Fansided

Top 25 NBA Free Agents for 2016

By Cody Williams

Dec 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Thunder 112-104. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 10
Next
Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Dion Waiters (Restricted)

The oft-criticized Dion Waiters had the worst season of his three-year career this past season, spending the first half with the Cleveland Cavaliers and then being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 23-year-old guard played in 80 games combined to average only 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and two assists per game on 39.6 percent shooting and 29.7 percent three-point shooting.

There’s no denying the fact that the criticism of Waiters over his three seasons in the NBA has been warranted for the most part. Yes, it also may have been a reach to select him fourth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. He’s still young, but that’s a fair perception of Waiters at this point.

Despite all of his faults as a player and in terms of his attitude, though, he has obvious talent and could have great value on the right team and in the right environment. At this point, it’s hard to say which team or environment would be right for Waiters, but some team will talk themselves into the idea of them being that team. As he’ll be ending his rookie deal, the Thunder (or whichever team he is on at that point) will have the opportunity to match any deal. That being said, it’ll be interesting to see what the market is for the enigmatic Waiters.

24. John Henson (Restricted)

John Henson is another player who will be at the end of his rookie deal next summer, making him available as a restricted free agent. While the current Milwaukee Bucks center doesn’t get the same amount of headlines that someone like Waiters does, he could very well have more value on the free agency market next summer.

As part of the Bucks’ deep rotation of young, talented players, Henson has shown flashes of greatness over his first three seasons in the NBA. He’s limited yet efficient offensively, shooting 53.1 percent from the field for his career. On the defensive end, though, Henson has proven to be a force as a rim-protector. Playing just 18.3 minutes per game last season, he blocked two shots per game and grabbed 4.7 rebounds per game.

There’s a chance that Henson will never be anything more than a role player on a good team. However, there’s also great potential with his length, athleticism, and skill. Don’t be shocked if a team is willing to try and make the Bucks match a big offer next summer.

23. Danilo Gallinari

Current Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari is arguably one of the league’s biggest mysteries. There was a time when near everyone around the league was singing his praises and considering him a much-desired commodity. Things have changed since that particular time, though.

After a number of injuries and a mess of a season for the Nuggets as a whole last year, Gallinari’s value isn’t nearly as high as it once would have been. He’s a guy who could have feasibly drawn eight figures on the open market just a few years ago, but now that seems a bit out of his reach.

Despite his declining value, Gallinari has still proven to be an above average outside shooter that can change games with his offensive output. If he can put together a healthy, productive run in the 2015-16 season, there will undoubtedly be a market for a man of Gallinari’s talents.

Next: What Big Men Will Be Courted In 2016 Free Agency?

Home/Kevin Durant