Should These NBA Free Agents Be Brought Back? (PART ONE)

Now that both the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft are in the rear-view mirror, it's time to start focusing on the next best thing in the National Basketball Association. 

That's right.....

IT'S TIME FOR NBA FREE AGENCY!!!!!!

OK then.

Anyway, with free agency starting, I came up with a brilliant idea. Since I run my own sports blog and with NBA free agency coming up, maybe I should take a look at whether or not each NBA team should re-sign their own free agents or let them take a walk. 

See what I mean?

A BRILLIANT IDEA!!!!!!

This list should help every single NBA general manager make their decisions a little easier. I personally spent time evaluating each guy and ultimately made the decision myself. 

Enjoy the piece. It's a two-part column because I'm an asshole who likes making people come back to his blog on a daily basis. 

Atlanta Hawks

Al Horford (Center) - YES

Horford may be 30 years old, but he's still one of the best big men in the NBA. While his best days are likely behind him, he's still a very valuable player. If the Hawks let him walk, someone will offer him a big deal.

Kent Bazemore (Forward) - MAYBE

Bazemore is coming off the best season of his short career and will likely command a high price tag on the open market. The Hawks would be smart to bring Bazemore back if the price is right, but I usually tend to hate giving a guy big-time money when he's really only had one good year. Buyers beware.

Kris Humphries (Forward) - NO

The former Mr. Kardashian has been on five different teams over the last five years. He obviously has a commitment problem. I would continue to let him look for his perfect mate elsewhere in the NBA.

Mike Muscala (Forward) - NO

He sucks.

Kirk Hinrich (Point Guard) - NO

He's old. He sucks now. He should probably retire. Let him go.

 Boston Celtics

Evan Turner (Shooting Guard) - YES

The former #2 overall pick's NBA career has been a disappointment when you judge from his draft position, but he's actually turned into a pretty serviceable NBA player. If the price is good, I would definitely bring Turner back if I'm Danny Ainge.

Jared Sullinger (Center) - YES

Sullinger's numbers won't exactly jump off the page at you, but he's a big man who almost averages a double-double. That's always going to be a hot commodity in the NBA. Plus, he was drafted by the Celtics and is also still only 24 years old. Plenty of room for his game to grow still. 

Tyler Zeller (Center) - MAYBE

Zeller is coming off a disappointing season last year, but if Boston can bring him back on a cheap contract, that's something I would consider. It's not a guarantee though as another team may offer the 7'0 player a ridiculous contract based mainly on his size.

Brooklyn Nets

Sergey Karasev (Shooting Guard) - NO

Gross.

Shane Larkin (Point Guard) - YES

Barry Larkin's son has been in the league for three years and he's played on a different team every single year. It's time for that trend to stop. Larkin is coming off his best season so far and the Nets would be wise to bring him back on a short-term contract to see if he can improve even more. Maybe some stability is exactly what he needs? 

Thomas Robinson (Forward) - NO

Robinson is another guy who's been in the league for only three years, but has played for five different teams already. Why? Because he's a wildly inconsistent player who has some flashes in the pan, but then disappears more often than you would like. It's best for a team like the Nets to move on from a guy like him.

Henry Sims (Center) - MAYBE

If the Nets can get Sims back on a decent contract, he's a good back-up center to keep around.

Donald Sloan (Point Guard) - MAYBE

Much like Sims, Sloan is a good player to potentially bring back if the Nets can do it on a contract that makes sense. 

Markel Brown (Shooting Guard) - YES

The second-round pick from 2014 hasn't exactly set the world on fire, but he's been a servicable player for the Nets and could potentially blossom into something better. He's a restricted free agent who is worth bringing back. 

Willie Reed (Forward) - NO

Reed has been a professional basketball player for five years now and has only managed to play one season in the NBA. That was last season and he actually ended up leaving the Nets in April due to personal reasons. That doesn't sound like a guy I want on my basketball team personally. Send him packing.

