2016 NBA Free Agency Class Loaded with Talent

Now that the 2016 NBA Draft is a wrap, NBA owners and GMs are shifting their focus to free agency, and aye, there are some big-time players who are going to break the bank this summer.

First, we all know the guy everyone wants - Kevin Durant - but there are some other dudes that could be the difference between a first round exit or winning an NBA championship. 

But, we gotta start with KD. 

Now, everyone is talking about the Warriors blowing a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals, so they are going to be super aggressive trying to get the seven-time All-Star, and in my opinion they are on the short list of teams that have a legitimate shot at landing the former MVP.

I look at it this way, if you aren't from Golden State, San Antonio, or Oklahoma City, you have no chance at landing Durant. He wants to win championships and these three teams EASILY give him the best opportunity. 

Before the NBA Draft I would have told you all three of these teams have a good shot at landing KD but after Sam Presti pulled off a blockbuster deal sending Serge Ibaka to Orlando for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, and Domantas Sabonis, that puts the Thunder in the driver seat. 

First off, they landed the best player in the deal in Oladipo, and he's still only 24. Secondly, him and Kevin Durant are boys. They are both from the Washington D.C. area and KD has been kind of a mentor for the youngster, and back in 2015 he told the media that Dipo' reminds him a ton of Dwyane Wade, so it's safe to say he thinks highly of the three-year veteran. 

KEVIN DURANT PREDICTION: KD stays in OKC and signs a two-year deal with an opt out after the first season. 

Wait...

Do people really think LeBron James would even think about leaving Cleveland after bringing the city their first championship in 52 years. 

If you do, you need to stop doing drugs. 

THERE IS NO WAY LeBRON JAMES LEAVES. 

If he does I will do exactly what Michelle Beadle did. 

Now, lets take a look at the other big-name unrestricted free agents and since everyone loves "Top 10" lists lets break it down that way. 

1. Hassan Whiteside (C - Miami Heat)
2. Dywane Wade (SG - Miami Heat)
3. Mike Conley (PG - Memphis Grizzlies)
4. Dwight Howard (C - Houston Rockets)
5. Pau Gasol (PF - Chicago Bulls)
6. Al Horford (C - Atlanta Hawks)
7. DeMar DeRozan (SG - Toronto Raptors)  
8. Dirk Nowitzki (PF - Dallas Mavericks)
9. Rajon Rondo (PG - Sacramento Kings)
10. Chandler Parsons (SF - Dallas Mavericks)

HASSAN WHITESIDE

Whoever lands Hassan Whiteside is getting one of the top centers in the game. The 27-year old seven-footer has posted back-to-back seasons averaging a double-double and this past year he was tops in the league averaging nearly four blocks per game and he finished tied for third in the association averaging nearly 12 rebounds per game. 

The major players for Whiteside in my opinion are Miami, Dallas, and Portland with the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers being the dark horses. 

PREDICTION: The Dallas Mavericks don't get DeAndre Jordan'd again and sign Whiteside to a four-year max deal. 

DYWANE WADE

Wade is hoping I am wrong with my first prediction and if there are two guys who can convince Whiteside to stay it's Mr. Wade and Pat Riley. Now, I really shouldn't of even put Wade on this list because I would be SHOCKED if he even thought about leaving Miami.

PREDICTION: Dywane Wade stays in Miami, and trust me, he will only play with one franchise during his NBA career.

MIKE CONLEY

The nine-year veteran has played his entire career with the Memphis Grizzlies and that stint could be coming to a halt this summer. Conley will be a big-time pickup for any team that swoops him up because he is one of the best all-around point guards in the game. I think the three teams to watch out for are the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and the Memphis Grizzlies. 

PREDICTION: The San Antonio Spurs convince the veteran point guard he is the missing piece to their sixth NBA championship, but don't be shocked if he brings his talents to Dallas.

DWIGHT HOWARD

The eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner opted out of 23.2 million dollars to become a free agent, and I think that shows how much he wanted to get away from James Harden and the Houston Rockets. While Howard has been labeled as a team cancer after his one-year stint in Hollywood and three years in Houston, he can still be a guy who can get your team over the edge. 

Throughout his 12-year career he's put up big-time number: 17.8 PPG, 12.7 RPG, and 2.1 BPG, while shooting nearly 60% from the floor. 

In my opinion it will come down to these three teams: New York, Charlotte, and Portland. 

Now, I think the perfect fit for D12 would be Golden State, but the risk is too big for the Dubs. But, he would be the perfect piece playing in their pick-N-roll offense and he is the rim protector the Warriors need. 

