawford role (both of which are also trigger-happy)

Positive upside to a team: Athletic, will give bench an offensive boost, will provide energy and confidence to his teammates. 

Possible Red Flag: Not much defense, too small for his position, tendency to shoot too much

DeJuan Blair (PF/C, San Antonio Spurs)

Hopefully, Blair goes to a team where he's mostly with a ball rather than a towel.

For all the love Pop showed him since his rookie season, I'm not sure how he got stuck in the doghouse this year. This is a guy who's famously playing without an ACL, but is going hard on those rebounds. He's an energy guy who can take up a lot of space in the paint, and has the ability to score. And you can't be a Pop favorite if you can't play a lick of defense. He could be a nice 4th big man on the roster, much like Enes Kanter was to the Jazz last season.

Possible upside to a team: Can spell for starters for long stretches because of his two-way game, could provide energy off the bench

Possible Red Flag: How long can he keep playing without an ACL? 

Gary Neal (G, San Antonio Spurs)

He's a Pop favorite, but would they have enough to keep him?

Interestingly enough, the Spurs haven't, moved to keep Neal. He has been a valuable piece in the Spurs' lineup, but he's more "bench depth" than "core" in that team. He's not a piece to build around on, but he can be of great help to a team with offensive struggles.

Possible upside on a team: Three point shooting, smart offensive execution.

Possible red flag: Bad shooting streaks. Neal is a streaky shooter in both ways; if he can shoot, its like he can't miss, but if he misses, he'll keep on trying until he makes one, which might take a while.

Tyrus Thomas (PF, Charlotte Bobcats)

This guy needs a team that will actually use him.

Tyrus Thomas is finally freed! The athletic forward who displayed such promise while buried in the Chicago Bulls' lineup was thought to have been unleashed when he was signed by Charlotte to a big contract. However, he never lived up to expectations, staying in the coaches' doghouse for most of his stay in Charlotte. Thomas still shows excellent upside when he does play, actually registering a triple double (points, rebounds, and BLOCKS!) in one of his more relevant stretches. 

Possible upside on a team: Defense and energy. He's still a raw offensive player, but he can be quite an intimidating force if in the right mindset.

Possible red flag: He might not have that "right mindset". Considering his athleticism, he shouldn't have been in the doghouse if he was a consummate professional.

Lamar Odom (SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers)

Bad Lamar, Good Lamar, or TV Lamar? No one really knows what they're going to get.

For an integral part of a two-time NBA champion team, Odom sure makes it seem like rings don't matter to teams. Weeks after free agent signings have commenced, Odom has yet to find a team that's willing to sign him. Despite the talent and physical gifts, Odom seems to always lack the effort to grow into his potential. Maybe it's the fact that he's already won a championship, or maybe it's just who he is. Either way, if his head is screwed on right, he's one of the most versatile big men in the league.

Possible upside to a team: Can play multiple positions on both ends of the floor; can start for a young or a bad team, and play a 6th man on a contender. 

Possible red flag: Heart and effort is not always there. You'll never know if you're going to get NBA Champion PF Odom or goofball Clipper Odom.

Other names not included

1. Gerald Henderson - Charlotte's leading scorer is probably one of the best G/F available out there, but he's not included in this list simply because Charlotte has already extended a qualifying offer to him.

2. DJ Augustin - The 9th overall pick in the 2008 draft was once the starting guard for the Charlotte Bobcats. However, he had a listless season serving as a backup guard in Indiana. He's fast, but that's almost his only asset, as he has spotty outside and perimeter shooting. It's been recently reported that he has come to terms with the Toronto Raptors.

3. Mo Williams - He had an amazing rookie season in Milwaukee, was derailed by injuries, but later gained an All-Star nod playing alongside LeBron James in Cleveland. Last season, he was again hobbled by injuries while playing for the Utah Jazz. I think he's one of the best point guards available in the market, but I also honestly think that if I'm a team owner, I wouldn't sign him to terms he would agree to. I personally think he's already washed up, or too hobbled by injuries for me to spend on. I could be terribly wrong, but he's not going in my fantasy team even if he played for the Kings or something.