The 2015-16 NBA season is inching closer and every day we hear about players working their way back to full strength or another random free agency addition takes place, we know it’s just around the corner. It’s only two months away, yet there remain several quality players sitting out on the open market, just waiting to get a phone call.
The likes of Jimmer Fredette, Samuel Dalembert and JaVale McGee all got jobs this summer, so there has to be room for the best talent still left in free agency. They have their flaws and there could be good reason they’re not signed yet, but these six guys could still bring something to the table for the right NBA franchise:
Norris Cole (PG)
Cole is a restricted free agent and is probably headed back to the New Orleans Pelicans, but another team could still claim him for the right price. It has to be somewhat telling that the Pellies still haven’t brought him back, but it’s likely a deal will get worked out in the near future. Coles is still young, can score on his own and knows how to create for others, so there is plenty of upside to like. In New Orleans he’d be a strict backup to starting point guard Jrue Holiday, and he could via for a starting job elsewhere. Look for him to stick with the Pels, though.
Ishmael Smith (PG)
Normally regarded as a fringe level player, Smith proved that wasn’t necessarily the case in extensive action as a starter with the Philadelphia 76ers late last season. Smith’s averages for the year aren’t impressive, but he enjoyed several strong outings that showcased his passing and outside shooting. It’s at least mildly surprising he’s not back with Philly or on another squad as a backup yet.
Alexey Shved (G)
Shved has a back issue and is currently signed on to play in Russia, but his surprisingly stellar play for the New York Knicks last year has to have some teams calling. Shved can be a little out of control at times and is not the most efficient player, but he brings great size and length to the point guard position, and is able to score and create at a solid level. He’s more of a backup, but he could be a great get for a high-paced offense. Shved is likely going to stick in Russia for this season, but if the right situation arises, he does have an opt out clause in his current deal.
Dorell Wright (SF)
Wright is currently in China trying to turn his career around, after he inexplicably went from having a huge role with the Golden State Warriors as recently as 2010 to being a bench player in 2012. Wright is still just 29 and can light it up from outside, while he also brings some size and athleticism to the wing. NBA reams want more of a skill-set in their wing players, but Wright knocked down 38% of his long range balls last year and brings an elite skill to the table. He’s a specialist and if an NBA teams is seeking three-point shooting, as most are, they’ll look into buying him out of his deal.
Carlos Boozer (PF)
Boozer is obviously running out of time at 32 years old and perhaps has waited this long to try to find the exact right fit. With only so many years left, Boozer probably is holding out hope to land with a legit title contender. Then again, Boozer does have some shortcomings in that he’s not always the most efficient offensive player and he is a total sieve on defense. That being said, Boozer is a veteran who can score and rebound, and numerous teams could use that solid impact off the bench. Boozer may have to give up on landing with a title contender if he wants to find work this year, however.
Henry Sims (C)
Last, but not necessarily least is Sims, who the 76ers actually let walk this year. They had the ability to hold onto the bruising big man, but turned him loose instead. That makes sense with them drafting Jahlil Okafor and already having both Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel on the roster, however. Sims isn’t the most skilled big man in the world, but he can clean the glass and score close to the basket. He’s also just 25, so there is plenty of upside to work with in the right system.
Got another free agent that deserves to be playing this year? Tell us about them in the comments below!
