The biggest names of the 2013 NBA free agent class have already found homes and signed contracts. Dwight Howard, Chris Paul and Josh Smith are signed and ready to focus on basketball, but there's still plenty of talent lying in wait.
NBA free agency 2013: A look at the best of what’s left
As the offseason slows down, there are still several players on the market who can make an impact while providing their next team with considerable value.
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The remaining crop of NBA free agents may not generate a lot of excitement in name alone, but there is substantial value left among them. Teams are running out of money, but many still need some pieces to round out their rosters. Here are the top remaining free agents to keep an eye on for the remainder of the summer:
Brandon Jennings, Guard (restricted)
Jennings is the biggest name left on the market, but the 23-year-old appears slated to sign a one-year qualifying offer from the Milwaukee Bucks for $4.5 million in order to boost his value as an unrestricted free agent a year from now. A pure scorer, Jennings could potentially command a heftier, multi-year contract under the right circumstances, but he is a liability on the defensive end at this point in his career. Still, the numbers he put up last season, 17.5 points and 6.5 assists per game, look good enough on the surface should he be able to improve on his deficiencies.
Nikola Pekovic, Center (restricted)
Nothing's official yet, but all signs point to Pekovic heading back to the Timberwolves on a multi-year contract. This is a great news for a Minnesota team that spent nearly all of last season dealing with injuries to Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio. With Pekovic and Love installed for a full season, the Wolves could have one of the best front lines in the game. Pekovic averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season.
Does the amnesty clause help small markets?
Tom Ziller says no. Gerald Henderson, Guard (restricted)
Sometimes, it just takes a big enough opportunity for a player to take a step forward in his career. Henderson has undeniable gifts, but hasn't had a chance to showcase much in big games thanks to a limited supporting cast in Charlotte. He doesn't do one thing particularly well, but he averaged 15.5 points per game last year and has the athleticism to be a strong defender in the right situation. The Bobcats could give him a qualifying offer or decide to move him via sign-and-trade.
Mike Miller, Forward
Injury concerns come to mind when Miller’s name first comes up, but he can still provide the right team with a solid veteran presence off the bench. There’s always a place for shooters, and Miller can still knock down outside shots effectively. He was a casualty of the amnesty provision by Miami, but it’s reasonable to conclude that another championship contender could add him at low salary.
Mo Williams, Guard
Williams is a combo guard of sorts who can either create or work well off the ball. When he played with LeBron James in Cleveland, he managed to put up a 45.6 percent three-point percentage mark with the space that James created. If he could find a similar scenario where he doesn't need to dominate the ball, he could thrive as a capable scorer.
Greg Oden, Center
It's hard to believe that Oden might be playing basketball again next season, but if he can stay healthy, one lucky team may get one of the steals of the free agent crop. The question is always health with Oden, however, and it's a big enough question that teams have to think long and hard before committing any resources to sign him. Fortunately, he won't need to be at his best to help a team. One such squad is the defending champion Miami Heat, who had significant deficiencies inside a season ago.
Beno Udrih, Guard
Udrih is only two seasons removed from starting 64 games for the Sacramento Kings. Now 31 years old, his role would seem to be a steady backup point guard and someone who could mentor a younger player. Udrih can still hit from the outside, too, as evident by the 39.6 percent three-point shooting he posted in 27 games with Orlando last year.
DeJuan Blair, Forward / Center
The Spurs were set with big men last season, and it made Blair expendable as he fell out of the rotation. His numbers have declined over four seasons, but he's also had little opportunity due to injury and a logjam at his position. In the right set of circumstances, he could thrive. His career averages of 14.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per 36 minutes indicate that he could provide consistent production to a team that has an open spot.
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