10 Bigs that can be had for cheap.
1 ) Carl Landry. Age 28. He has expressed interest in the Celtics.
Cost: Although he is worth more, it is possible he will agree to a 2 year 6 million dollar deal.
Pros: He brings versatility playing both 4 and 5 positions in the NBA. He's a decent scorer who plays solid defense. He's relatively young, athletic and durable with good NBA experience as both a starter and a sixth man.
Cons: A recent drop in his production has lowered his value. He's undersized and plays a role similar to Glen Davis.
2 ) Chris Wilcox. Age 29.
Cost: He's coming off a not so productive season where he earned 3 million. He could be had for the vet min.
Pros: In the prime of his career. He's extremely strong and athletic. He's versatile enough to play the 4 or the 5. He has good size, strength and solid NBA experience.
Cons: Poor Defender, although he's improved. Not a scoring threat but can finish above the rim, and has good touch near the basket.
3 ) Hilton Armstrong. Age 26.
Cost: Can be had for Vet min.
Pros: Young, athletic player with good size. Versatile enough to play either the 4 or the 5. Shows good hands, handle, rebounding abilities. Shows good defensive tools but has not been able to get significant court time.
Cons: Not the most efficient scorer, but has not had a lot of minutes. Although he was a 4 year player at UCONN, he lacks significant NBA experience. Has a negative Ass./TO mostly due to poor decision making.
4 ) Etan Thomas. Age 33.
High character veteran with big strong frame and solid athleticism. Did undergo open heart surgery a couple of years ago but is healthy enough to contribute. He's neither fast nor quick but he can defend inside and post up effectively. Solid ability to rebound the basketball. He'll come cheap at the vet min.
5 ) Alexis Ajinca.
Good size, solid athleticism. Very young and could probably be had for the vet min. A lot of upside but inexperienced and hasn't proven he can contribute on an NBA roster.
6 ) D. J. Mbenga. Age 30.
Good size. Excellent strength and athleticism. Decent rebounder and shot blocker. Good post defender. Will contribute very little on the offensive end. Should never touch the basketball unless he's dunking it. High character, intelligent individual but learned the game at a later age than most in the NBA. Can be had for the Vet min.
7 ) Kwame Brown. Age 29.
Good size, strength athleticism. Poor hands. Solid post defender and average on the glass. Questions about his attitude but coming off a very solid season. He will likely command something in the MLE range which is way too pricey for what he brings.
8 ) Josh McRoberts. Age 24.
Fluid and explosive athlete for a big man. Young with a lot of upside. Has the size and build of a power forward. Questionable motor. Hasn't shown his quickness on defense. Average on the glass. Pacers have expressed interest in retaining him and will thus likely be out of our price range.
9 ) Yi Jianlian. Age listed as 24, but suspected to be 27.
Good Athlete, has range out to the NBA 3, but not the most consistent shooter. Has length and quickness to be a good defender but has not shown the ability to use his tools on that end of the floor. Has the ability to attack the rim, but again has not shown himself to be capable of doing it on a consistent basis. Without being given a qualifying offer, he is an unrestricted free agent, and can be had for whatever the market is willing to pay for him.
10 ) Kyrylo Fesenko. Age 24.
Giant specimen with good size and strength. Hasn't shown himself to be a contributor in the NBA. His size makes for some upside, but lacks quickness and fluidity. Likely to be cheap and available.
