With NBA free agency right around the corner, it is the perfect time to have a look at who will hit the open market and rank the best available options.
Some of the biggest names in the league will be available, including a handful of key Golden State Warriors, a couple of top-10 point guards and a key piece to the future to the Utah Jazz.
There will also be some under-the-radar players with local ties who won’t get near as much fanfare as the big names, but they could really make a difference for a new squad.
Here is my list of the best free agents in 2017 along with some players with local ties to watch.
Locals to watch
Andrew Bogut, Cleveland Cavaliers
Coming off a season-ending injury in his only game with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bogut is back on the market. Although he is past his prime, he is still a very solid rebounder and rim protector who could be the answer for any team looking for frontcourt help.
Deron Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
The former Jazz man took a run at a ring as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers but fell in the NBA Finals. While he wasn’t great down the stretch in Cleveland, Williams still has a lot left in the tank. He is an excellent pick-and-roll point guard who could be a nice fit as a sixth man on a good team or a starter on a young squad.
Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz
Ingles is one of the best-kept secrets in the league. He is a three-and-D guy who is also a gifted passer. He was one of the key members of the Jazz in 2016-17, and he’s definitely a player who is very important to resign.
Shelvin Mack, Utah Jazz
He isn’t the most flashy lead guard around, but Mack is a more-than-serviceable backup who can step in and start when needed. That happened with the Jazz nine times last season, and he provided 12.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting with 3.7 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 31.1 minutes.
Jeff Withey, Utah Jazz
Withey has been a solid backup big man for the Jazz the last two seasons. He doesn’t play big minutes, but when he gets on the floor, he does his job. He is a more-than-adequate rim protector and rebounder who can also finish at the rim or from the free-throw line.
Top 20
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