[h2]Free-agent fits: Bucher's top 20[/h2][h3]Finding the right homes for the best free agents means matching skills with systems[/h3]
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By Ric Bucher
ESPN The Magazine
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Editor's Note: Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur decided Tuesday not to opt out of their contracts, so they were removed from this list.
Thanks to the Spurs, Cavaliers and Magic, it's possible to believe that at least some NBA teams are more committed to raising a championship banner thanprotecting the profit margin.
Now the questions are: How committed? Will any other teams join the party? And if they do, will they make the right choices?
Although the 2010 free-agent class might be loaded with franchise cornerstones, the current class has enough cornices and rebar to upgrade a team fromfixer-upper to showcase status. The options for reworking a team's foundation are limited, though. That's not great for Detroit and Oklahoma City,which have the most cap room and are looking to upgrade their respective cores. But for teams in search of specialty items, an array of young role players andbattle-tested veterans are available.
The key, as always, is to pay the right price and add pieces that don't just look nice but also fit the decor. The 76ers blew their budget by landing
Elton Brand last summer, not anticipating that he'dbog down their up-tempo offense. The Clippers emptied the till to add
Baron Davis, not figuring on Brand's defection or Davis' balking at coach Mike Dunleavy's play calling. The Magic, conversely,made a lower-profile move in signing guard
MickaelPietrus, but his athleticism, 3-point shooting and ability to defend bigger wings filled a glaring need at shooting guard and made him an invaluableingredient in getting them to the Finals.
It's through that lens that we examine the 20 free agents who could have the biggest impact next season, either on their current teams if they'rere-signed or on a new team badly needing their services. To help any real or imaginary GMs, a synopsis of what each player can deliver at this stage of hiscareer (which might not match popular opinion) and the best and worst systems for him are included. You know, just in case someone is thinking of building agrand staircase for a mobile home.
*UFA = unrestricted free agent
*RFA = restricted free agent
[h3]1.
Hedo Turkoglu, SF/PF, Magic (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Playmaking forward who is as close to
LeBron James as any 30-year-old in the league can be. Very good passer but a better scorer, particularly in the clutch. Has completeface-up game -- 3s off the dribble, pull-up jumpers and the ability to finish at the rim. Size and length discourage most teams from attacking him defensively,but without a shot-blocker behind him, he's an easy mark.
Right system: In short: Orlando's. Doesn't have stamina to orchestrate offense all night but is fearless when needed. Has to haveshooters spacing the floor because his handle is shaky in traffic. Also needs a strong team-defense concept.
Wrong system: A point guard-dominated one or any emphasizing pick-and-rolls or a drive-and-kick style in which he's not directlyinvolved. Loses much of his value if he's merely a spot-up threat or a third option. Up-tempo is not his strength, either, because he has amazing skillsbut average athleticism for a small forward/power forward.
Best fits: Magic, Pistons, Blazers, Grizzlies, Bucks
[h3]2.
Ben Gordon, SG, Bulls (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Scorer, pure and simple. Despite his size (6-foot-3), he can elevate and knock down contested jumpers off the dribble againstalmost anybody and get to the rim. Quick brakes and release are the keys. Mediocre or worse in every other aspect of the game, but you can count on between 20to 30 points every night and half of those in the fourth quarter.
Right system: Simple and wide-open with a place to hide him on defense. Teammates who will do the dirty work without complaint and a pointguard strong enough to keep the rest of the team involved and defend the opposing shooting guard.
Wrong system: Low-scoring, defensive-oriented team that sees him as anything more than a designated scorer. Not likely to mesh with a starwho expects to get the ball at crunch time. Has to have an agile shot-blocker behind him to discourage opponents from exploiting his size and overall lack ofdefense.
Best fits: Bulls, Hawks, Mavericks, Timberwolves, Knicks, Suns, Hornets
[h3]3.
Andre Miller, PG, 76ers (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Strong on pick-and-rolls and post-ups. Remarkably effective when getting into the paint, considering he is not a threat fromfarther than 20 feet. Much better finisher than passer in the paint, unless it's a lob. Uses his size and strength well when he can get up into his man ondefense; capable of guarding both 2s and 1s.
Right system: A self-sufficient one in which he can be a closer rather than creator. Works well as a calming influence in an up-tempoattack. Exceptional rebounder for a point guard, so when he's paired with athletic wings, there are lots of transition points.
