NBA Free Agents 2014: Ray Allen, Michael Beasley Among Best Players Still Available
This NBA off-season has been extremely exciting for basketball fans everywhere. We've seen some of the best players in the world opt out of their contracts, switch teams and re-sign. The majority of top-tier players have already signed a new contract, but there are two great players who are still unsigned.
Michael Beasley and Ray Allen are both currently free agents. The two players are separated by 13 years of age and play two completely different positions on the court. Regardless, you can count on both of them playing this upcoming season. The only question will be, for which team?
Ray Allen
Allen is the greatest three point shooter in NBA history. He's shot an exceptional 40 percent from the perimeter over his 18 year career. Allen holds records for most career three pointers during the regular season and the postseason, even more than Reggie Miller. Even though Allen is 38 years of age, he can still stretch the court and hit the three. Allen has also been very healthy throughout his career.
He's been a member of two championship squads, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. He's shown that he can hit the big shot in the big moment. His final second shot in game six of the 2013 NBA Finals was one of the greatest ever.
If Allen does return for a 19th season, there's a great chance it will be with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Allen always wants to play with a championship contender, and with LeBron James in Cleveland, the possibilities are endless. According to multiple reports, the Cavaliers are very "optimistic" that they will sign Allen this off-season. Allen's points per game have decreased the last four seasons, but he's still a great shooter and nearly perfect from the free throw line.
Michael Beasley
Then there's Mr. Beasley. Beasley has had a very inconsistent career with three different teams so far. The 25-year-old forward was the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2008. During his playing days at Kansas State, he was one of the best players in the country.
Unfortunately, Beasley has had multiple off the court issues. He has been fined and suspended for drugs, fan altercations, speeding and other things. Although Beasley is a talented young player, a team has to make sure he is willing to stay out of trouble before investing a lot money in him. If signed, it's unlikely he will get a long term contract.
The Los Angeles Lakers recently showed an interest in Beasley, but no deal has been made official. Even though the Lakers lost Pau Gasol to free agency, they did acquire Carlos Boozer to fill the void. The Miami Heat have already given Beasley two chances, so we probably won't see a third.
After starting 170 games in his first three seasons, Beasley has only started 29 games in his last three years. Because of his antics off the court, he isn't getting nearly enough playing time as he should.
Both Beasley and Allen could help a team this season. Allen is still one of the best perimeter shooters in the game, even if he is 38 years old. Allen is also a great leader, who has won two NBA Championships. Beasley is the complete opposite. He's a young player who can help a team in the paint area, but doesn't bring much leadership. He's also a risk for a long term contract. A one-year deal may be worth it for a team that needs a forward.
Lamar Odom
Odom had a great career playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but since his departure from the team in 2011, it's been a bumpy road. Odom has had multiple issues off the court, and he is turning 35 years old next season. He can still offer a lot of experience and a big body down low, but it's obvious his off-the-court life is just too big of a distraction. He was waived by the New York Knicks this offseason.
Jermaine O'Neal
O'Neal was a member of the famous 1996 draft--the one that featured Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Stephon Marbury and Derek Fisher. O'Neal has only started 17 games in his last two seasons, and he's not the offensive force he once was. He can still be a good rebounder and provide a big body coming off the bench. Even though O'Neal is a 6-foot-11 forward/center, he hits more than 70 percent of his free throws.
Other notable free agents also include Hedo Türkoglu, Ron Artest and former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden.
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