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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 /
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Jan 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson is yet another player who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, but that doesn’t entirely hurt his value as a potential free agent. The New Orleans Pelicans forward has proven every time that he’s been healthy that he can be a massive weapon on virtually any team.

Anderson’s shortcomings come on the defensive end where he’s not unbearable, but he’s not a plus either. However, he more than makes up for it with his ability to stretch the floor as a power forward and knock down shots from distance with solid efficiency. Moreover, he provides the unique ability to stretch the floor while also being an effective rebounder. That’s a skill that can’t go unnoticed and undervalued.

Anderson may not get the money that he once would have on the market next summer, but teams in need of a versatile big man will be going after his services. Particularly if he can help the Pelicans grow off of their success this season, Anderson will be coveted by many organizations in the summer of 2016.

12. Kobe Bryant

Perhaps the biggest mystery regarding 2016 NBA free agency is Kobe Bryant. There’s really no need to list what Kobe has done over the course of his career because he and his accomplishments have already been penned in basketball lore. However, his future is now a bit uncertain.

Kobe will turn 38 years old in August 2016. Given his recent lower-body injuries that seem to indicate that his 19 seasons in the NBA are finally taking a major toll on his body. There’s a chance that Bryant won’t be looking to wither away in the NBA as he gets older and will instead opt to retired next summer. However, he’s also famously ultra-competitive, so there’s also a chance that he won’t be able to hang it up just yet. If that happens, though, the other major question is whether he’d play for a team other than the Los Angeles Lakers or not.

Bryant won’t get the value he once would have on the open market given his recent struggles. However, there aren’t many teams around the league that wouldn’t want his experience and acumen on their roster. Sure, his demeanor could cause issues at time, but he’s an all-time great in the league. Even at the end of his career, almost any team would want to have that kind of player on their roster.

11. Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson is one of the most unfairly judged players in the NBA. Because of the enormity of the contract that he’s on, he’s often considered to be overvalued and somewhat of a joke. If you discount that contract, though, Johnson has continually been a valuable weapon for the Brooklyn Nets and arguably their most reliable option over the past two seasons.

Johnson is obviously a fantastic scorer that can put the rock through the net from almost anywhere on the floor. Moreover, he’s a solid passer and rebounder at his position. All of that equates to Johnson being one of the more valuable offensive weapons that will be on the open market in 2016.

The catch to this, of course, is that Johnson will turn 35 years old next June. He’s not going to have much (if any) upside at that point. Much like with other veterans, though, having a player who can still contribute offensively while also providing a veteran leadership to a team means that organizations around the league are going to be doing everything they can to get him on their roster—surely for a better price than what he’s being paid right now, though.

Next: What Explosive Big Man Will Be Highly Coveted?

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