PREDICTION: Man, this one is tough but I think the Portland Trailblazers are the winners here but don't be shocked if Phil Jackson convinces the former All-Star to come ball in the Big Apple.

PAU GASOL

From one former Laker to another, the six-time All-Star enters free agency with one thing on his mind: another NBA Championship. And, if that is the case all signs point towards Gasol bringing his talents to San Antonio, especially if the best power forward we have ever seen hangs em' up - Tim Duncan. 

And, it seems like David West and Boris Diaw are done in San Antonio so adding some bigs will be a priority for coach Pop. Some other teams to keep tabs on are Dallas, New York, and Atlanta but I'd be surprised if Gasol doesn,t go to San Antonio, and even his younger brother thinks they are a perfect fit.

PREDICTION: Pau Gasol signs with San Antonio and instantly gives the Spurs the best frontcourt in the NBA - Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Pau Gasol.

AL HORFORD

One of the most underrated bigs in the game is hoping to get a huge payday this summer and check that, will get a HUGE PAYDAY. The four-time All-Star has been a vital piece to Atlanta's success over the past few years and you know they want to make sure he doesn't bounce this summer.

The former Florida Gator will have a lot of suitors, the Warriors have shown interest, the Lakers want to add a veteran piece, Dallas, San Antonio, Portland, Boston, and New York will all be in on the nine-year veteran. 

PREDICTION: Horford stays in Atlanta after they offer him a max deal. 

DeMar DeRozan

The second best shooting guard in free agency enters this summer as a lock to get a max deal. A lot of people are chirping the two-time All-Star will go back home and ball for the Los Angeles Lakers but I am not sure if the feeling is mutual, and no, it's not that D-squared doesn't want to go back home, but the Lakers haven't shown much interest in the former star from Compton high school. 

I think this is a two-team race: the Lakers and Toronto. If the Lakers offer DeRozan a max deal he's going back home, if they don't he's staying up North in Canada. 

PREDICTION: The Lakers don't go after DeRozan and he stays in Toronto to ball with his boy, Kyle Lowry. 

DIRK NOWITZKI

The 18-year NBA veteran enters the summer with one last chance to make a nice payday before hanging them up, but the big question is - does Dallas have enough to give him one last shot at a ring? What the Mavericks do this offseason will play a vital role in the 13-time All-Star's decision. The only other team I could see Nowitzki playing for is the Golden State Warriors, and the only way that happens is if the Warriors strike out on Kevin Durant.

It's remarkable now-a-days that one guy plays his entire NBA career for one franchise and it's hard to imagine Nowitzki playing in any other jersey. 

PREDICTION: Nowitzki ponders a move to Golden State but ends up re-signing with Dallas after they land a couple big free agents this summer to give the Mavericks one last run at a title.

RAJON RONDO

The four-time All-Star quietly had a big-time season for the Sacramento Kings in 2015-16. He quickly reminded teams he is one of the best point guards in the game after his horrible stint in Dallas. Last year he led the NBA in assists (11.7) and he was one of four guys to average at least 10-assists per game last season. 

He also finished third in the NBA with six triple-doubles.

But, the thing you gotta love about Rondo is his competitiveness and work ethic. There might not be a harder worker in the entire association than Mr. Rondo.

Also, the guy knows how to win. He learned how to play the game under Doc Rivers and played with three Hall of Famers - Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen that helped teach him what it's all about. 

Now, all signs were pointing towards Rondo going to New York but those rumors came to an end when Phil Jackson landed former-MVP Derrick Rose. 

In my opinion I think it will be hard for Rondo to go back to Sacramento, and when he said he has never dealt with that much tension in a locker room during his 10-year career, I just don't see him going back, but with George Karl now gone, the Kings could still convince the four-time All-Star to give it another try with Dave Joerger. 

PREDICTION: The 10-year veteran point guard heads back to the East Coast and inks a deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Chandler Parsons

The five-year veteran enters free agency as arguably the most underrated dude this summer. Parsons has had a solid NBA career so far with career numbers of 14 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 3 APG, while shooting nearly 50% from the floor, and I think he is about to take that next step into becoming an All-Star type of player. 

The big knock on Parsons though is can he stay healthy? The 27-year old was having the best stretch of his career before his season-ending injury last season. During a two-month stretch he was putting up 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 3.2 APG, while shooting 52% from the floor and nearly 50% from deep. 

If Dallas can't land Whiteside and/or Conley expect them to offer Parsons a max deal but if he doesn't go back to the Mavericks expect a ton of teams to be interested.

PREDICTION: The Los Angeles Lakers come out of left field and steal Chandler Parson but don't be surprised if he goes to Indiana or Portland.

