Training camp is just around the corner and a number of veteran free agents are still available in the market. These players, while nearing the tail-end of their careers, could help an NBA title contender in a pinch. Here are 6 veteran players who could provide a spark off the bench.
Leandro Barbosa – Last team Phoenix Suns
A crowd favorite to virtually any team he played for, Leandro Barbosa played for the Phoenix Suns last season. The Brazilian Blur was a key member of the Golden State Warriors that won the 2015 NBA championship and won an NBA record 73 wins the following season.
Coming off the bench throughout his career, Barbosa infused the second unit with limitless energy and provided the scoring punch needed by his teams. He was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2007 and shined during the 7-seconds-or-less era of the Phoenix Suns where he averaged a career-high 18.1 points and 4 assists per game.
Contending teams could use a player like Leandro Barbosa, a consistent outside threat, playmaker, and slasher. While he may have lost some of his speed that earned him the nickname Brazilian Blur, he still has that high basketball IQ and fearless attitude that made him a valuable member of the Golden State Warriors that won the 2015 NBA title.
Andrew Bogut – Last team Cleveland Cavaliers
In an era where the NBA Teams value big men who can shoot from the outside, Andrew Bogut still thrived. Bogut starred with the Warriors that won the 2015 NBA finals and set the 73-win NBA record. However, he helped the Dubs achieve those feats not by jacking off three-pointers, as his value lies in setting screens and finding open shooters.
Andrew Bogut remains a valuable player for a contending team. So valuable in fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the same team that the Dubs defeated in 2015 and lost to in 2016, acquired the Australian big man to help them last season. But fate, as it turned out, has other plans. Just seconds after his Cavaliers debut, Bogut suffered a season-ending injury that prompted the Cavs to waive him.
By all accounts, Andrew Bogut is almost in NBA game shape and is reportedly in negotiations to no less than 4 teams for a possible NBA comeback. If he does return, he could help any contending teams shore up the middle, protect the rim, rebound, and create plays for others. Andrew Bogut has career averages of 10 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 2.3 assists per game.
Matt Barnes – Last team Golden State Warriors
NBA teams looking for a lockdown defender and spot up shooter to shore up their bench should look no further. Matt Barnes helped the Golden State Warriors win the NBA championship last season.
While Matt Barnes bounced around the league during his 16-year NBA career, he has earned the reputation of being a solid player who knows how to play at both ends of the floor.
Barnes was usually assigned to guard the opposing team’s best offensive player throughout his career.
Last season, the Dubs acquired Matt Barnes as Kevin Durrant’s replacement when the latter went down with an injury. Barnes played 25 regular season games for the Dubs and averaged 5.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
Gerald Green – Last team Boston Celtics
Gerald Green was once a highly-touted high school prospect. While his potential didn’t exactly materialize in the NBA, he has shown glimpses of what he can do on the court. Green is an athletic swingman who can shoot the lights out at any given night.
As a testament to his improvement, Gerald Green was declared the winner of the Players Voice award.
Green was voted the best teammate for providing stability, inspiration, swag, and consistency to the Boston Celtics locker room. While he didn’t get to see much floor time, his teammates lauded Green for always being ready when his number is called.
Gerald Green enjoyed his best year as a member of the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 15.8 points per game on 40 percent during the 2013-2014 NBA Season. Green, a former Slam Dunk champion, averaged 9.6 points throughout his 11-year career and could provide a spark off the bench for contending teams.
David Lee – Last team San Antonio Spurs
David Lee is a 2-time All-Star (2010, 2013) and a one-time member of the All-NBA Third Team (2013). He helped the Golden State Warriors win the 2015 NBA title during the 2014-2015 NBA season.
Lee is a solid defender and rebounder who could help any contending team in the upcoming NBA season. David Lee last played for the San Antonio Spurs where he averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game off the bench.
David Lee has good basketball instincts and is proven leader in the locker room. Lee could be what NBA teams are looking for if they need to acquire a solid big man who can shoot and pass.
Mike Miller – Last team Denver Nuggets
Mike Miller was a key member of the Miami Heat champion teams that won 2 NBA titles in 2012 and 2013. Miller, a former Rookie of the Year (2001) has career averages of 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
For his career, Miller shot over 40 percent from the three-point line and 77 percent from the free throw line, and could immediately help any contending teams chasing the NBA title with his outside shots.
Miller is an able defender and could spread the floor by just being in the game.
Mike Miller spent the last two seasons with the Denver Nuggets playing just 67 games. Miller won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2006.