Charlotte Hornets

Nic Batum (Forward) - MAYBE

I like Batum. He played in Portland for 7 seasons and I saw him play a lot of basketball. That's also why I would be a little bit worried about him heading into free agency this year. He's coming off arguably the best year of his career and managed to help lead the Hornets into the playoffs this year. Something tells me though that Batum is going to be drastically over-paid in free agency. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Hornets bring Batum back on a potential max contract and that thought alone would scare the crap out of me if I were a Charlotte fan. Batum is definitely worth bringing back, but he's not worth a max contract. I repeat. HE'S NOT WORTH A MAX CONTRACT!

Al Jefferson (Center) - NO

Al Jefferson is at the tail end of his career. He's coming off his worst season in over ten years and for a team on the rise like the Hornets, it's time to move on. I would be tempted to bring him back on a cheap contract, but he's a big man on the NBA's open market. He''s going to get over-paid. Stay away. 

Jeremy Lin (Point Guard) - MAYBE

I'm personally not a fan of either Lin's game or his hair cut, but he seemed to fit in really well with this Hornets team last year. I would be tempted to bring him back in on a short-term contract and see if another year with this team could produce better results. Lin needs some stability in his career. Maybe Charlotte is finally the team to give it to him?

Marvin Williams (Forward) - MAYBE

What was up with Marvin Williams last year? Somehow Williams' felt rejuvenated last year and ended up having arguably one of the best seasons of his 10-year career. Did Williams get a second wind with his NBA career or was he playing for one last big money contract before fading back into obscurity? There is definitely some buyer's beware with Williams, but if any team should take a gamble on him, it's Charlotte.

Courtney Lee (Point Guard) - NO

I think I'll pass for now.

Tyler Hansbrough (Forward) - NO

This guy is still in the NBA? No way. You have to be shitting me. 

Troy Daniels (Shooting Guard) - NO

No thanks.

Jorge Gutierrez (Point Guard) - NO

Yeesh.

Chicago Bulls

Pau Gasol (Center) - YES

For a team that just got rid of Derrick Rose, the Bulls are going to need as much help as they can get. While Pau Gasol is definitely on the downside of his career, he's still a damn good player. I wouldn't go and break the bank for Pau unless there were no other options on the table, but he had better be on the Bulls' radar as far as a potential return is concerned. Unless of course Chicago really is looking to tank, than I could see them going in a whole different direction and letting Gasol walk. 

Joakim Noah (Center) - NO

Noah's career is on a sharp decline and the best thing for everyone involved is likely a change of scenery. There's no way to tell if Noah can revert back to his old playing ways, but his time in Chicago should be up. 

Aaron Brooks (Point Guard) - MAYBE

Brooks is a good back-up point guard for the Bulls and Chicago needs to keep someone around who's at least familiar with Hoiberg's offense. I wouldn't want him as my starter, but as far as a back-up is concerned, you could do a lot worse.

E'Twaun Moore (Shooting Guard) - YES

Moore had a good year last year and should be brought back on a short-term contract. 

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James (Forward) - YES

Don't be silly.

Richard Jefferson (Forward) - NO

Most people expect Richard Jefferson to retire. I do as well.

James Jones (Shooting Guard) - NO

James Jones is notorious for being "the guy who follows LeBron James around". After winning another NBA title by riding the coattails of LeBron, it's probably time for James Jones to either retire or find someone else to hitch his wagon to. 

Timofey Mozgov (Center) - MAYBE

Mozgov doesn't provide much for Cleveland and he's coming off a season where he posted his lowest numbers in years. I would bring Mozgov back if the price is right, but something tells me he's going to get over-paid on the open market.

J.R. Smith (Shooting Guard) - YES

I'm not a big fan of J.R. Smith's, but I would bring him back to the Cavs on a team friendly deal as long as he promises to wear a t-shirt. If he can't accept those guidelines, I would highly consider letting him walk....or hoverboard his way out of town. 

