Jason Kidd, Dime #40
While everyone has been talking about how deep the NBA Draft was with point guards, there are a bunch of veteran free agent PGs that can push a franchise over the top. With that in mind, here are the top 10 unrestricted and restricted point guards this summer:
Unrestricted
1. Jason Kidd – Any time you can get a triple-double machine such as J-Kidd, it can/will drastically change your team. Expect contenders to throw money at Kidd this summer.
2. Allen Iverson – Clearly his time in Detroit was less than extraordinary, but let’s be clear: AI can still ball. While he may not be any team’s single Answer these days, if Iverson can buy into a system (Philly perhaps?) he could have a great season next year.
3. Mike Bibby – While Bibby has been good in Atlanta, he hasn’t been great. And that’s why the Hawks keep spending draft picks on point guards. But realizing that the market isn’t what it used to be, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bibby re-ups with the Hawks.
4. Andre Miller – Make no mistake, there is zero chance that Miller finds his way back on the Sixers’ roster. So with that in mind, what team would be interested in his services? Right now, there is a rumor that the Blazers are interested, but I don’t see him fitting in there.
5. Stephon Marbury – After a brief renaissance with the Celtics, Marbury at least showed teams that he can still play. I doubt there are squads that are clamoring for him, but Steph will clearly be on a roster come opening night.
The rest of the guys: Anthony Carter, Jason Hart, Lindsey Hunter, Bobby Jackson, Damon Jones, Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue, Kevin Ollie, Ronnie Price, Jacque Vaughn and Mike Wilks.
Restricted
1. Nate Robinson – While teams (including the Knicks) are skeptical of overpaying for Nate, there is definitely a huge fanbase that follows when you sign this guy. As a restricted free agent, teams probably won’t have to pay too much for Nate-Rob to pry him away from the cost-cutting Knicks.
2. Raymond Felton – While I’m still not sold on him as a legit NBA starting point guard, if Felton can find himself in a situation with some backcourt help (a la D.J. Augustin last season), then he can be productive. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back in Charlotte next season.
3. Ramon Sessions – Of all the restricted free agents, Sessions could get the largest contract based simply on potential. When he plays, he drops dimes like it’s going out of style, so some teams might pay him just to get the chance to see how he fits.
4. Jarrett Jack – After choosing to draft Psycho-T with their first pick, it appears the Pacers are happy with Jack at the PG spot. They did pickup A.J. Price in the second round, but there’s no way he takes that role. Look for Jack to build on last season and be back in Indy.
5. Shannon Brown – If anyone’s free agent stock rose the most in the playoffs, it was clearly Brown. Stealing minutes from regulars in the Lakers’ rotation, you could say that the Lakers wouldn’t have won their rings without him. I’m sure Phil Jackson wants him back in town, but just like Ronny Turiaf a year ago, some team is likely going to pay just more than they’re willing to spend.
The rest of the guys: C.J. Watson