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Share on FacebookFor many giant corporations, small businesses and countries such as Australia, The Bahamas and Christmas Island, July 1 represents the beginning of a new fiscal year. For the NBA's 139 unrestricted and restricted free agents, July 1 also marks the start of a fiscal new year. Very fiscal. It's the date where teams can begin negotiating with those free agents. Two weeks later on July 14, teams can sign their prizes.
And what prizes there are in this year's crop of free agents. From a three-time world champion to a newly minted champ to one of the best point guards in the game, GMs with plenty of cap space (or the skill to pull off a sign-and-trade deal) will pursue these free agents with gusto.
With 103 unrestricted free agents (free to sign with their own team for a maximum contract or any team that has the cap room) and 36 restricted free agents (players whose teams have a right to match any contract they sign), we look at the top five players in each category.
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TOP UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
This year, Bryant, a three-time NBA champ, was named to his third straight All-NBA team. His talent and conditioning are unquestioned. His committment to his teammates, however, has been questioned. He announced that he would exercise his player option in June 2003, a full year before he could opt out. Then, there's the issue of his Aug. 27 court date in Colorado. Still, many teams will vie for his services.
Wallace proved his worth on defense this postseason, helping the Pistons hold teams to 80.7 points per game, and he blended seamlessly on offense. Expect the Pistons to make a big push to retain Wallace. Before Game 4, the Pistons placed flyers on every Palace seat touting Rasheed and Ben Wallace -- "Wallace x 2" -- on next year's season ticket packages.
Nash's status, however, could be altered by a rumored trade that could bring Shaquille O'Neal to Dallas. The Mavs would need to sign Nash and then include him in a deal that would send the point guard to the Lakers. Because the Mavs traded for the No. 5 overall pick, point guard Devin Harris from Wisconsin, this has fueled further speculation.
Dampier is also a presence on defense, with 1.61 blocks per game. But don't expect him to move the ball around. Once the ball enters the post, Dampier is reluctant to distribute, as his career assists average (1.0) attests. Teams in pursuit also need to determine whether Dampier's 2003-04 season was the start of something good or a flash-in-the-pan.
Barry, however, has a problem staying healthy. He's never played a full season, coming closest in 2001-02 when he played 81 games. Plus, he's no spring chicken, as he will turn 33 in December. Still, expect many teams to show interest in obtaining his services.
TOP RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
No one can question his talent. Martin is one of the game's premier power forwards and made his first All-Star team in 2004. He set or tied career highs in points (16.7 per game), rebounds (9.5) and steals (1.46). Combine the steals with the blocks (1.26 per game) and you have one of the game's better defenders. Will the Nets re-sign him? Right now, reports have the Nets cutting costs and the decision comes down to keeping Martin or franchise point guard Jason Kidd.
Ginobili is relentless on both ends of the floor, constantly moving and following shots on offense and doggedly pursuing the ball on defense. And he does both well, because one, he's not a very good shooter (.418 from the field last year), and two, he's a great perimeter defender with 1.77 steals per game, which was good for seventh in the league. Look for the Spurs to retain his services.
Okur, the second-year forward from Turkey started 33 games for the Pistons in their championship season, but only two games after Wallace arrived. Okur is a big man who can step out and hit the perimeter shot (.375 from 3-point range) and he has a nose for the ball (was in top 20 for offensive boards per 48 minutes).
Crawford, who is a point guard in a shooting guard's body, finally flourished with extended minutes in his fourth season. He played a career high 35.1 minutes per game and averaged 17.3 points, by far a career high. Though he also had 1.39 steals per game, the Bulls worry about his defense, or lack thereof. At age 24, like many young point guards, Crawford still needs to grow into the role.
The 24-year-old four-year vet had his best year statistically in 2003-04 with 17.2 points per game, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. While they wouldn't mind signing him to an extension, the Clippers have recently signed Elton Brand and Corey Maggette to lucrative long-term deals. Do they want to give another big contract to an up-and-down player like Q or will they set their sights on someone more consistent, like Kobe Bryant?
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