Free agency is a player’s dream and a team’s worst nightmare at times. How many of the 2013 NBA Draft’s top-10 will stay true to the their teams?
Free agency is the thorn in the side of every small-market team. It can be the most difficult hurdle, the lego they try to elude while tip toeing through the dark.
When free agency made its way to the National Basketball Association in 1996, the league’s destiny was vulnerable. If Michael Jordan’s desire to own a team was stronger then, he could have been watching his team lose from a suite in Madison Square Garden rather than in Charlotte.
Jordan took $35 million to be a Chicago Bull for life — ignoring the Wizards fiasco — and he was forever immortalized. To be fair, it probably would have happened either way, but when he retired with Chicago after “the shot,” the fables were passed down to doe-eyed children with No. 23 onesies.
Shaquille O’Neal started a trend, straying away from Jordan’s choice. The “big Aristotle” turned his back to Mickey Mouse and the Orlando Magic fans that same year. He packed his bags and headed for Hollywood — thank Jerry West, Orlando.
We all remember how well that worked out for O’Neal.
In 2010, LeBron James and Chris Bosh payed homage to Shaq, in a way, when they joined Dwyane Wade in Miami. Big-time free agents are attracted to big-time markets. Two championships later, they’re not regretting their decisions.
Miami’s “big three” came from that illustrious 2003 NBA Draft. All three fondled the hearts and hopes of teams with the simple possibility of signing on the dotted line.
Leaving in free agency is a trend in today’s version of the NBA. The lure of a max contract essentially brands a loyal player, who chooses to stay with the team that drafted him and not break its bank, as a hipster.
So let’s reflect upon last year’s draft, specifically the top-10. How many of them will actually go against the grain and spend their entire careers with those teams? Or, to be fair, how many of them will spend the majority of their careers with the team that drafted them?
1. Anthony Bennett – Cleveland Cavaliers: LEAVES
It’s been an unfortunate start for Bennett’s career. His 4.1 points a game scream “D-League!” We knew, however, when Cleveland took Bennett that he would be a boom-or-bust player. He was projected as a lottery talent but never a No. 1 overall possibility. Honestly, the blame should not be all on his shoulders. Mike Brown has not utilized his talents in an effectively. Plus, the entire franchise has lacked drive and results this season. The Andrew Bynum experiment failed miserably and angered Kyrie Irving. Chris Grant was relieved of his duties as general manager. Now Bennett is sidelined with a strained left knee for three weeks. Bennett’s talents reside in the paint with his ability to out-muscle other players. He needs to play inside-out, not vice versa. If he doesn’t see improvement by the time his two-year option rolls around, he might be out the door.
2. Victor Oladipo – Orlando Magic: STAYS
Orlando had put out bait last year with rumors of drafting Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart, eager to find Jameer Nelson’s successor. Smart stayed and Rob Hennigan proved again that he is a basketball genius. Victor Oladipo has done nothing but play his heart out for Head Coach Jacque Vaughn. His 14 points a game and 31 percent from three-point land has cemented his name in the hearts of Magic fans — no Dwight, no Shaq, no problem. Hennigan has the impressions of Sam Presti and Gregg Poppovich, so I have no doubt he will successfully build up Orlando. Oladipo, most likely, won’t go anywhere because Hennigan won’t let it happen.
3. Otto Porter – Washington Wizards: LEAVES
Porter’s had many injury problems this season, but he’s still a very talented offensive weapon. He can shoot the lights out when he wanders into a rhythm. The problem is Brad Beal. His emergence this season concocts thoughts of extending his time in the nation’s capital. The problem for Washington will be paying him — along with John Wall. And if Porter stays healthy and plays to the best of his abilities, I’m not sure Washington can keep all three. I think the emergence of Porter, if it happens, will lead the Wizards to trading him before he leaves them high and dry. The James Harden trade is a similar situation. Yes, it hasn’t worked out as well for the Oklahoma City Thunder as it has for the Houston Rockets, but there’s not guarantee of anything in that situation. First thing is first, Porter needs to be on the floor for more than nine minutes a game in 28 games.