Matthew Dellavedova (Point Guard) - YES

Delly is a good back-up point guard and does the dirty work that other people don't want to do. Every NBA team needs a player like that. You may not like him, but that means he's doing his job successfully. 

Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki (Forward) - NO

I never thought I would see the day that Dirk Nowitzki would leave the Dallas Mavericks. I also don't expect it to happen. Dirk made a little bit of news the other day by deciding to opt out of the last year of his contract making him a free agent. Something tells me he did that in order to get more money and not exactly to leave Dallas. Dirk and Mark Cuban are pretty much married and I can't see them separating this late in Nowitzki's career. However, I personally think it's time for the Mavericks to move on from the Nowitzki-era and go all-in on a rebuild. This current group is not going to go anywhere in the Western Conference and it's high time for them to start looking at the lottery. Plus, we all know how the big named free agents feel about playing in Dallas (looking at you DeAndre Jordan). 

Chandler Parsons (Forward) - NO

I'm not as high on Chandler Parsons as some either people are. Parsons surprised some Mavericks fans when he decided to opt out of the final year of his contract and test the free agent waters. Well, if the Mavs decide to let Dirk walk and go all-in on a re-build, they would be wise to let Parsons go to. 

Deron Williams (Point Guard) - MAYBE

The former All-Star point guard should be let go if Dallas is going to focus on a rebuild. The last thing you want when rebuilding a team is a 32-year old point guard with a chip on his shoulder looking to rejuvenate his career. However, if the Mavs decide to bring back Dirk and Parsons, Williams shouldn't be far behind. He may not be the player he once was, but he's still a decent little point guard capable of leading a playoff team.

Raymond Felton (Point Guard) - NO

There's only enough room on Dallas' roster for one "past his prime" point guard, which means that Raymond "Fatton" needs to go look for a new team. No hard feelings though Raymond. I'm sure there's always a need for an overweight, over-the-hill point guard in today's NBA.

David Lee (Forward) - MAYBE

The former All-Star forward didn't play along time in Dallas and it wouldn't surprise me to see the team let him go. However, if they are going to bring back their own free agents, Lee would be a good choice as a back-up to Dirk. If the rebuild is on though, let him go. 

Zaza Pachulia (Center) - MAYBE

Much like others on this list, if the Mavs aren't doing a rebuild, Zaza should probably be brought back to finish his career in Dallas. Zaza is a very serviceable center who is more ideal as a back-up, but can start if needed to. He's coming off his best season statistically in almost 10 years and has earned a potential last decent contract in the NBA.

Charlie Villanueva (Forward) - NO

Villanueva is a poor sport who apparently doesn't like when people have fun at his own expense. Send this crybaby out of town. Go let him finish his career on a team like the Philadelphia 76ers.

Dwight Powell (Forward) - YES

Young kid who is worth bringing back whether the Mavericks do a rebuild or have another go-round with the same team. 

Denver Nuggets

Darrell Arthur (Forward) - MAYBE

If the price is right, I would bring him back. I'm not overpaying for a guy who's career averages don't exactly jump off the page though.

D.J. Augustin (Point Guard) - MAYBE

Augustin has been on six teams the last four years. After a disappointing stint in Oklahoma City, Augustin was traded to Denver and seemingly rejuvenated his career. What happened to Augustin in Denver? I don't know, but I just might be interested enough to bring him back on a short-term contract to see if he can do it again. 

Mike Miller (Shooting Guard) - NO

This guy should be retired, not looking for another NBA pay day.

Detroit Pistons

Andre Drummond (Center) - YES

Drummond is one of the best centers in the league, if not the best. In a league that is devoid of good players at that position, the Pistons can't let Drummond go. I know the NBA is now a "guard" and a "shooters" league, but there is always going to be room in this league for a guy who dominates the boards and plays good defense. I'm maxing this guy out without a question.

Steve Blake (Point Guard) - NO

I love Steve Blake, but at this point in his career....I'm going to pass.

Anthony Tolliver (Forward) - NO

Plenty of players in this league with Tolliver's abilities. Go find a better one.