THE BEST OF THE REST

NICOLAS BATUM - The eight-year NBA veteran is one of the best all-around players in the game, he was one of 12 players in the association to have multiple triple-doubles in 2015-16. 

He signs with the Golden State Warriors after they let Harrison Barnes walk and miss out on Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki.

RYAN ANDERSON - Arguably the best shooter on the free agent market will help what ever team he signs with. The eight-year veteran has knocked down nearly 40% of his threes and I think the Sacramento native will come back home to Northern California, and no, not for the Sacramento Kings, but he will sign with the Golden State Warriors. Don't be shocked if he goes to Washington either though.

JOAKIM NOAH - We have all forgot how good Joakim Noah is. The nine-year veteran just went through an injury plagued season but trust me, he will sign a max-deal with someone this summer. The big question is will it be with New York, Washington, Milwaukee, or Minnesota? I think it will come down to Washington and New York, but Phil Jackson and Derrick Rose will convince the New York native to come back home.

JAMAL CRAWFORD - The reigning Sixth Man of the Year award winner enters free agency as the best bench option this summer. The 16-year NBA veteran has let it be known he prefers to stay in Los Angeles but the New York Knicks are hoping they can convince him for round two in the Big Apple. 

However, it won't be enough to convince the three-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner to leave Hollywood.

LUOL DENG - The two-time All-Star enters free agency as a viable option to help be that final piece for a contending team. He really emerged last year after Chris Bosh's season came to an end and he will ride that momentum into a nice contract this summer. The Clippers, Celtics, Hawks, Heat, and Wizards will all factor in here but I think the Clippers finally land the three they have desperately needed since Doc Rivers took over.  

And, before we get out of here lets take a look at the top restricted free agents this summer, and once again, the difference between a restricted and unrestricted free agent is the team they previously played for has the right to match any offer sheet. 

ANDRE DRUMMOND - There is no way possible the Detroit Pistons let him walk. They will match any offer a team throws at the best young center in the game.

BRADLEY BEAL - It will be hard to see the Washington Wizards not match any offer thrown Beal's way. Him and John Wall help form one of the best young backcourts in the NBA and expect Beal to stay put in D.C.

HARRISON BARNES - The four-year veteran out of North Carolina has been a solid piece for the Golden State Warriors during his NBA career but the big question mark is he a max-contract type of talent? In my opinion the answer is easy - No. 

But, he has proven to be a viable piece for the Warriors, yes, he had a terrible final three games in the NBA Finals but his versatility he brings to the court is hard to match. Barnes is one of the best role players in the association and wherever he goes he will be a nice piece to have. 

It's hard to imagine the Warriors matching a max offer sheet and I think Barnes will stay up in Northern California, but it will be with the Sacramento Kings. But, don't be surprised if him and Festus Ezeli follow their former coach, Luke Walton, to Los Angeles though. 

JORDAN CLARKSON - The steal of the 2014 NBA Draft has had a nice two-year start to his NBA career in Hollywood. He has been the only bright spot in Los Angeles over the last couple years averaging 14 points per game and he let it be known he wants to stay with the Lakers. Expect Brooklyn to try and land the talented young guard but I think he will be back in Hollywood in 2016-17. 

EVAN FOURNIER - The four-year veteran is coming off back-to-back productive seasons in Orlando after a two-year stint with the Denver Nuggets. Last year he posted career bests in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, 3-pt. %, and FT%. With the departure of Victor Oladipo to Oklahoma City it's hard to imagine the Orlando Magic not matching any offer that is thrown Fournier's way. The French-native will stay put in Orlando.

Tweet me @zpoff13 to tell me all the things I get wrong. #ZPC

2016 NBA Finals: A Legacy Will Reach New Heights

The 2016 NBA Finals are finally here, and boy, a lot of people are shocked it's not LBJ vs. KD round two, as the Warriors became the 10th team in NBA history to erase a 3-1 series deficit, so it's Cleveland vs. Golden State. 

Round two.

And, this time around LeBron James has his two boys with him, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, so there won't be any excuses for the Cleveland Cavaliers this time around.

This series features the two best players in the game, and to be honest, it's not even debatable.

Matthew Dellavedova and Marreese Speights.

But, for real, Stephen Curry and LeBron James are on some of that ASAP Ferg, these boys are on their own level.

Either Curry of James has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in six of the last eight seasons.

Chef Curry has won back-to-back MVP's, and became the first player EVER to take home the award unanimously this year.

You think James was happy about that? Child please. 

And, just to be clear on how great "The King" has been during his NBA-career, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell have been named league MVP more than LeBron James.

Not bad company.