4. Cody Zeller – Charlotte Bobcats: STAYS
Charlotte, on the shoulders of Al Jefferson, is vying for a playoff spot. And Cody Zeller has been fortunate to see about 17 minutes a game on a winning team. Jefferson is 29 and looks like he can be the team’s anchor for the next five to seven years. If Zeller continues to improve, he’ll see an increase in minutes and will get the chance to form a dynamic duo with “Big Al,” as the Bobcats’ faithful calls him. Knocking Jefferson down the power forward position would allow him to make the most of his offensive abilities and create second chance points for Zeller down low as a mobile, athletic center. The key will be keeping Kemba Walker. As we’ve seen with many other teams — like New York — no point guard means no deal. Walker, Jefferson and Zeller look like they can be the franchise’s core for the future. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist can be tossed in there too, but he’ll need to improve his shooting. The point is that maintaining Walker and Jefferson will lure Zeller to stay.
5. Alex Len – Phoenix Suns: LEAVES
Like Porter, Alex Len’s been going a few rounds with the injury bug. And less than 10 minutes a game will not aid his progression. Having Markieff and Marcus Morris play well this season has kept Len on the bench. The twins are 24 years old and look to have a bright future. I can’t see one leaving the other behind in free agency, so as long as the team wins, the Suns will make it a priority to keep both happy. That puts Len out in the cold. It’s hard to picture a No. 5 overall pick being a bench guy. Phoenix entertained the idea of trading Len this season, I think it will happen sooner rather than later, especially while Len is still young and has value.
6. Nerlens Noel – Philadelphia 76ers: STAYS
I have been Sam Hinkie’s biggest fan since he took over the Sixers, and despite a losing season, Philly will be on the up-side of the NBA’s power rankings for years to come. Michael Carter-Williams’ rookie season has been historic, yet alone memorable. Noel has yet to play, but assuming he holds true to his star-like expectations, he and “MCW” look like a potential Shaq-and-Kobe pair. I think Noel will have a solid career, and the Sixers will try and lock him up because gifted big men are rare.
7. Ben McLemore – Sacramento Kings: LEAVES
The Kings just need some consistency and veterans. Rudy Gay might be the veteran they needed, but that’s still in progress. McLemore is athletic and exciting, but Sacramento has struggled with its young guards in recent years. Tyreke Evans is now a New Orleans Pelican, and Jimmer Fredette is a Chicago Bull. Assuming they remain unstable, McLemore is bound to entertain money and winning. Scoring guards come in all shapes and sizes, so replacing McLemore is no tall task. I think he follows the money.
8. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Detroit Pistons: STAYS
Joe Dumars was once called the best general manager in basketball by some when the Pistons won the 2004 NBA Finals. Since then he’s gone backwards. He let Ben Wallace walk, and he kept Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton way too long. He also gave bad contracts to Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Josh Smith. Greg Monroe is probably going to be the odd man out because of Smith’s contract and the play of Andre Drummond. Now we get to Caldwell-Pope, who is averaging 6 points in 20 minutes a game. If Dumars stays true to his past, bad contracts will probably tie Detroit’s hands when discussing financial flexibility.
9. Trey Burke – Utah Jazz: STAYS
Utah is trying to get back to basics. That’s why Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap were shown the door. The Jazz is building for the future with John Stockton and Karl Malone in mind. Derrick Favors is coming along nicely and Enes Kanter has not been terrible. Retaining Burke as the franchise point guard will be vital to the longevity of Utah’s success. It’s a point guard league now. The Jazz is fully aware.
10. C.J. McCollum – Portland Trail Blazers: LEAVES
McCollum is another victim of poor health. but his 26 games have displayed his ability. He can create his own shot and score the basketball, but his biggest ally will be his biggest obstacle. Damian Lillard is a star already. Lillard continuing to grow into an all-star role will keep McCollum at bay. If McCollum feels the need to “be the guy,” I can’t blame him for wanting to leave Portland. I would like to see him stay because he and Lillard could be one of the best backcourt duos ever — with good health. I’m just not sure he’ll be inclined to do so. If Portland isn’t going deep into the postseason every year, McCollum might want to win. If they do make runs for the title, McCollum might want to prove he can lead the charge.
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