One More Shot

The NBA’s off-season is slowly nearing a close as October approaches and teams begin their training camps. Though there is still around a month before that time comes, the free agent market seems to be fairly well picked over. All of the top players have signed with clubs and nearly all of the second tier players have done so as well. Many of the second tier players that have yet to do so seem to be poised to resign with their respective clubs. Eddy Curry, Gerald Wallace and Reggie Evans all fit that category. Of the remaining free agents, there are a few guys that could really come in and make a difference for some team next season. Though these guys are all drumming up a little bit of intrest from teams, they are all nearing that point of becoming fringe players. A lot of teams could stand to give these for guys a shot.

→ Jannero Pargo (Chicago Bulls)
Pargo is a relatively young point guard with many of the physical tools needed to be a legit NBA player. He is a very good shooter and was able to make a difference last season as a backup clutch shooter to Ben Gordon. Pargo is more a than capable ball handler and certainly possesses the speed necessary to run with any team in the league. The biggest problem with Pargo in the past has been is his defense, or lack of defense. Last season he showed that playing in the defensively sound system that the Bulls employed really kept his defensive shortcomings from hurting his game. Although he was buried fairly deep in the Bulls rotation, he was still able to make a solid impact, especially offensively. Teams like the Lakers, Hawks, and Cavaliers should all consider signing him. Although he’s not ready to be a starter, and likely never will be, he is a solid enough player to fill the backup point guard spot on any of those teams and would even be the best starting option for several of them. It looks like the Bulls have an interest in retaining Pargo, but it would certainly behoove these other teams to jump at the chance to grab such a valuable bench player.

→ Ronald “Flip” Murray (Sonics)
Need a starter? If you want a guy who can walk in and put up big numbers, can dunk the ball with authority and can even bring your team a few more wins in a season, look no further. Flip is capable of all that and more. Drafted by the Bucks in the second round, a team who’s track record for finding good shooting guards in the second round seems to be pretty respectable, just ask Michael Redd. Speaking of Redd, if you compare his career per-40-minute numbers to Murray’s you notice they are distinctly similar with a slight edge falling in Murray’s favor. Per-40-minutes he averages, for his career 18.7ppg, 3.7apg and 4.1rpg. So basically, if you want to pick up a guy who’s going to be playing like Michael Redd for a lot cheaper, look to Flip. He would be a perfect fit for the Hawks, Bobcats, Hornets, Raptors or just about any other team that is willing to give him minutes. Don’t think he can handle the pressure? He didn’t fare too poorly when he filled in for Ray Allen two seasons ago for the Sonics. If a team is looking for the next Michael Redd, they need look no further, Flip’s the man.

→Scott Williams (Cavs)
Although he’s certainly past his prime, at 37, Scott Williams still has enough gas left in the tank to help some contender. He’s made a career for himself being a serviceable backup center for contenders, and now he could fill in any team's void for a third center, as long as they’re able to help him get another ring. Early in his career he picked up a few playing for the Bulls, and no doubt would love to ride off into the sunset with another one on his finger. Williams is proficient at “Hack-a-Shaq,” so he could really be a good fit at any of the teams on the top. He’s spent some time in Phoenix so a return there would make a lot of sense. The Heat, Nets, Kings, Spurs, Timberwolves and Pacers could also really benefit from his locker room presence and ability to step up and play when he’s called upon. Though he may be ready to call it a career, one more ride with the right team could be just the thing for this NBA journeyman.

→Gary Payton (Celtics) and Latrell Sprewell (Timberwolves)
How many aging veterans does it take to piece together a championship puzzle? Well, if its one of these two guys, the answer could be just one. Although they’re both particularly mentally unstable players and may be unwilling to accept a lesser role for a championship team, they’re certainly worth a look, especially if a team can get them for the right price. Another option would be for the Hornets to sign them and let them have their way with the franchise for a while before they trade them to a contender in February, once the glamour of playing for the Hornets has worn off and they miss winning. If Spree and GP can accept a lesser role then both of these guys could be a massive advantage for a team in contention. Though they aren’t anywhere near it now, they were once both legit superstars and a team that gets one or two games of that in the playoffs will be at a major advantage no matter who they have to face.

Though these aren’t the only free agents, these are certainly the best of what’s remaining. So whether a team needs a back up point guard or a starting shooter, players like that are still available, the teams just need to take a little bit of a chance. But then sometimes, it’s that last shot that puts a team over the top. Maybe one of these guys will be next season’s champion’s last shot.