Who are the top free agent point guards of 2009?

June 28 09

Each week, HoopsVibe The Blog drops a basketball related list for fans to weigh-in on. We call it ’Listed’ ...

It will be a toned down affair. Big time.

When the clock hits midnight on Tuesday, a subdued version of the NBA free agent dance will begin. Of course, GMs, players, and Jerry Maguire clones will all be trying to cut deals. Except this year there will be a lot less of one thing: money.

A recession, shrinking salary cap, and the anticipation of next year’s free agent class means the open market could be tough sledding for players. While nobody is going broke (unless you’re one of the countless players who can’t handle his bank), the max contracts won’t be flying like past summers.

Still, this free agent class has many intriguing point guards. Several interesting table-setters could be had for a discount. In this edition of ‘Listed’, HoopsVibe The Blog is breaking down the top free agents at the one-spot. As always, read the post and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

1. Jason Kidd

Before retiring and entering the hoops Hall of Fame, J-Kidd will attract a bevy of offers from teams. Only contenders need apply. For years, Los Angeles has been a possibility, but Cleveland could use a little size and playmaking in their backcourt.

2. Mike Bibby

He’s a solid option. Bibby is one the game’s top shooting point guards, especially when running the pick-and-roll or cutting off the ball near the wing. Even with such fine marksmanship, he’ll likely be taking a cut from his 14 million dollar per season salary.

3. Andre Miller

Like Bibby, ‘Dre’ is good but not great. A ‘strong’ point guard, Miller easily averages 15 points and double-figure assists, but struggles to stretch opposing defenses with his poor range. Still, a great pick up for a young developing team.

4. Shannon Brown (technically a restricted free agent, but won’t receive a qualifying offer.)

After getting traded to Los Angeles late last year, the young pro quickly gained the trust of Zen Master Phil Jackson and earned a spot in the rotation. Possessing a rare combination of size, strength, and speed, Brown could develop into a top back up. Maybe more?

5. Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson

Both are combo guards. Both are controversial. And both are at a crossroads in their careers. Teams will take a flyer on these two, but the days of max contracts and star billing may be over for ‘Starbury’ and ‘The Answer’.

Restricted Free Agent Options …

Ray Felton: He could return to Charlotte, but only at an affordable price.

Nate Robinson: A fan favourite in New York. Kryptonite can get a little out of control.

Ramon Sessions: A spunky, interesting table-setter, who was recently qualified by Milwaukee, so the Bucks can match any offer.

What restricted and unrestricted free agents would you like for your team? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits.Photo courtesy of dominiqueb.

7 Comments: Who are the top free agent point guards of 2009?

Posted by
hasn bin laiden
on 06.30.2009

while i agree that the restricted status of felton and sessions complicates things, i think it’s easily surmountable. milwaukee has money troubles, as evidenced by giving away rj and letting villanueva walk. throw in the fact they just drafted jennings, and i think sessions could be had by making a decent offer the bucks will be too cheap to match.charlotte has augustin, and either he or felton will be expendable at some point. again, a decent offer should fetch him. .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 06.30.2009

Hi last poster, thanks for writing in. Yes, I agree Felton and Sessions are attractive, but both are restricted, which complicates things. I really like Brown and, although he hasn’t qualified by Los Angeles, the team and player both want to wotk something out. I keep hearing Andre Miller to Portland, so that should be interesting, however, AM wants 30 mill over 3 years and he’s 33, so who knows? Still, I’m a big fan of Miller. Thanks for commenting! .

Posted by
hasn bin laiden
on 06.29.2009

cleveland, la, and portland need 1’s that can shoot because the primary ballhandler for each team is already in place: kobe, lebron, roy. that’s not exactly miller or kidd’s strength; bibby would seem to make more sense from that perspective.iverson and marbury will have to take whatever they can get. both are at the point in their careers where they need to become effective role players, and i don’t think either one has demonstrated that ability (though marbury was at least willing to try with boston).first i’d heard brown won’t receive a qualifying offer. la still wants him back, right?my top two targets would be ray felton and ramon sessions. i’d rather spend money on guys entering their prime than on those whose best days are behind them. either one is capable of running a team and being a solid starter for years to come. .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 06.29.2009

Hi Johnson, Thanks for commenting. It depends what Marbury wants and is willing to give. For instance, a veteran laden contender, like say Boston, may offer a cheap, one year pact. So if winning, not money and minutes, is the priority he could easily stay in the NBA. But who knows what direction Steph goes in? As for Iverson: I don’t think Charlotte works, but I keep hearing Bobcats. After the Detroit debacle, joining a contender is out. Kidd will hit up either LA or CLE. It should be interesting! Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by
Johnson
on 06.29.2009

Do you think its likely Marbury will recieve a decent offer in the NBA? I reckon its not unlikely he heads off to Europe. Iverson is the most interesting one here, any ideas where he is going? J-Kidd in L.A would be something i’d love to see. .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 06.29.2009

Hi there, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, Kidd will draw interest, but I think he will take less $ to be with a contender. Cleveland is a fit. Portland with Miller would be interesting. They could use a one, although Steve Blake is solid. Thanks for commenting. .

Posted by
Snika
on 06.29.2009

I think Kidd has a real shot at getting one last big deal... with the trades of all the contenders. I think you are right on with Andre Miller, however he is very under-rated and even with a better team he is still good enough to start. Portland makes the most sense. Does Milwaukee still need Ramon Sessions after aquiring Ridnour and drafting Jennings? .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Who are the top free agent point guards of 2009?

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