By David K.
A list of the top 2009 NBA Free Agent small forwards. Here are the top 3, to read the complete list, click here.
https://www.walterfootball.com/nbafreeagents2009sf.php
1. Ron Artest, Rockets (17.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.3 apg) Age: 29.
Houston rolled the dice in acquiring Artest last off-season and the risk definitely paid dividends. Artest was first and foremost very well-behaved, showing that he has matured since his days of rushing into the stands and fighting fans. More importantly, he played a major role in the Rockets success, filling the void left behind by the injured T-Mac, and nearly leading Houston to a second round upset against the Lakers. With T-Mac completely unreliable health-wise and in the final year of his contract, the Rockets should do what they can to bring Artest back. The only other teams with cap space that might interest Artest are Toronto and Utah (since I doubt the Pistons would ever consider signing him.)
Prediction: re-signs 4-year, $42 million with Rockets
2. Hedo Turkoglu, Magic (PO) (16.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.9 apg) Age: 30.
With his clutch play in the post-season, Turkoglu will undoubtedly opt out of his $7.3 million option for next season with hope of signing a long-term extension with the Magic. The biggest problem is Orlando has invested A LOT of money in Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard through 2013 and may not want to pony up to pay Turkoglu. However, he has been such an important piece to their puzzle that the two sides will have to settle on a reasonable raise.
Prediction: opts out, but re-signs 4-year, $41 million with Magic
3. Al Harrington, Knicks (PO) (20.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg) Age: 29.
Harrington would be pretty foolish to opt out of his $10 million deal for 2009-2010. He won’t find near that amount on the open market and would be better off stomaching another year in New York and trying to cash in on a deal next off-season.
Prediction: stays with Knicks
A list of the top 2009 NBA Free Agent small forwards. Here are the top 3, to read the complete list, click here.
https://www.walterfootball.com/nbafreeagents2009sf.php
More 2009 NBA Free Agent rankings coming soon.