#1
Kevin DurantWithout a doubt the prize of free agency, Durant is currently logging minutes on the 26-23 San Antonio Spurs, a club that went “all-in” on the star forward this past offseason. Durant will obviously be commanding a max contract this offseason, the only question is whether it will be a five year maximum contract with the Spurs or a four year contract elsewhere. Durant is the most aggressive scorer in the league – plain and simple. In addition, and with the exception of only Harden, he draws fouls at a rate higher than any other premier scoring option in the league. Importantly, Durant can also stretch the defense with his ability to score from anywhere on the court, including out beyond the perimeter. Durant plays solid defense and his rebounding and shot-blocking ability are slightly underrated. The team that acquires (or retains) his services this offseason can also expect a dogfight on the back end of contract worth roughly $28-$30 million, since Durant will still be in his prime at around 30 years old.
Scouting Report
#2Hard worker, his outside shot has shown steady improvement... Good passer... Crashes the glass hard... Good anticipation and understanding of body positioning
Anthony Davis (RFA)Davis is a superb talent. Although gifted offensively, Davis is almost more adept on the opposite side of the ball. Solely responsible for over 4.6 turnovers forced per game, to go along with 12 rebounds per contest, Davis looks to make a name for himself on All-Defensive teams for years to come. But Davis comes to work for the Pelicans on offense as well, generating 1.35 points per shot attempt and shooting north of 50% from the field for the first time in his young career. Unfortunately for interested owners with cap space, this young man checks in as a Restricted Free Agent this offseason making his departure from the Pelicans nigh impossible.
Scouting Report
#3Excellent shot mechanics, but could use more arc on his shot... Finishes well around the basket... Free throw shooting is excellent... One on one skills have improved along with his ball handling... Excellent leaper who rebounds the ball well and has the foot speed, arm length and body control to grab rebounds that appear out of range... Long arms and broad shoulders make him an imposing defender ... Out thinks opponents
Damian Lillard (RFA)Similar to #2 on this list, Lillard ain’t goin’ nowheres. Lillard, or as I like to call him “lightening in a bottle”, will undoubtedly be surrounded by a new team after this upcoming offseason is over with – a team that may or may not include others on this most distinguished of lists. Lillard can shoot, shoot and shoot some more in between handing out dimes, rebounding well for a point guard and generating over one takeaway per game. He’s young, hungry and looking for some wins. He’s also an RFA, so yeah.
Scouting Report
#4Has a bag of tricks offensively with a nasty crossover and good ability to pull up for shots when open ... Handles the ball effortlessly... Makes good decisions, never rushes things ...... Defensively he is just average giving solid effort, but lacks the foot speed to be a lock down defender
Mike ConleySo, this comes with a caveat – I love Conley. I think he is one of the most complete packages in the game. If a player like Conley were included in any draft we’ve done so far, he’s a top 3 lock. So, for the first time in the CSL, Conley will have an opportunity to gauge his market value. I expect that if players like Lin and Rondo can garner maximum contract offers, so to can Conley. Conley may not be the passing savant most expect, but he is ultra-safe with the ball. He’s not afraid to score when necessary either and can do so from distance. On top of it all, Conley plays aggressive, smart defense. Sign me up. If I didn’t have Cotton on roster, I’d throw a max at Conley without blinking.
Scouting Report
#5A player that cannot be left open... Has good court vision... Excellent ball handler with the ability to create shots for himself and others... Has become adept at anticipating passes and making steals... A tough nosed player with great attitude ...... His rebounding skills could be improved... Lacks shot blocking ability
Harrison Barnes (RFA)Barnes may be the only player who scores 20+ per game that I forget about on a regular basis. That’s not a shot against Barnes in any way, it’s actually impressive that he generates that impact so quietly. Add to that fact that Barnes has one of the best basketball minds in the league and you can suppose his ability to impact the game extends beyond the box score. Although he’s currently getting his points in an inefficient manner, I think that some preference work will go a long ways towards this young man’s career.