But, this NBA Finals is arguably the most important for both players because someone's legacy is going to shoot through the roof, not to MJ's level, yet... but they will be on the right path to be considered one of, if not the best, to ever lace em' up.

And aye, I already hear ya'll, "Steph only been in the league for seven years, how can you throw him in that class already!!!!!"

First off, I am not throwing him in that class just yet, but he is heading in the right direction, and I would say he presents the best case for any player since Michael Jordan to join that elite status we all thought was untouchable.

Now, remember when Michael Jordan was in high school and couldn't even make the varsity team until his junior year?

Steph Curry has been down the same road, he was overlooked by every Power 5 conference coming out of Charlotte Christian high school, so he went and balled for Bob McKillop and Davidson.

Just in case you forgot, this is when Curry first stole our hearts when he led Davidson all the way to the Elite 8, and keep in mind, they only lost by two to the eventual National Champs, Kansas.

But, that still didn't do enough to impress NBA scouts and GM's.


These were just a few of the quotes -

"Do not rely on him to run your team"

"He will have limited success at the next level"

"Needs to CONSIDERABLY improve as a ball handler"

My guess is, they were considerably wrong with their initial thought on the back-to-back Most Valuable Player.

He also just led his team to the best regular season in NBA history, surpassing Michael Jordan's led Chicago Bulls 1995-96 team.

That wasn't the only record the Golden State Warriors broke in 2015-16.

They started the season off by winning their first 24 games, surpassing the 1994-95 Houston Rockets and 1948-49 Washington Capitols, and in case you were wondering, they only won 15 in a row.

And, Steph wasn't done catching MJ yet either, the Dubs won 54 in a row at home dating back to the 2014-15 season, surpassing the Bulls 1995-96 team (44).

But, my favorite stat from this year: They didn't lose back-to-back games once during the regular season.

Now, lets get back to that Steph guy, remember when Jordan was dominating the game? It was something we haven't seen before, a different type of player with his own unique style.

Curry is doing the same thing now in a totally different way.

He's transcending the game, just like Jordan did.

We have never seen someone be able to handle the rock and shoot this great. I always tell my buddies, if you took Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, and Ray Allen, turned them into one freak player, his name would be Stephen Curry.

Now, everyone open your NBA records book to page 1, and let's check out the NBA single-season record for most three-pointers.

1. Steph Curry (402, 2015-16)
2. Steph Curry (286, 2014-15)
3. Klay Thompson (276, 2015-16)
4. Steph Curry (272, 2012-13)

And, if it wasn't for his head coach, Steve Kerr, his 44.4% career 3-point field goal percentage would be tops in NBA history right now, among everyone who has taken at least 250 attempts.

(For those of you wondering at home, Kerr is chillin' in the clubhouse with a 45.4% career 3-point field goal percentage.)

And, as Curry continues to change the game, his efficiency is something very few can match.

He's the only player in NBA history to join the 50-40-90 club and average at least 30 points in the same season.

He's the only player in NBA history to score at least 45 points while attempting 25 field goal attempts or fewer and five or fewer free throw attempts in a game.

He's the only player in NBA history to score 50 points and make 10 3-pointers in a single game multiple times.

He's the only player in NBA history to record a 50 point game with one or fewer free throw attempts.

He's the only player in NBA history to make at least 200 3-pointers and dish out 600 assists in consecutive seasons. 

He's one of three players to lead the league in points per game and steals per game, joining Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.

He's one of three guards to average at least 30 points per game and shoot 50 percent from the floor, joining Michael Jordan and George "The Iceman" Gervin.

And, aye you didn't think we weren't gonna finish up with Steph before squashing that beef with the Big O.

First of all, Oscar Robertson is one of the best to ever lace em' up, he was a true legend, but he is flat out wrong when talking about Steph Curry.

Now, in the Big O's defense, he's not the only one who considers Steph Curry just a "great shooter" there are a ton of people who fail to realize his all-around game.

Curry was tops among all guards, and he was the only point guard who ranked in the Top 25 in two-point field goal percentage.

The only players in front of him were seven centers and LeBron James.

Steph Curry's player efficiency rating of 31.5 was the best for a guard since the 1990-91 season when some guy named Michael Jordan did it.

He finished the year in the Top 10 in points, assists, and steals per game, but my favorite stat is he finished second in the entire NBA in effective field goal percentage. The only player ahead of him was DeAndre Jordan, who just became the only player in NBA history to finish back-to-back seasons shooting at least 70% from the field.

But, aye, DJ just lucky free throw percentage doesn't count against this.

And, if Steph Curry isn't the best player in the NBA right now it's because of this guy: LeBron James.

The 2016 NBA Finals will mark his seventh career appearance, and sixth straight.

