With the NBA regular season all but finished, it’s a perfect time to start looking ahead to what free agency this summer will look like. While the free agency of 2014 is getting all the hype, there is still a grocery list of quality guys to be snatched up this summer.
Below is the top five guys to watch out for this summer. Where they end up, whether it’s somewhere new or not, can have a big impact on their fantasy production next season.
Age: 28 14.9 ppg, 7.1 rebounds with Jazz
With both Millsap and Al Jefferson hitting the free agent waters this summer, it looks like the Utah Jazz will have to pick only one to bring back. Millsap’s expected near max price tag and lower production this year means that it will certainly be him that will be packing his bags. However, a change of scenery just might be best for Millsap and his production.
Fantasy Analysis: Millsap is a solid pick-up at the power forward position and even if he puts up similar numbers to those this season, he’s worth a mid round pick.
Age: 26 10.3 ppg, 5 rebounds with Nets
It appears that Blatche will test the free agent waters as the only way he’d be able to stay with the Nets is if he took a pay cut. While that’s possible, it may be time for Blatche to move on to greener pastures where he can be a full time starting center.
Fantasy Analysis: Blatche needs to be a starter, plain and simple. Over his eight starts this season, Blatche is averaging 17.8 ppg and 8.9 rebounds. In fact, over his 183 career starts, Blatche has averaged 15.1 ppg and 7.6 rebounds.
Bottom line is this, if he’s starting next season, take him mid rounds as a safe pick.
Age: 28 17.5 ppg, 9.1 rebounds with Jazz
Considering the amount of money that size and skill demand these days, Jefferson is looking at a pretty big payday this summer. While the Jazz are wanting to keep the productive center, Jefferson may be lured elsewhere to a team that either flashes more cash or is a legit contender.
Fantasy Analysis: Despite putting up solid numbers across the board this year, many considered Jefferson to be somewhat of a disappointment. However, those people are idiots, as he finished the season as the fifth highest scoring center in all standard formats. Jefferson is worth an early pick no matter where he lands for his steady production and reliability.
Age: 27 16.7 ppg, 12.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks with Lakers
Be prepared to be tired of hearing the name Dwight Howard this summer. While he isn’t number one on this list, he will be the number one reason to invest in Tylenol. With no written commitment to Los Angeles for next year and with Kobe shelved for who knows how long, the race to sign Dwight could get very interesting this summer. The Lakers remain the favorites to nab him but don’t rule out the Mavericks, Nets, and Hawks.
Fantasy Analysis: Take a look again at Howards’ season numbers above. Now factor in that he was coming off of back surgery, playing with a torn labrum, and adjusting to not being the number one offensive option. Yep, he’s gonna be nuts next year if healthy.
Howard is the best big man in the game and is a top 5 pick.
Age: 27 18.8 ppg, 9.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals with Clippers
Paul continues to be one of the top players in the NBA and in leading the Clippers to back to back playoff appearances, the key to the city might be in his future. Kidding aside, the Clippers and Paul seem to be a great fit and it doesn’t look like that will change this summer. Expect Paul to wind up back in L.A. As both parties would be fools to part.
Fantasy Analysis
Even though there was a slight dip in Paul’s scoring this year, he still put up numbers that most point guards dream of. No matter where Paul ends up, consider him a safe pick in the first round.
James LeBeau is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @JleBeau76 or subscribe on Facebook.com/
