The Free Agency Storm Is Coming

Well, that was quick. Before I could even write my story on how Chris Paul would give the Spurs an edge over the Warriors, he was putting out his thank you’s and goodbyes to LA fans and heading to Houston. That's the thing with free agency. So much build up, but it's normally all in place before players can even sign. (Unless you are DeAndre Jordan). Will players get locked into their own house this year? Wouldn't bet against it. There has been so much talk about Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward and Paul George that people are forgetting the rest of this free agency class. And just to remind NBA fans, it’s really f-ing good. In this article, I want to highlight some names outside of the big fish of free agency who could really move the needle for several teams.

The Warriors Bench

Shaun Livingston and Andre Igodula are on this list because it’s important for all NBA teams to team up and bite the bullet and overpay for both of these guys. Part of the reason the Warriors are so good is because they can continue to use their normal bench even in the playoffs. These two guys can command upwards of what the Warriors can pay in both years and dollars and its important for the league that other teams do so. Iggy will want 3–4 years and could command 15–20 million a year. Sounds crazy I know but a team in the NBA team (Maybe Memphis?) Or Toronto if they miss out on their big prizes like Ibaka and Lowry would be good for him. Livingston will command 10–12 million and that may seem like a lot for a bench point guard who cants really distribute but hey... That turnaround 8 footer would be a really nice addition for say, the Bucks. Teams need to realize its very, very hard to build a team like the Warriors... So if you can't beat them take away any piece you can right? Isn't that how the saying goes?

JJ Reddick

It actually blows my mind that Robert Covington shot more 3s per game(6.1) than JJ Reddick did this past season as he shot just under 6 a game. Let's be very real here. The Clippers for some god forsaken reason are heavily invested in Austin Rivers. While everyone has been focused on him, JJ actually shot over 42% from three. How is he not getting 9–10 three point attempts a game say like Eric Gordon? Blows my mind. JJ is also an elite defender. Now yes, he is 33 years old and he will want 3–4 years but in my mind he’s worth that. He’s an elite shooter and doesn't depend on his athleticism to be effective. As the Rockets and Warriors and basically every team has shown (besides the Clippers) shooting especially the long ball is vital to succeed in today's NBA. If you can get JJ on board for 3 years I have no problem paying him 20 million a year to come jack up some threes.

Potenital Fits: 76ers, Timberwolves, Spurs

Jonathon Simmons

ALL ABOARD THE JONATHON SIMMONS BANDWAGON: This is your conductor Zach speaking. Yes... I love this man. His stats may not blow you away but given the playing time Simmons could be special. At age 27 the former D league try-out became a defensive specialist. He has shown massive improvements in his offensive game as well boasting very good numbers when Kawhi went down with his ankle injury in the playoffs. At 6–6 he is one of those position-less players that you can stick on to any player. Simmons also shot 30% from three this past year. While that's nothing to write home about it definitely shows that his offensive game could take off given the proper amount of minutes. I expect Simmons to leave the Spurs which is a shame as I don't see a better fit in this NBA for him than to be groomed by Pop. But I don't see Pop giving Simmons 15 plus million a year and that's what he should/will command on the open market.

Potential Fits: Spurs, Denver, Miami

Kentavious Caldwell Pope

I honestly loved Pope out of college. He got lost in the train wreck that is Detroit as they took a big step back after showing up and being competitive with the Cavilers the year before. KCP is an incredible two way talent. Averaging nearly 14 PPG and shooting a 35% clip from three KCP is a player that nearly every team will be looking to add. However the Pistons should by all accounts resign him. Don't be surprised if a lower level team tries to pry him away with a max deal that makes Van Gundy think for a second. For some reason the idea of KCP and DeAngelo Russell playing together is enticing.

Potential Fits: Detroit, Raptors, Brooklyn

It all starts this weekend. I wish your teams the best of luck. I know my Celtics will need it.