Wrong system: Anything that asks him to be a traditional point guard. A post-up big man limits the best parts of his game. Needs a star whodraws double-teams and an alley-oop big man to open up his midrange game.
Best fits: 76ers, Blazers, Warriors, Heat, Raptors, Knicks, Pacers
[h3]4.
Rasheed Wallace, PF/C, Pistons (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Unlimited jump-shooting range with ability to turn and score over either shoulder in the post. Excellent help and on-the-balldefender when he's in the mood; has strength to play behind and length to three-quarters on the block. Smartest all-around post defender in the league.
Right system: Half-court, slower tempo, now that age has cut his endurance. Requires a commanding, battle-tested coach because he won'thesitate to go off the reservation at the first whiff of uncertainty or incompetence. Needs an aggressive No. 1 offensive option because he would rather playoff a star than be one. A team and coach with a defensive focus are important to keep him committed to the cause.
Wrong system: One without clearly defined roles. Or a team that relies on him night in and night out, offensively or defensively, or with acoach still learning the ropes.
Best fits: Celtics, Mavericks, Spurs, Magic
[h3]5.
Lamar Odom PF/SF, Lakers, (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Ultimate facilitator, the basketball equivalent of a utility infielder. Capable of a little of everything -- post scoring,3-pointers, dribble drives, assists, rebounds, blocked shots -- and usually does exactly that.
Right system: Any that he can enhance rather than engineer. Needs a strong leader, an understanding coach and hard-nosed guys next to himup front to handle the physical chores in the paint. The more structure, the better, because decision-making is suspect.
Wrong system: An inflexible one that counts on him to contribute in a specific area. He does not impose his will, so it's paramountthat he finds a matchup he can exploit naturally. Can't be the best or second-best player.
Best fits: Lakers, Spurs, Magic, Celtics
[h3]6.
Trevor Ariza, SF, Lakers (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Streaky 3-point shooter, good finisher off cuts, but marginal handle and no midrange jumper off the dribble. Tenacious, eagerdefender, both on the ball and in passing lanes. Quick and lanky but surprisingly strong, so he can defend bigger players in the post.
Right system: A structured defensive-oriented one with at least one playmaker, because he's not comfortable shooting contested jumpers.Extremely quiet, so leadership has to come from elsewhere. Very adept at moving without the ball and a willing passer, so he flourishes in a pass-and-cutoffense.
Wrong system: Freewheeling, drive-and-kick in which he has to handle or be a playmaker. His 3-point shot still isn't good enough to bea staple of his game.
Best fits: Lakers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Bobcats, Magic, Spurs, Rockets, Pistons, Jazz
[h3]7.
Anderson Varejao, PF/C, Cavaliers[/h3]
His game: Defensive stopper on the post, clever moving without the ball, chasing loose balls and rebounds for extra possessions, excellenthelp defender in every way except as a shot-blocker. Deceptively agile and athletic. Finishes well around the rim in traffic. Jump shot is improving but stillunreliable.
Right system: Defensive-oriented with four offensive threats around him, leaving him free to score off putbacks and backdoor cuts.Drive-and-kick in which he's the big rolling to the basket.
Wrong system: Post-player-dominated offense or scheme based on pick-and-rolls in which he's not involved. Those frameworks eliminatehis cuts off the ball for baskets or chances for putbacks.
Best fits: Cavaliers, Celtics, Hawks, Bulls, Nuggets, Thunder, Suns
[h3]8.
Marvin Williams, SF, Hawks (RFA)[/h3]
His game: Versatile scorer, especially now that he has developed corner 3-point range. Can isolate and score on post moves or face-updrives. Might have been Hawks' best defender when healthy; developing into stopper for league's growing legion of playmaking small forwards.
Right system: Handle still needs improvement, so he needs shooters/scorers who space the floor. Good transition finisher. Would flourishwith a disciplined defensive team.
Wrong system: One built around a dominant, scoring post player, because the best part of his offensive game is around the paint, and his3-point shooting isn't
that good.
Best fits: Heat, Mavericks, Blazers, Pistons, Bulls, Hawks
[h3]9.
Jason Kidd, PG, Mavericks (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Vast change from Kidd of yesteryear. Now he's a respectable spot-up shooter and defender who plays angles and shepherds hisman into help. Still has uncanny ability to find an open man with the game on the line, milk a hot hand or recognize a mismatch. Good post-up threat but nolonger finishes in traffic. Pass-ahead, fast-break starter off rebounds.