Golden State Warriors

Harrison Barnes (Forward) - NO

Barnes is a good player, but it's probably time for a change of scenery for him. The Golden State Warriors are an incredible team and Barnes just doesn't fit anymore. He disappeared in the playoffs this year and he's GOING to be overpaid when he hits the open market in free agency. For a team that was THIS close to winning another NBA title, they need to improve and not a take a step backwards. It's time to let Barnes walk.

Ian Clark (Shooting Guard) - NO

Pass.

Festus Ezeli (Center) - YES

I'm always for bringing back guys that a team drafted and has improved every year he's been in the league. Festus Ezeli isn't exactly a name that everyone in the NBA is going to be clamoring for, but he's done a good job in the league since Golden State drafted him three years ago. The Warriors would be wise to try and bring him back.

James Michael McAdoo (Forward) - NO

No thanks.

LeAndro Barbosa (Shooting Guard) - NO

This guy still plays?!?!?!

Brandon Rush (Forward) - NO

I'm starting to notice a trend here with most of Golden State's bench players.

Marreese Speights (Center) - MAYBE

Speights saw both his numbers and his minutes take a dip this year in Golden State. If the Warriors can bring him back on a cheaper deal, he would probably be worth it. Otherwise, move along.

Anderson Varejao (Center) - NO

Get the biggest flopper in NBA history right the hell out of this league right now. RIGHT NOW!!!!

Houston Rockets

Dwight Howard (Center) - NO

The marriage between Dwight Howard and the Rockets has been an ugly one and it's time for both parties to move along. Howard is still a pretty damn good player, he just needs to learn his role. He can no longer be the focus of a team and instead should be happy with being the #2 or #3 option. If he can do that, he might be able to experience a new life in the NBA on the right team. That team is not the Houston Rockets though.

Josh Smith (Center) - NO

There's a reason the former All-Star has had a hard time finding an NBA home the last few seasons. He sucks now. 

Jason Terry (Point Guard) - NO

Sixteen years in the NBA now for Jason Terry. I'm not the kind of guy who tells people to retire, but it might be something that Terry should look into. I heard coaching can be a good business to get into.

Terrence Jones (Forward) - NO

The former first-round pick by the Rockets is a restricted free agent, but it would be a wise decision for the Rockets to move on from him. Jones is coming off a year in which he saw his numbers dip significantly across the board. That's a BIG TIME red flag for a player who is playing in a contract year coming off his rookie contract. There is plenty of "buyer's beware" with Terrence Jones and that's one stock I'm not looking to purchase.

Donatas Motiejunas (Forward) - NO

Much likes Jones, Motiejunas is a restricted free agent who saw a significant dip in both his minutes and his production last season. That's a red flag in this guy's book.

Indiana Pacers

Jordan Hill (Center) - MAYBE

It's hard to grade Hill's first season in Indiana. Yes, he saw his numbers drop across the board but part of that is because he went from playing on an awful Lakers team to a decent Pacers team. If the price is right, I would bring Hill back on a short-term deal. If he's looking for something in the 3+ years range though, I would let him walk.

Ian Mahinmi (Center) - YES

Mahinmi is coming off the best season of his career and I'm sure he's the perfect candidate to get over-paid on the NBA's open market. I'm not sure the Pacers should let him walk though. After seeing his improvement on-the-court last season, I'm interested in seeing what he can do with a new head coach. 

Ty Lawson (Point Guard) - NO

Something terrible has happened to Ty Lawson. At one time, I would've killed to have had Lawson on my roster, but after seeing what he put on the court last season....no thanks. There's something going on with this guy and he's not worth the risk in my book. He might be able to revert back to his old ways, but if I'm the Pacers, I'm letting someone else deal with that.

Solomon Hill (Forward) - NO

There's better options out there.

