Fansided

15 NBA players certain to be overpaid in free agency

By Brad Rowland

Mar 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 18: Ryan Anderson #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 18, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 18: Ryan Anderson #33 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on March 18, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

15. Ryan Anderson

When healthy and available, Ryan Anderson is an extremely valuable offensive player. The 28-year-old forward has connected on 37.7% of his three-point attempts over an eight-year career, and when accompanied by real volume, that is obscenely good for a 6-foot-10 power forward. Still, Anderson’s offensive contributions aren’t enough to make him a standout overall force, and he is probably going to be paid as one.

Anderson, to put it mildly, is a below-average defensive player in the aggregate. Earlier in his career, he was able to mitigate that a bit by posting an above-average rebound rate, but that has tailed off significantly as Anderson has aged, and in an increasingly wide-open league, it is becoming (very) difficult to hide him on that end of the floor, especially without the benefit of a dominant rim protector next to him.

Beyond that, Anderson’s next contract will take him into his 30’s, as most expect him to command three or four years of a contract that will pay him upward of $18-20 million per season. In short, that would be insane, even for a player that will likely stuff the box score offensively throughout that deal. Smart NBA teams will undoubtedly see past the facade of his scoring to the point where there won’t be a parade of teams lined up to overpay Anderson, but at least one team will and, at his age, it is not going to end particularly well.

Next: 14. Harrison Barnes

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