James is one of eight players in NBA history to play in six-consecutive Finals, and first in 50 years according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

And, to be honest, there isn't a single player that has ever stepped on a basketball court that has had his accomplishments overlooked this much.

I get it. He's 2-4 in the Finals.

Even though 2007 doesn't count, I mean it was one guy vs. Gregg Popovich and the best team of the 2000's.

"The Decision" was one of the worst PR moves in not just NBA history, but sports in general. That one single move made everyone look at him differently. He went from being loved to being hated in a matter of 60-minutes.

But, he needed it.

I admit it, and even he does, he should have handled the whole situation differently, don't go on National TV and announce your decision, but if that is the biggest mistake he's made, compared to what other athletes are doing, not calling anyone out (Darren Collison), it's easy to forgive him.

Miami was a place for him to be held accountable, and it sure paid off after he disappeared in the 2011 NBA Finals.

Since then, he's 2-2 in the Finals, and last year was arguably the most impressive performance we have ever seen, but no one mentions it because they were on the wrong side of the outcome.

2015 NBA Finals: 35.8 PPG, 13.3 RPG, and 8.8 APG.

According to ESPN Stats & Info he was the first player in NBA Finals history to lead both teams in these three categories. 

And, this nugget shows how great his floor presence was - J.R. Smith, Matthew Dellavedova, James Jones, and Iman Shumpert combined to shoot 0-21 from the floor when LBJ was on the bench, and for all you math wizards out there that is 0%.

If it wasn't for Michael Jordan in the 1993 NBA Finals, James 38.3% of his teams points would be tops, and for those of you keeping track at home, Jordan finished that series averaging 38.4% of his teams points.

Now, lets check out some more accomplishments "The King" owns.

Only player in NBA history to average at least 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists for his career.

Only player in NBA history to post at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists, and 100 steals in four consecutive seasons.

Only player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists for 12 consecutive seasons.

He is one of two players to be in the Top 20 all-time in points and assists, joining the before mentioned Oscar Robertson.

Him and Bill Russell are the only two players to win four league MVP's in a five-year span.

Him and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the only two players to win multiple league MVP awards for two different franchises. 

Him and Michael Jordan are the only two players to win NBA and Finals MVP in back-to-back seasons. 

It's remarkable the career he has had, and the scary thing is he doesn't turn 32 until December.

But, James knows it's now or never.

Going 2-5 in the NBA Finals won't land you on the GOAT list, that is why it will be tough for anyone to ever surpass Michael Jordan.

6-for-6. 

Six Finals MVP's.

The next closest: 3. (Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Tim Duncan)

Keep in mind, the award didn't begin until the 1969 season or else Bill Russell would top the list.

However, that is why I keep Steph Curry in the back of my mind when thinking of a player who could potentially reach Jordan's level, something we thought we would never see.

And, aye, I am not saying he's close but in my opinion, he should have been named the Most Improved Player this year also, and that just shows he is willing to put in the work to be amongst the best to ever lace em' up.

Curry improved his player efficiency rating by more than any reigning MVP in history, by a landslide. 

During the 1984-85 season Larry Bird improved his by 2.3, Curry did by 3.5 in the 2015-16 season.

And, just like Jordan, he has ice in his veins.

In my opinion he's the best closer we have seen since MJ and the stats back him up. In 1996 the league started keeping track of points per 48-minutes in the fourth quarter, and Curry's 50.4 average this season is the best, edging out Kobe Bryant's 48.9 average during the 2005-06 season when some guy named Steve Nash stole his MVP.

Now, let's go a little deeper into this clutch thing, during this season when the Warriors were in a games within five points and under five minutes to go, all he did was average 40.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per 36 minutes.

In Game's 5, 6, and 7 the real MVP showed out, and no it wasn't Kevin Durant's mom, it was the
baby-face assassin.

With his team in a win-or-go-home scenario in three straight games, he scored 30+ in every game, but it wasn't just his scoring.

He averaged 32.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 7.6 APG, and 2.3 SPG, and yes, Mr. KD steals are apart of playing defense.

The dude is clutch.

Plain and simple.

Now, it's time for the two best in the game right now to ball and find out who the top dog is, and all I hope for is a back-and-forth slug-it-out seven-game series.

And, just to clear the air.

Michael Jordan is the best player to ever lace em' up and I am not close to throwing LeBron James or Steph Curry in that class, yet. They have a long way to go to catch the GOAT.

But, if anyone will ever surpass Jordan, it will be one of these two guys.

OH AND I WASN'T GETTING OUT HERE WITHOUT A PREDICTION...

Golden State over Cleveland (4-1)