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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TORONTO, ON – MAY 23: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after a basket in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 23, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MAY 23: Bismack Biyombo #8 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after a basket in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 23, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

11. Bismack Biyombo

What if I told you that Bismack Biyombo was already in line for a massive contract… even before his playoff breakout?

It was already happening, and the playoff heroics certainly cemented the fact that Biyombo will be paid in short order.

The former top-10 pick will never impress the casual fan with scoring, and that is evidenced by a career mark of 7.9 points per 36 minutes over five seasons. However, Biyombo impacts the game in a variety of ways, and he enjoyed his best season ever with Toronto in 2015-2016.

Defensively, Biyombo is a rim-protecting monster, and that is always what he was drafted to be. He blocked 1.6 shots per game in only 22.0 minutes for Toronto, and when combined with tremendous rebounding (13.0 per 36 minutes) and impressive agility for a 7-footer, it is easy to see why he will be coveted. Then, of course, Biyombo took things to a different level in front of a national audience during the playoffs, showcasing that tremendous impact around the rim, and suddenly the conversation shifted from “he’s going to be an interesting contract!” to “Can Biyombo get the max?!” in a hurry.

Bismack Biyombo certainly isn’t a max player, even if he is a very useful one. However, his age (23) and playoff explosion combine to make it a virtual certainty that his contract number will make pundits shake their hand in unison, and Biyombo will be forced to continue his vast improvement to justify his deal.

Next: 10. Allen Crabbe

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