The NBA Free Agent Period starts in 30 days, and if you are a fan of team not in the running for LeBron James, there may very well be some free agents on your wish list. LayupDrill.com takes a look at the top 20 in the free agent class of 2010, and gives you our prediction of where they will land, including the likes of James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Today – 20 through 11.
20. Shaquille O’ Neal – Cavs Center
We have a Cavalier starting and ending our list, and ironically we expect neither to end up back in Cleveland. Shaq will be 38 at the start of next season, and ideally is not an 82 game player. His 12 points and 6 boards a game average this year is probably best case for a contender looking to add him for depth and playoff big game experience. Some will hope Shaq will give them what Rasheed Wallace gave Boston this year. Good Luck
Likely Destinations: Nets, Mavericks, Bulls, Thunder
19. Brendan Haywood – Mavericks Center
Depending on how things shake out in Dallas, Shaq could very well take Haywood’s roster spot in Dallas. Haywood is a serviceable big man, but will not land the type of contract he may think he will this summer. Plenty of contenders will look his way, and you won’t see him on the open market for long.
Likely Destinations: Cavs, Thunder, Pistons, Rockets
18. Nate Robinson – Celtics Guard
The defending slam dunk champion made his presence known in the playoffs for the Celtics, as he provided Boston with much needed productive playing time on the biggest of stages. Lil Nate will garner interest from many teams, whether Boston wins or loses the Finals. While the Celtics may try to retain him, the money and years Robinson is expecting won’t come as a full time backup to Rajon Rondo.
Likely Destinations: Bobcats, Nets, Suns
17. Richard Jefferson – Spurs Forward
San Antonio has to hope the 30 year old Jefferson opts out of his current deal, which would make him an unrestricted free agent. If he does not, the Spurs will owe him $15.2 million dollars. Jefferson knows he may have one more multi-year deal left, and he may be willing to gamble and play addition by subtraction.
Likely Destinations: Spurs(lower deal), Wizards, Sixers
16. Matt Barnes – Magic Forward
You can’t put a price on experience or toughness, and wingman Matt Barnes has both. Though the Magic did not make it to the Finals this year, the addition of Barnes proved to be valuable, and many expect Barnes to re-sign with the team.
Likely Destinations: Orlando, Miami, Dallas, New York
15. Ray Allen – Celtics Guard
The future Hall of Famer’s window of winning another title in Boston is likely over after the Finals, so Jesus Shutterworth will be likely looking to land somewhere else next Fall. The Celtics will try to get younger this summer, and the “New Big 3″ for 2010-11 will consist of Rondo/K.G/Pierce.
Likely Destinations: Chicago, New York, New Jersey, San Antonio
14. Udonis Haslem – Heat Forward
I have also admired Haslem’s work ethic, and during Miami’s run to the NBA Title a few years back, he was one of the unsung heroes. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, he likely does not fit into the Heat’s new look, so Haslem will be on the market. Many contenders will look to offer Haslem a deal.
Likely Destinations: Houston, L.A Clippers, Dallas, Detroit
13. Louis Scola – Rockets Forward
The 29 year old Scola may be one of the most underrated players in the league. His play in Houston often did not grab the headlines, but Scola was a great asset to the team. Where will he land this summer? Texas or the Big Apple make sense.
Likely Destinations: New York, Dallas, Houston
12. Tyrus Thomas – Bobcats Forward
At only 23 years old, Tyrus Thomas has plenty of basketball left. Charlotte will look to do everything they can to sign Thomas to a multi-year deal, though he will draw interest from many other East clubs.
Likely Destinations: Bobcats, Wizards, Knicks, Suns
11. Rudy Gay – Grizzlies Guard
Memphis doesn’t have good luck. The Pau Gasol trade has cursed this franchise, and even when they make “the right move” on paper, i.e signing Allen Iverson or Zach Randolph, things don’t work out. Rudy Gay is one of the best young talents in the league that no one really knows about, and he is ready be the next Scottie Pippen. Question is, who will be his Jordan? D-Wade or LeBron? My guess, neither.
Likely Destinations: L.A Clippers, Spurs, Wolves
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