NBA Free Agency is in full swing and already there are a number of big names changing uniforms. The LA Clippers made the first free agent splash luring G Baron Davis away from Golden State back to his hometown of LA. At this point the Clippers were expected to have a fantastic team because the Clippers were expecting PF Elton Brand to re-sign after opting out. The Clippers were dead wrong as Brand headed east to play for a young but talented Philadelphia club. The Clippers after losing Brand and leading scorer from last season F Corey Maggette to Golden State, must now regroup and target some high-profile restricted free agents. The #1 man on LA's list is Hawks F Josh Smith. Smith has become a hot commodity and is now considered the best guy out there. The Hawks do have the option to match any offer he receives, but expect one team to throw an enormous wad of cash his way and Atlanta to let him walk. The Clippers have a lot of work to do to be a contender.
I men! tioned the Philadelphia 76ers inked PF Elton Brand adding him to a talented group of players including C Samuel Dalembert, G Andre Miller, and G Andre Iguoldala. Iguoldala is a restricted free agent, but expect Philly to do whatever possible to keep him around. Philly desperately needs a shooter before they can be called championship contenders, but Philly is now in the picture. As of now Philly has a shot at being the 4 or 5 seed in the East next year.
Golden State lost G Baron Davis to the Clippers, but responded by drawing former Clipper forward Corey Maggette away. Maggette is a fantastic scorer, but will need help for this team to succeed. With Davis jumping ship, the Warriors now have a huge void at PG. Monta Ellis is solid at SG, but they have no ball distributor. Look for Golden State to try and snag a top restricted free agent to fill the void at point guard.
Other notable signings thus far include G/F Michael Pietrus heading to Orlando. Pietrus i! s a very underrated player and will be a great 6th man in Orla! ndo. Me mphis got C Marc Gasol, yes Pau's little brother, to leave Europe and join the young Grizzlies. The New York Knicks picked up PG Chris Duhon to compete with other PG's Nate Robinson and Stephan Marbury for the starting role. The Knicks could move Robinson to SG and have him backup Jamal Crawford if he is not dealt away. The Miami Heat picked up 3-point shooting forward James Jones from Portland. Jones is a good fit of the bench behind F Shawn Marion and F Michael Beasley. The Spurs also inked G Roger Mason who likely takes the spot of free agent G Michael Finley.
There are still plenty of good players available. Here is a short list:
Restricted Free Agents: F Josh Smith ATL, G Ben Gordon CHI, C Emeka Okafur CHA, G Andre Iguoldala PHI, G Monta Ellis GS, F Luol Deng CHI, C Andris Biedrins GS, F Josh Childress ATL, G Daniel Gibson CLE, and C Nenad Kristic NJ (With these players the team that owns them has the right to match any offer they receive.)
