31. Chris Copeland [R] (Power Forward, New York Knicks)
Certainly showed enough in limited minutes to warrant a multi-year deal from some team looking for a big with upside. Pro is he showed marked improvement during his rookie season. Con is that he is already 29 and isn’t actually a “young” player, though his mileage is limited. Days in New York may be numbered. Knicks cannot re-sign him for more than about $3.2 million. Will he get more? JULY 2 UPDATE — Looks like a goner from NY, which made the worst move of any team by acquiring ItaloStiff Andrea Bargnani. JULY 3 UPDATE — Has not ruled out return to Knicks, though it may cost them their entire taxpayer mid-level exception of $3.18 million. May or may not have an offer from the Pacers. There are conflicting reports. JULY 4 UPDATE — Who isn’t interested in Copeland? The Cavaliers join the Knicks, Pelicans and Pacers as the teams most interested. Knicks re-signed Prigioni for a piece of the taxpayer mid-level exception and that hurts their odds of retaining Copeland. But we know he wants to stay in New York. JULY 5 UPDATE — So much for New York. Copeland agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Indiana Pacers for a reported $6 million. His signing may signify the end of Tyler Hansbrough’s tenure in Indy.
32. Carl Landry, (Power Forward, Golden State Warriors)
Landry left a $4 million player option on the table to pursue free agency. He said he would like to return to the Warriors if it makes sense financially but will test the market before making that decision — which was made for him when the Warriors renounced his rights in the Iguodala deal. He was solid coming off the bench last season, appearing in 81 games while averaging 10.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in 23.2 minutes. JULY 1 UPDATE — Could be a piece of sign-and-trade if Dubs get Dwight Howard, but more likely would move into starting role if David Lee goes to Lakers. JULY 2 UPDATE — Meeting with Clippers. Bucks a possibility. JULY 3 UPDATE — The Cavaliers are also interested, per ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. JULY 3 UPDATE (2) — Landry visited with the Los Angeles Clippers and, per ESPN’s Marc Stein, may wind up signing with them. JULY 5 UPDATE — Got dumped when Warriors renounced his rights. Like Millsap, suddenly faces a very uncertain future. JULY 6 UPDATE — Like Paul Millsap, Landry rebounded nicely after being deemed expendable by the Golden State Warriors. Landry will move about 80 miles Northeast of Oakland, agreeing to head to the Sacramento Kings on a four-year deal worth $27 million. JULY 8 UPDATE– The new big man off the bench will be Marreese Speights.
33. Mo Williams (Point Guard, Utah Jazz)
Heyday with Cavaliers was a while ago but still capable of helping a team. Last season’s 12.9 points, 6.2 assists and near playoff berth in Utah proved that, even if he is mostly forgotten on the free agent market. Could be a nice pickup for bargain shoppers, but point guard market is somewhat saturated. A value pickup for a contender? JULY 2 UPDATE — Bulls showing significant interest, according to RealGM, and Mavs have inquired. Jazz would like him back, too, but he’d eventually be a backup to Trey Burke.
34. Nate Robinson (Shooting Guard, Chicago Bulls)
Little guys do not usually get paid, but after an amazing playoff run with the Chicago Bulls, the days of Nate being overlooked are over. He was a sideshow in Boston and an afterthought in Oklahoma City, but after impressing in his Chicago tenure, we expect there to be some demand for his this offseason. Best financial scenario for him is a mid-level. Has never gotten paid. #knuckleheadfactor. JULY 2 UPDATE — Knicks have spoken to his agent, but Berman of the Post says a signing is unlikely.
35. Devin Harris (Point Guard, Atlanta Hawks)
Best years are far, far behind, but a team look for a second point guard to play 15-20 minutes a night could do far worse. Had some bright spots in Atlanta, though durability at this stage is a concern. Squeeze candidate. When he got traded for J.Kidd and the Nets fans in Jersey chanted “Thank-You, Cu-Ban.” Seems like ages ago. A Brooklyn reunion would be a funny story, but Harris is still worth more than the minimum. JULY 2 UPDATE — Told Racine Journal-Times he’d be open to joining Bucks. Dude hasn’t even tweeted in more than 2 years. Might be eating pasta (euphemism for playing overseas) next season. JULY 6 UPDATE — Harris has agreed to terms with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year deal worth $9 million. The deal may adversely affect the Mavericks attempt to come to terms with Andrew Bynum, but the Sixers do still have the option of pursuing a sign-and-trade deal for Bynum.
36. Zaza Pachulia (Center, Atlanta Hawks)
Tougher, stronger and probably a better player than the average fan knows. With rebuilding under way in Atlanta, Pachulia’s time there may be over, especially coming off Achilles surgery. We think he will go under the radar, get less than his worth and make some patient and observant GM look extremely smart at some point during the season. JULY 7 UPDATE — Got three years and $15 million from the Bucks.
37. Gal Mekel (Point Guard, Maccabi Haifa)
Played at Wichita State from 2006-08 and spent the past four of the past five years playing in the Israeli League, where he was the MVP this past season. He has worked out for the Mavericks and Bucks; the Raptors are also said to be interested. His value soared as he led his team to an upset of Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Israieli SuperLeague finals. Atlanta, Indiana, Memphis and Utah also have interest. JULY 1 UPDATE — Agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Mavericks for the league minimum.
38. Gary Neal [R] (Shooting Guard, San Antonio Spurs)
Solid gunner that will get some attention after a historic Game 3 performance in this year’s Finals. Very slim chance he leaves San Antonio, but players like Neal are often put in positions where they have to cash in at the right time and think about their future and limited earning potential. One of the best open shot-makers on the market. JULY 4 UPDATE — With the Spurs signing Marco Belinelli, it appears his days in San Antonio are over — if someone makes him an offer that would cause the Spurs to be a tax team if they match.
39. Al-Farouq Aminu (Small Forward, New Orleans Pelicans)
We have seen flashes but not the consistency required of a player who has played three seasons after being selected eighth overall. Sneaky signing by cap room team such as Cavs, Bobcats or Hawks? Or taxpayer’s minimim signing? Case in point: Billy King has given Nets coach Jason Kidd a list of players to contact July 1 at 12:01 a.m. ET. Is this guy on the list? Nice backup for Paul Pierce in theory. JULY 2 UPDATE — Looks like a scrap heap candidate — but is only 22 with plenty of upside. JULY 6 UPDATE — The Pelicans have reached an agreement with Aminu. He will sign a one-year deal for a reported $3.7 million to remain in New Orleans.
40. Semih Erden (Center, Anadolu Efes, Turkey)
After one season with the Celtics and one with the Cavs, has spent the past two years in Turkey and is coming off a very strong season. During the EuroLeague playoffs, he led all players in fouls drawn and offensive rebounds. There was a time not so long ago when he was considered a better prospect than countryman Omer Asik, who has blossomed with the Rockets. JULY 1 UPDATE — Another Dwight domino. Might make more money staying in Europe.
He decided to tell me around 60 days that he used to be
a drug dealer; his father moved in with him because he was
an alcoholic; his mother was in a mental institution because of abuse from his father;
his sister was dying of a deadly disease; and he wanted me
to buy him a cell phone and give him $20 because he used his
money to pay for his sister’s grocery bill. Similarly, if he’s telling the world that cigars and scotch are his
favourite nightcap, and you’re as anti-smoking, wine-loving as it comes, just let him know.
s important to be aware of the perils of online dating before you get burned.