11. Aaron Brooks (Point Guard, Houston Rockets)
It really was not that long ago that Brooks was one of the league’s more productive starting point guards. In 2009-10, he started all 82 games for the Houston Rockets and averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 assists per game. Since then, his minutes have steadily decreased and he has had utterly forgettable tenures in Phoenix and Sacramento and and a bad second stint in H-Town. The Rockets waived the still productive 28-year old and made him an unrestricted free agent. Easily one of the top value guys on the market.
12. Nate Robinson (Point Guard, Chicago Bulls)
Even the epic playoff run that Nate put together against the likes of the Brooklyn Nets and the Miami Heat could not help the little guy get paid. But as we have said time and time again, that is simply life in the NBA. Robinson averaged 16.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in last season’s playoffs. Personally, we think he brings more to the table than a lot of guys who have already been signed, but it’s no secret that Nate’s personality wears on those who interact with him regularly. Showed he can actually run an offense with the Bulls last season, and that increases his NBA value.
13. Gary Neal [R] (Shooting Guard, San Antonio Spurs)
One of our favorite sharpshooters in the league is not expected to be retained by the San Antonio Spurs. Like Chris Copeland, Neal is an older-than-usual restricted free agent, but unlike Copeland, has a healthy sample size that should yield a decent payday for him. The Spurs signing Marco Belinelli is no surprise. Word is, the Spurs brass did not believe they could afford to match the offer they are expecting Neal to get on the open market. Do not dismiss the possibility of him returning to San Antonio on the one-year qualifying offer, but it is not likely.
14. Samuel Dalembert (Center, Milwaukee Bucks)
After losing out on Tiago Splitter and presumably not having a shot at Nikola Pekovic, it is looking like Dalembert makes the most sense for the Trail Blazers, who came into the season as one of the teams in desperate need for a center. Dalembert was previously linked to the Miami Heat, but with Chris Andersen re-signing, that may not be an option if Dalembert is looking for more than a minimum salary. He is, and the Trail Blazers can offer him more. JULY 11 UPDATE — Dalembert is receiving some interest from the Dallas Mavericks, according to some reports. JULY 12 UPDATE — Dalembert was being heavily courted by the Dallas Mavericks before the club came to terms with Monta Ellis on a three-year deal. It is not known (yet) whether Ellis’s acquisition has any effect on the club’s pursuit of Dalembert.
15. Rodrigue Beaubois (Point Guard, Dallas Mavericks)
Beaubois showed some flashes as a rookie, but at this point, his inability to stay healthy has severely diminished his market value and his ability to earn a big payday at the NBA level. Beaubois is still just 25 years old, but the Mavericks signing of Israeli point guard Gal Mekel—who ranked as our No. 37 free agent— likely signifies the end of Beaubois’ playing time in Dallas. He is unrestricted after not receiving a one-year qualifying offer from Mark Cuban’s team.
16. Nick Young (Shooting Guard, Philadelphia 76ers)
Barely got burn for the 76ers, but most GMs know he can score the ball. Showed some flashes with Washington and the LA Clippers but will be looking for a fourth team in as many years. That is usually a red flag for GMs around the league. Young still has some upside but will not be cashing a huge check this year. He still provides value as a potential scorer off the bench, but he is one-dimensional. JULY 11 UPDATE — Young has agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Lakers, whose overhaul continues after losing Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets. Terms of Young’s deal were not immediately available, but he will be running with Steve Nash next season.
17. Elton Brand (Power Forward, Dallas Mavericks)
From what we hear, Brand is simply in no rush to sign with any team. The Bulls, Cavaliers, Lakers and Knicks are interested, with the word being that the Knicks are making the most serious push for him. Brand is reportedly looking for more than the $1.7 million the Knicks can offer him, though. Certainly not the same player he once was, Brand still has timing and his midrange touch—two valuable assets for the 34-year old who played just 22 minutes per game last season with the Dallas Mavericks. JULY 10 UPDATE — According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks have been told that they are no longer under consideration for Brand’s services.
18. Beno Udrih (Point Guard, Orlando Magic)
Though unheralded, Udrih has been a fairly solid point guard for his entire career. Last season, as a member of the Orlando Magic, Udrih, after being dealt in the J.J. Redick trade, averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 assists over 27 games for the Magic. That included starting the final nine games of the season, where his averages jumped up to 14.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists. On a minimum deal, Udrih is a steal.
19. Lamar Odom (Power Forward, Los Angeles Clippers)
Mr. Kardashian is probably headed back to the Los Angeles Lakers, and the reunion makes all the sense in the world. Odom played his best basketball as Kobe Bryant’s running mate, and after the defection of Dwight and the amnestying of Metta World Peace, the Lakers need bodies and they need them for cheap. It will be a long year for Lakers fans, but with Chris Kaman on board and Odom potentially following, Bryant will at least have a few familiar faces flanking him. If things do not work out with the Lakers, the Clippers and Knicks could also make sense for Odom, who is probably a minimum player at this stage of his career.
20. Greg Stiemsma (Center, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Stiemsma had his moments as a member of the Boston Celtics back during the 2011-12 season and got a two-year, $5.27 million deal from the Timberwolves, but only the first year was guaranteed. After a busy offseason that included signing Kevin Martin, re-signing Chase Budinger and attempting to hang onto Nikola Pekovic, Stiemsma was waived by the Timberwolves. At just 27 years old, Stiemsma still has plenty of upside. His per-36 minute averages after two seasons? 8.5 points and 8.1 rebounds. JULY 10 UPDATE — Stiemsma has agreed to sign with the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year deal worth $2.7 million.