The 2010 NBA free agency list was certainly one to remember, with superstars such as Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire hitting the open market. While the 2011 class might lack the star power, there will be no shortage of talent to be had for the right price, or if 2010 was any indication; the right opportunity.
Carmelo Anthony
While he lacks the MVP awards of Lebron and the championship swagger of D-Wade, Carmelo Anthony is slated to exercise his early termination option, or ETO, to test the free agent waters starting July 1st. The 26 year old is an impact scorer, averaging over 24 points per game during his eight seasons in Denver. Anthony has been the subject of rampant NBA trade rumors for practically the entire 2010-11 season that have him moving to the New Jersey Nets, the New York Knicks or the Houston Rockets. Carmelo has only fueled the fires by not signing a three-year, $65 million extension with the Denver Nuggets. It's rumored that Anthony longs to play in a Knicks jersey beside Amare Stoudemire, but it's believed the Brooklyn-bound New Jersey Nets will likely make a hard run at the Brooklyn-born Anthony. On top of an on-the-court need for a scorer, the Nets will soon be presented the task of selling NBA tickets to a brand new fan base in Brooklyn starting in 2012.
Likely suitors: New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets.
Tim Duncan
After two NBA Most Valuable Player awards and four NBA Championships, could you imagine Tim Duncan not wearing a Spurs basketball jersey next season? Me neither. In fact, it makes sense to link Duncan's impending free agency to that of his cross-state rival Dirk Nowitzki, who entertained offers before re-upping with Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks in 2010. Regardless if he adds title number five to his mantle this year, Duncan will be 35 this summer. His minutes per game have diminished in six consecutive seasons to a career low 29.3 in 2010-11, while his scoring numbers have declined in each of the last three years. While many would still consider Duncan an elite NBA power forward, it's hard, if not impossible, to imagine him heading anywhere except San Antonio in 2011.
Likely suitors: San Antonio Spurs.
Jamal Crawford
The NBA's 2009-10 Sixth Man of the Year award winner hits the free agent market at age 30 during the summer of 2011. It's tough to imagine a roster where Crawford wouldn't fit in. He provides versatility at shooting guard and small forward while providing instant offense. While generally regarded as a bench player, Crawford has played starter's minutes (32.3 per game) throughout his career. In fact, Crawford's career production compares favorably with another former Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili.
- Ginobili: 15.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 28.1 MPG.
- Crawford: 15.5 PPG, 4.0 APG, 32.3 MPG
Likely suitors: Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs.
Ray Allen
Death, taxes and Ray Allen. The seemingly timeless sharpshooter will be 36 just three weeks after hitting free agency this summer, but don't look for his age to deter potential shooters. Allen is posting some of his best career numbers in 2010-11, including shooting a career-high 45% from behind the three-point line. Like his Celtics teammates Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, prognosticators have been waiting for a decline in production since joining Boston in 2007. The results?
- 2007-08: 17.4 PPG, 39.8% 3P, 35.9 MPG.
- 2008-09: 18.2 PPG, 40.9% 3P, 36.4 MPG.
- 2009-10: 16.3 PPG, 36.3% 3P, 35.2 MPG.
- 2010-11: 17.2 PPG, 45.4% 3P, 35.8 MPG.
Likely suitors: Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks.
Other notable 2011 NBA free agents: Yao Ming (Rockets), Glen Davis (Celtics), Rodney Stuckey (Pistons), Mike Dunleavy (Pacers), Michael Redd (Bucks), Kris Humphries (Nets), Jason Richardson (Magic), Grant Hill (Suns), Carl Landry (Kings), Josh Howard (Wizards).
Looking further ahead? Check out my breakdown of the top 2012 NBA free agents including Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Andrew Bynum.
Sean J. O'Rourke - I'm Sean, a 25-year old marketing professional, photographer and sports and music journalist currently living in northeastern New Jersey. ...
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