Five Free Agents Replaceable Through Draft

Believe it or not, but the Pistons can replace Greg Monroe and survive.

Every small-market team has to go through it. When you build a team up through the draft, and don’t attract major free agents, your players become the free agents lured by metropolises. It seems as though San Antonio is the only team not riddled with this curse of having its players plucked via free agency or trade demands. As of late, some players don’t even wait until their contracts expire.

Take Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard as prime examples. Anthony didn’t exactly hold the Denver Nuggets brass at gun point, but he made it known he’d walk. Denver did what it had to, and to an extent it worked because they’ve assembled a “team.” I’m not talking about a superstar and some second-round draft picks. Denver’s squad actually plays with passion and chemistry — likely a George Karl side effect. They share the ball.

With Howard, well for the sake of sparing the eyes of Orlando Magic fans, let’s not divulge into that soap opera.

But it’s a forgone conclusion that some of this year’s free agents will indeed opt to put their current home on the market. Here’s a list of five players likely to leave their current teams and how they can be “replaced.”

1. Greg Monroe – Detroit Pistons

Woah, weren’t expecting such a big name off the bat, were you? Monroe actually has a qualifying offer, so technically Detroit can tell him “guess again, Greg.” But Monroe saw the writing on the wall when Detroit signed Josh Smith. Now if Joe Dumars is still the same general manager that once put together a championship team with five all-stars, he’d trade Monroe before he skips out on Motor City. Monroe is going to draw a lot of interest from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. The problem for Dumars is the teams that want Monroe know he’s inclined to walk in free agency. So why trade assets that would have attracted the big man in the first place? We saw New York do that for Anthony. The Knicks had a solid roster before Melo, and the only way to get him there was to sell the cow. It is possible Monroe plays out this year, and possibly next year, and heads for the hills — no, not Auburn Hills.

Possible replacement: Noah Vonleh

Vonleh would fit nicely with Andre Drummond, whose popularity has skyrocketed within the Piston’s organization. Vonleh is a highly efficient player who can clean glass with Drummond and allow Josh Smith to play the small forward — and take all those threes he like’s to miss so much. I have Vonleh at No. 8 on my big board. He has the potential to be the next Kevin Garnett. He’s lengthy and athletic. If he progresses his jumper… watch out. This is assuming the Pistons tank and get a lottery pick.

2. Evan Turner – Philadelphia 76ers

Turner is another one with a qualifying offer. There have been rumblings about the Sixers dealing Turner for a while now, and we’ve yet to see the former Ohio State Buckeye switch jerseys. Here’s the kicker though. Turner’s qualifying offer is for $8.7 million. Is he worth it? He’s played well this year. That’s up to the Sixers and Sam Hinkie to decide if they want to bring Turner back. But if he goes, how does Philly replace him?

Possible replacement: Jabari Parker/Andrew Wiggins

The Sixers are going to have two lottery picks, and one of their picks has a 15.6 percent chance of being the No. 1 overall pick. The odds are in Philly’s favor that they’ll either take home Parker or Wiggins. Both would fit perfectly with what Michael Carter-Williams has started. When Nerlens Noel returns, that team’s future will be bright. There’s even a chance Philly goes home with both Parker and Wiggins. It’s a stretch — a Mr. Elastic type of stretch — but it’s possible depending on how the ping pong balls land and how bad New Orleans is. Philly owns the Pelican’s pick, but it’s top-five protected. Of course it requires Wiggins or Parker falling to at least the sixth pick, but the “what if” game is always fun. What if Parker and Wiggins join forces in the city of brotherly love? Video game status.

3. Kyle Lowry – Toronto Raptors

He was supposed to be the point guard of the future for Toronto, but the Raptors struggled in surrounding him with a quality team. They shipped off Rudy Gay to Sacramento and Andrea Bargnani to New York. Lowry knows he can’t win in Toronto, at least not with Miami and Indiana as stacked as they are. With Greivis Vasquez there now (RFA), I think it’s more than likely Lowry bolts in free agency, and the Los Angeles Lakers will be waiting. If Lowry does leave, Toronto will need a point guard. But the Raptors are currently No. 4 in the Eastern Conference, so a lottery pick seems out of the question. Where do they go?

Possible replacement: Zach LaVine

I actually have LaVine as my No. 9 prospect on my big board. He’s a freakish athlete with quick hands and explosive footwork. ESPN’s Chad Ford referred to him as Russell Westbrook with a jumper. I think LaVine is more of a shooting guard. I compared the UCLA freshman to a young Kobe Bryant. But he can run the point too. If Toronto does finish strong and is left outside of the lottery looking in, they should trade up because LaVine has phenomenal talent and unlimited potential.

4. Shawn Marion – Dallas Mavericks

The two-hand wonder is getting older. We have to face the facts. He’s no longer part of a high-flying trio like he was in Phoenix. Marion is getting older, and if he does retire he’ll probably look to join a team capable of winning a ring because Dallas’ window is just about shut. Marion has always been a high energy guy who does the little things. It’s not easy to replace him, but it’s possible.

Possible replacement: Casey Prather

I’ve watched Prather’s entire career at Florida. It’s not that he can’t hit a three, it’s that he lacks the confidence to take the shot at all. Prather is a slasher. He’s a cutter, a putback slammer. He’s everything Marion was to Stephon Marbury with the Suns. Prather isn’t a first-round talent, but that’s okay because the Mavericks don’t own a first-round pick. Well, its first-round pick belongs to Oklahoma City and is top-20 protected. But either way, the Mavericks can snatch Prather in the second round. He probably won’t ever contend for an all-star spot, but he’ll fill a role. That’s Dallas basketball — role players and Dirk Nowitzki.

5. Channing Frye – Phoenix Suns

Frye has been lights out shooting the ball this year. He’s 30 and Phoenix is trying to re-build. If Frye keeps playing this well, he’ll decline his player option. Frye could easily be fit for Indiana, Portland, or any number of contenders. If he does walk, how does Phoenix find someone with height who can stretch the floor?

Possible replacement: Doug McDermott

The guy can flat out stroke the ball. He’s No. 12 on my big board. McDermott reminds me a lot of Kevin Love. He’s got the talent to play down low and grab boards, but he’s dangerous when he drifts beyond the arc. He can spot up for three or shoot off the dribble. He has a soft touch near and away from the rim. McDermott could fit right in with Eric Bledsoe and Alex Len. It’s easy to make room for scorers.