Not many NBA teams will be in search of acquiring a point guard via free agency this summer which is a good thing since the crop of 2011 NBA free agent point guards is weaker than “The Situation’s” game.ย That will all change in summer of 2012 when Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups, and Raymond Felton are all scheduled to hit the open market.ย Until then, here are the top free agent point guards for this off-season.
By: David Kay
1. Andre Miller, Blazers (TO)
Miller has a team option worth a very reasonable $7.8 million next season.ย With an extremely weak crop of free agent point guard and no point guard of the future waiting in the wings, Portland would be crazy to let Miller walk unless they are in position to swing a trade for an up-grade.
Predicted Contract: Blazers pick up option
Possible Destinations: POR
2. Aaron Brooks, PG, Suns (RFA)
The Suns gave up a first round pick to acquire Brooks before the deadline so you would have to think that they figure he could be their Steve Nash of the future.ย The final year of his rookie deal is worth slightly less than three-million dollars and he was looking for an extension with the Rockets last summer that never came.ย No team is going to invest a long-term, expensive deal in Brooksโ this summer but he could be pried away from the desert for the right price.
Predicted Contract: Plays out final year of rookie contract
Possible Destinations: PHX, SAC, MIA
3. Rodney Stuckey, Pistons (RFA)
Stuckey enters the off-season as a restricted free agent and I cannot imagine another team throwing a whole lot of money his way in hopes of luring him away from Detroit.ย With that being said, I am not sure Stuckey is the long-term solution at the point for the Pistons.
Predicted Contract: Plays out final year of rookie contract
Possible Destinations: DET
4. Mike Bibby, Heat (UFA)
This is where the MASSIVE drop off comes into play for the free agent point guards.ย Bibby has a couple of years left on his legs but likely not as a starting point guard.ย His experience will be attractive for playoff teams looking for a solid back-up who is post-season tested.ย If Miami is unable to find an up-grade at the one, he could be headed back to South Beach.
Predicted Contract: 2-years, $6 million
Possible Destinations: MIA, BOS, IND, MIL
5. J.J. Barea, Mavs (UFA)
Barea was a terrific back-up to Jason Kidd this past season with Roddy Beaubois injured for a good portion of the year.ย He brings great energy off the bench but is probably not a starter by NBA standards.ย Several teams should get in on the bidding for Barea to be their back-up and the Mavs could let him walk with Beaubois still in the fold.
Predicted Contract: 3-years, $9 million
Possible Destinations: DAL, TOR, BOS, MIA, UTAH
6. T.J. Ford, Pacers (UFA)
Ford sorely needs a change of scenery and I would be shocked if he returns to Indiana.ย He is only entering his eighth season in the league and is just two years removed from averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 assists per game.ย The former Texas Longhorn could be a valuable reserve if he finds the right landing spot.
Predicted Contract: 2-years, $4.4 million
Possible Destinations: WAS, UTAH, BOS, MIA, SAC
7. Mario Chalmers, Heat (UFA)
Chalmers is only entering his third year in the league so there is still room for him to grow especially when you consider how he was thrust into a starting role during his rookie season.ย The Heat will likely look to improve their point guard play, but if they cannot do so, Chalmers could be back in Miami.ย If not, look for a team with a veteran point guard to bring Chalmers in as a back-up.
Predicted Contract: 3-years, $5.1 million
Possible Destinations: MIA, POR, GS, SAC
8. Patrick Mills, Blazers (UFA)
Unless Portland drafts a point guard with their first round pick, I would expect them to try and re-sign Mills.ย The Australian has more up-side than any other free agent point guard which makes him an intriguing available player.ย He still needs more time to develop but should have decent value on the open market.
Predicted Contract: 3-years, $4.8 million
Possible Destinations: POR, GS, SAC, UTAH, DAL, BOS
9. Carlos Arroyo, Celtics (UFA)
Arroyo did start 42 games for the Heat this past season but ended up getting released which doesnโt say much about his ability to be a starting point guard in the league.ย He is a serviceable back-up and should find a home but there is the possibility of Arroyo returning overseas like he did during the 2008-2009 season.
Predicted Contract: 1-year, league minimum
Possible Destinations: BOS, SAC, WAS, MIL, IND, UTAH
10. Sebastian Telfair, Timberwolves (UFA)
It is almost embarrassing that Telfair is the ranked this high but again the free agent class of point guards is painfully bad.ย At this point of his career, the potential that people keep waiting to see has probably passed.ย He should get a back-up job somewhere, but may have to settle for a spot as a teamโs third point guard.
Predicted Contract: 1-year, league minimum
Possible Destinations: WAS, BOS, MIL, SAC, UTAH
Other Free Agent Point Guards:
Marcus Banks (UFA), Earl Boykins (UFA), Anthony Carter (UFA), Sherron Collins (UFA), Acie Law (UFA), Jannero Pargo (UFA), Chris Quinn (UFA), Ronnie Price (UFA), Earl Watson (UFA)
CHECK OUT MY 2011 NBA FREE AGENT SHOOTING GUARD RANKINGS
CHECK OUT MY 2011 NBA FREE AGENT SMALL FORWARDS RANKINGS
CHECK OUT MY 2011 NBA FREE AGENT POWER FORWARDS RANKINGS
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank.ย He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities.
You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.