Right system: A balanced offense that he can initiate, but which features a threat who requires double teams. Still good in a team-defenseconcept, so needs smart teammates and an organized coach. Athletic wings are a must to exploit his outlet passes and protect him on defense. Lots ofoff-the-ball, pass-and-cut movement allows him to use his passing, vision and timing.
Wrong system: A rip-and-run offensive style with no title-contending hopes or aspirations or players capable of moving without theball.
Best fits: Mavericks, Lakers, Cavaliers, Rockets, Magic, Hawks, Celtics
[h3]10.
Ron Artest, SF, Rockets (UFA)[/h3]
His game: A matchup nightmare because of his 3-point shooting, handle and physical ability to take contact and still score. Enlivened bydefensive challenges, his strength, tenacity and deceptive agility -- even if it has diminished -- make him a rather aggravating cover guy.
Right system: Half-court game with a calm, communicating coach adept at exploiting offensive mismatches. A team with a soliddecision-making star who has enough game to command Artest's trust and respect.
Wrong system: My-way-or-the-highway coach without a star bigger than Artest, one that demands its small forward make plays or one that hasno chance at the playoffs.
Best fits: Lakers, Rockets, Celtics, Cavaliers
[h3]11.
Mike Bibby, PG, Hawks (UFA)[/h3]
His game: One of the best 3-point-shooting PGs in league. Still effective on pick-and-rolls but more of a set-up-the-offense,flare-to-the-corner type now. A defensive liability but better in a strong team concept. Is not a playmaker but doesn't try to be one; moves the ball onthe perimeter, happy to feed and play off a bona fide star.
Right system: Thrives with passing big men, a slower pace, a player's coach and at least one screen-setting big man. Long, athletic,hard-nosed wings are recommended so he can hide on defense.
Wrong system: Anything that requires him to create shots or provide dribble penetration. A team that lacks a shot-blocker or at least onedefensive-oriented wing.
Best fits: Hawks, Blazers, Rockets, Grizzlies, Wizards, Hornets
[h3]12.
Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Raptors (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Even though age has somewhat diminished his legendary pogo-stick legs, the faster the game, the better he is. Unheraldeddefender, both helping and on the ball. Moves well off the ball and has array of flip shots from 10 feet and in. Can make 3s but at this point is mosteffective when he keeps those to a minimum.
Right system: Up-tempo with a first-rate passing point guard. Moves well enough that he can play with or without a dominant postplayer.
Wrong system: Lots of chuckers, because Marion's energy suffers without touches and when his defensive responsibilities are overlyisolated.
Best fits: Knicks, Hornets, Bulls, 76ers, Suns, Raptors
[h3]13.
Paul Millsap, PF, Jazz (RFA)[/h3]
His game: Space-eater around the rim. Tenacious rebounder, especially good at cleaning up the offensive boards. Can score in the post butlimited as a passer. Face-up game is almost acceptable. No jumper beyond 15 feet. Not a shot-blocker but very good at keeping bigger, more talented players offthe block or away from their spots.
Right system: Needs shooters around him and a playmaking, penetrating point guard. Works best in a structured system in which he has awell-defined, contributing role.
Wrong system: An up-tempo, free-flowing offense or a defense without a shot-blocker or solid perimeter defenders. Has neither shot-blockingchops nor agility to help on dribble drives. Would get lost next to a post-dominating big man.
Best fits: Jazz, Blazers, Suns, Celtics, Pistons, Nuggets
[h3]14.
Drew Gooden, PF, Spurs (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Designated post-up scorer. Is not going to block shots or find cutters but is an above-average rebounder and can create shots forhimself on the block, a precious commodity.
Right system: A simple but disciplined one, where his marching orders are clear. Look for him to provide points when the offense bogs downand jumpers are not falling, and he won't disappoint.
Wrong system: A read-and-react format in which he has to provide a defensive post presence or make plays.
Best fits: Spurs, Bulls, Heat, Blazers
[h3]15.
Allen Iverson, PG/SG, Pistons (UFA)[/h3]
His game: Improvisational scorer, still capable of breaking down almost any defender off the dribble. Age, plus wear and tear, has himrelying more on his midrange jumper than getting to the rim. Needs a strong but thoughtful coach to keep him focused and committed.
Right system: A team that has a need for an electric scorer off the bench, featuring a loose, offensive-oriented attack and a lockerroom/coach strong enough to keep him happy with that role. Preferably without a post scorer to clog up the lane.