Scouting Report
#6Jumper rarely scrapes the rim... Can shoot the 3 and flush in transition... Will knock down a high percentage of his free throws... His ability to lock in and defend is special as well.
Arron AfflaloAfflalo (hereinafter referred to as “That Guy”) will (or should) garner significant attention this off-season. He’s the only prototypical shooting guard on this list and the ability to hit the trey is becoming increasingly rare allowing zone defenses to thrive. As a result, “zone busters” (something “that guy” definitely qualifies as) are increasingly valuable. Also, unlike other shooters in this league, has shown the willingness to let them fly and can, in the right set up, be a great second option.
Scouting Report
#7Good form on his stroke... Free throw shooting is excellent... Shows solid ball handling and passing ability, but needs to cut down on turnovers... Solid assist to turnover ratio, protects the ball well and makes good decisions ...... Does not get great lift when he jumps
Thaddeus YoungColor me surprised as well, but Young has made a case for big bucks this off-season. In addition to racking up close to 16 points on almost .500 shooting, young is grabbing close to 8 boards per game and generating 3.5 takeaways per contest. And he’s doing all of this as a low-usage option that doesn’t turn the ball over. Young will enter free agency as one of the most unique unrestricted free agents available and could insert in alongside other high usage players nicely.
Scouting Report
#8Can also face up and shoot... Keeps it simple offensively with shots around the basket, with a lot of put backs and ally oops... His free throw shooting must improve... Decent vision and passing skills... Reflexes, foot speed and leaping ability limit his ability to grab rebounds out of his area... Foot speed and length make him a terrific pressure defender ...... Ball handling can be sloppy at times
Nicolas BatumBatum is one of those invaluable glue guys. In fact, with the pending retirement of Shawn Marion, he may be the best glue guy out there. Nothing he does is flashy, but he does everything. He can stroke from distance and spread the defense. He rebounds well for a small forward and generates roughly 1.5 takeaways per game. Additionally, with some preference work, Batum could be an even deadlier shoot/slash threat – his jumper isn’t great, but his ability to finish around the rim combined with his three point stroke could be dangerous in the right hands. He is one of the more intriguing wing prospects out there and, since he is unrestricted, could realistically slot in anywhere.
Scouting Report
#9Strong fundamentally, nice touch on his shot... Good outside shooter with range out to three point... Sees the floor well and is a capable passer in the half court ... Good fundamentals and understanding of the game... An absolutely jaw dropping physical specimen with his combination of size, length, strength, athleticism and mobility
Ryan AndersonAnderson is obviously a one-dimensional player, let me head that one off at the pass. That out of the way, Anderson brings a spectacularly unique skillset to teams needing to spread the floor. Probably paired best (and maybe should only be paired) with a legit defensive center, Anderson has shot a boringly consistent 38% from distance over the last three seasons. Despite popular myth, Anderson also has the ability to defend at a decent clip and works relatively hard on the offensive glass when he’s uninvolved in the offense.
Scouting Report
#10Not a great spot up shooter, makes most of his shots moving towards the basket, a rhythm shooter ... Usually converts when he gets to the charity stripe... Crashes the glass hard... Has become a very good defender... He has such a court awareness, and always knows how to make the right play, puts the team first ...... Not a defensive presence, lacks great explosiveness to block shots
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (RFA)MKG sneaks into the tenth slot on this list due to his ability to lock-down opposing small forwards – something that commands a bit of a premium with Durant, LeBron and George standing in the way of a deep playoff run. Also, an underrated ability, MKG does not command the ball in order to be relevant. He will never be a good shooter, but we all know that.
Scouting Report
Free throw shooting fell off some lately but is solid ... His passing skills and ball protection have improved... Grabs rebounds well using his leaping ability... Good basketball understanding and decision maker... Outstanding stamina ...... Absolutely must improve his shooting so people don’t slack on him... Lacks range on his shot
Honorable Mentions
John Henson, JaVale McGee, Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert, Tony Parker, Kobe Bryant
2028
I didn't even realize it posted, I got a general error slq msg when I tried to post it lol