Los Angeles Clippers

Jamal Crawford (Shooting Guard) - MAYBE

The NBA's reigning "Sixth Man of the Year" might be worth bringing back in Los Angeles if the price is right. Rumors are that the Knicks are extremely interested in bringing Crawford back in for a reunion and if I'm the Clippers, I'm not going to get into a bidding war for a 15-year veteran regardless of how good he's been for them off the bench. Tread lightly with this guy Los Angeles. 

Jeff Green (Forward) - MAYBE

Much like Crawford, Green is a good player, but not a guy I'm willing to overpay for to come off the bench. The Clippers are one of those teams that are close to being one of the best in the league and they can't afford to overpay guys who don't play significant minutes. Green might be playing on his fourth team in three years once free agency hits.

Austin Rivers (Point Guard) - NO

I'm personally not a fan of Austin Rivers' game, but the Clippers are going to bring him back as long as Doc Rivers is around. 

Cole Aldrich (Center) - YES

Decent young back-up center for DeAndre Jordan. As long as he doesn't command an extremely high price tag, I'm bringing him back.

Jeff Ayres (Forward) - NO

Pass.

Wesley Johnson (Forward) - NO

The former first-round pick posted disappointing numbers across the board last season even though he still played 20+ minutes a game. No thanks.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Forward) - NO

Garbage.

Pablo Prigioni (Point Guard) - NO

Yuck.

Los Angeles Lakers

Roy Hibbert (Center) - NO

Remember when Roy Hibbert was good? Well, that was ALOOOOOOOOONG time ago. This version of Roy Hibbert that we saw last season? That was disgusting. Personally, I would love to see the Lakers re-sign him because I love seeing them suck....but if I was running that team, he would be gone. The best part of this guy's career is over folks. 

Brandon Bass (Forward) - MAYBE

His best days are definitely behind him, but for the right price, I would bring him back. He's a good player off-the-bench. Not a guy I want starting though. 

Robert Sacre (Center) - NO

Didn't play much last season and not a guy I would want to keep around on a rebuilding Lakers team that is in need of guys who can contribute.

Metta World Peace (Forward) - NO

Why is he still playing? Seriously. Anyone?

Tarik Black (Center) - NO

Pass.

Jordan Clarkson (Point Guard) - YES

The Lakers are a young team that looks to be on-the-rise. Jordan Clarkson has been one of their bright spots over the last few seasons and there hasn't been a lot of them. They can't afford to lose an exciting young point guard like Clarkson who can help develop and grow alongside guys like Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram. This one should be a no-brainer for the Lakers.

Marcelo Huertas (Point Guard) - MAYBE

Huertas is old, but he played good enough last season for me to give him another shot on a short-term contract.

Ryan Kelly (Forward) - NO

No thanks.

Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley (Point Guard) - YES

Conley is a good point guard and there's going to be a market for him if he hits it. He's coming off an injury, but that won't shy teams away from giving money to a veteran point guard with tons of experience. I'm not sure the Grizzlies can afford to lose him or they may suffer a big-time slip in the NBA rankings next season.

Chris Andersen (Forward) - MAYBE

"Birdman" is past his prime, but for the right price, he's a player that the Grizzlies should consider bringing back. He was a decent player for them last season when called upon. 

Matt Barnes (Forward) - YES

Barnes is an enforcer in a league that is devoid of guys like that. A lot of players are afraid of him and that immediately becomes an advantage for him whenever he's on-the-court. He's played on a lot of teams in his NBA career, but maybe this time he's found one that he will retire with? Only time will tell.

Jordan Farmar (Point Guard) - MAYBE

Farmar is another player who I would consider bringing back if the price is good. He played well enough for the Grizzlies that it's definitely worth the consideration.

P.J. Hairston (Forward) - YES

A young player who has shown some glimpses of potentially turning into a serviceable NBA player. He's worth bringing back on a short-term contract to see if he can continue to develop. 

Ryan Hollins (Center) - NO

Nope.

Bryce Cotton (Point Guard) - NO

No thanks.

Did you like what you see? Make sure you return tomorrow for PART TWO!!! I promise it will be just as fun.