Wrong system: Highly structured scheme that doesn't have at least two excellent perimeter defenders to hide Iverson's steal-or-elsedefensive approach. A coach without a pedigree would not be good, either.
Best fits: Magic, Warriors, Wizards, Celtics, Suns
[h3]16.
David Lee, PF/C, Knicks (RFA)[/h3]
His game: Energy and defense without needing plays called for him. Will sacrifice his body on screens and charges. Undersized but athletic,hard-nosed and low-maintenance. Rebound and loose-ball fiend. Good hands and decent with putbacks and finishing around the rim off pick-and-roll. Not much of athreat beyond 15 feet or on post-ups. Willing help defender, but not a shot-blocker.
Right system: Up-tempo is ideal because he'll outrun most bigs in transition. Need at least three scorers, ideally four, so he has roomand reason to chase down rebounds and putbacks. Can't play off an offensive post threat because he doesn't have the jumper to space the floor. Mobileenough to show on the guard in pick-and-roll defense and get back to a rolling big.
Wrong system: A methodical half-court set with a dominant scoring center who is not a shot-blocker.
Best fits: Suns, Blazers, Jazz, Rockets, Thunder, Warriors
[h3]17.
Linas Kleiza, SF, Nuggets (RFA)[/h3]
His game: Streaky spot-up shooter from 3-point range. No real in-between game. Unafraid to go strong to the rim and has the muscle to takecontact and finish. Good lane-filler on the break. Willing on-the-ball defender who fights over screens and uses his size well to crowd opponents. Not much ofa help defender.
Right system: Needs a playmaking point guard or double-team-drawing star because he doesn't create his own shot. Better in ateam-oriented, lock-'em-up defensive system with a bona fide shot-blocker so he can crowd opponents and use his strength without fear of getting beat offthe dribble. Also better in a structured offense because he moves without the ball well and understands spacing.
Wrong system: An up-and-down style with lots of one-on-one play because he'll get lost in the shuffle, which is what happened in Denverlast season.
Best fits: Cavs, Lakers, Hornets, Spurs, Magic
[h3]18.
Channing Frye, SF/PF, Blazers (RFA)[/h3]
His game: Solid jump shooter with 3-point range. Unafraid to take and make crunch-time shots, even when playing limited minutes. Highbasketball IQ. Not a physical player but can post up players his size or smaller. Limited defensively by his size and strength but makes an effort.
Right system: A drive-and-kick offense willing and able to move the ball around the perimeter and disciplined defense with willing and ablehelp defenders. Not a shot-blocker, so he needs to be protected -- not the protector -- around the rim.
Wrong system: Up-tempo, fast-break style. Just not quick or explosive enough to make that work as an undersized power forward. Not going toflourish with a shoot-first point guard, either.
Best fits: Pistons, Heat, Magic
[h3]19.
Charlie Villanueva, SF/PF Bucks (UFA)[/h3]
His Game: Intriguing combination of 3-point range, an above-average handle and an underrated post game. His languid body language obscuresan exceptional skill set (think Lamar Odom). Shot selection is suspect at times and commitment to defense comes and goes, but seems to have the mentality thathe can score on anybody and is willing to die trying.
Right System: Any that can put four quality defenders on the floor, because a winning team can't afford more than one bad one andCharlie has that locked up. A dominant point guard who can feed Villanueva when he's hot (and keep the ball out of his hands when he's not) also wouldhelp.
Wrong System: The kind that gives its players too much freedom. It can't be an accident that Villanueva flourished under Scott Skiles,who is pretty explicit with his expectations.
Best Fits: Spurs, Pistons, Cavaliers, Celtics, Magic, Lakers, Bobcats, Pacers, Blazers
[h3]20.
Zaza Pachulia, C, Hawks (UFA)[/h3]
His Game: Physical screener, good at using his body around the rim to get off shots with either hand, has an appetite for contact at bothends. Looks mechanical but can execute every basic facet -- pass, medium-range jump shot, post-up in single coverage, challenge shots -- needed from thepivot.
Right System: Can raise his level to the players around him, but isn't going to raise theirs. Needs a structured half-court system,ideally with an athletic power forward next to him and shooters who allow him to be isolated in the post.
Wrong System: Any scheme that requires speed, improvisation or anything more than dirty work from its center.
Best Fits: Raptors, Hawks, Rockets, Heat, Pistons
Ric Bucher is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN Insider.
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