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

Yesterday was part one. Today is part two. 

See how that works?

Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade (Shooting Guard) - YES

Wade may not be the player that he once was, but the Miami Heat without Dwyane Wade just seems wrong. The Heat will likely bring back Wade regardless of the price tag. He's their Kobe Bryant and will likely continue to do so unless LeBron James can convince him to leave the beaches of Miami for the wonderful streets of....Cleveland? 

Hassan Whiteside (Center) - YES

I'm a huge fan of Whiteside's game. He's quietly become one of the best defenders in the league and is already one of the most in demand free agents and free agency hasn't even begun yet. While I would love to see him end up in Portland, the Heat may have an advantage in re-signing him and would be wise to do so. He's worth a max deal in my opinion.

Luol Deng (Forward) - MAYBE

Deng is one of those players that I'm bringing back if the price is right. I'm still a fan of what he can bring to the table, but I'm not willing to overpay for his services. At this point in his career, he's probably better suited for a "sixth man" role. He would likely kill in that kind of role.

Gerald Green (Forward) - NO

Green is coming off a disappointing year last year and I highly doubt the 30-year old is going to get things turned around at this point in his career. It's probably best for both parties to go their separate ways.

Udonis Haslem (Forward) - NO

The longtime Miami Heat veteran barely played last season and when he did play....it was gross. His NBA career may be over.

Joe Johnson (Forward) - NO

Six to seven years ago I would have jumped all over Joe Johnson. He was one of my favorite players when he was tearing things up on the Atlanta Hawks back in the late 2000's. Times have changed though and much like Luol Deng, Johnson is probably best suited for a "sixth man" role at this point in his career. He's also probably going to demand a nice price tag and the Heat really need to avoid spending a ton of money on a bunch of guys who should be playing basketball at the senior citizen center. 

Amar'e Stoudemire (Forward) - NO

I never noticed how many old guys the Miami Heat have on their roster. I guess it's true that old people love moving to South Florida. 

Dorell Wright (Forward) - NO

Pass.

Tyler Johnson (Shooting Guard) - YES

A young guy who has shown some promise on the Miami Heat? KEEP THIS GUY AROUND! You need someone on your roster who doesn't eat dinner at 3:30 and is in bed by 6. 

Milwaukee Bucks

O.J. Mayo (Shooting Guard) - NO

O.J. Mayo is coming off the worst year of his career, in a contract year. Not only that, but he didn't play that much last season due to an injury and has a haircut that makes Sideshow Bob blush. There are all sorts of red flags surrounding this player who was one time considered a "generational talent". Such a waste.

Jerryd Bayless (Point Guard) - YES

Bayless had a good year last year for head coach Jason Kidd. If I were the Bucks (and thank god I'm not), I would definitely consider bringing him back on a team friendly contract to back-up Michael Carter Williams. There are definitely worst things you could do. 

Steve Novak (Forward) - NO

Pass.

Greivis Vasquez (Point Guard) - NO

You can only have so many PG's on the roster. 

Miles Plumlee (Center) - MAYBE

Plumlee isn't that good of a player even though he once showed signs of turning into one. I would still consider bringing him back with the right deal if I'm the Bucks.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Tayshaun Prince (Forward) - NO

The Timberwolves are a team on the rise in the NBA. Tayshaun Prince is a player who is on the decline and very well could retire. It's probably best that he call it a career at this point.

New Orleans Pelicans

Eric Gordon (Shooting Guard) - NO

Eric Gordon is a frustrating player. He's one of those guys that I really want to like, but I can't get fully invested in him because of so many red flags. The guy has never played a complete NBA season and the closest he got was his rookie year. The guy also doesn't provide much on the basketball court outside of scoring. Do the Pelicans really want to keep a player like this around Anthony Davis? Isn't it time to bring in a more consistent player who can grow alongside their franchise player? In my opinion, the Pelicans should move on from Gordon. 

Ryan Anderson (Forward) - YES

Anderson has been an extremely valuable player coming off-the-bench for New Orleans. Something tells me that he could be looking for a job as a starter on another team, but the Pelicans would be wise to lock him up for the future. There really isn't a whole lot to like on this Pelicans roster and Anderson is one of the few highlights.

Norris Cole (Point Guard) - MAYBE

He missed some time last year due to an injury, but when he played, Cole had a pretty good year as a back-up/starter for the Pelicans. I would consider bringing him back on a team-friendly deal.

Jordan Hamilton (Shooting Guard) - NO

Hamilton played a few games last year for the Pelicans and was decent in them. Not sure he's worth a long-term deal though. 

Kendrick Perkins (Center) - NO

Garbage. Straight garbage.

James Ennis (Forward) - MAYBE

Ennis wasn't in New Orleans for very long, but what he showed while he was here may have been enough to bring him back on a short-term deal. He played for three teams last year and is struggling to find a place in the NBA.

Tim Frazier (Point Guard) - NO

I'm a fan of Tim Frazier's, but there are a million guys who can do what he does in this league, maybe even a better one?

New York Knicks

Arron Afflalo (Shooting Guard) - MAYBE

Afflalo is a decent player, but we have already seen the prime of his career and at this point, he's better in a "sixth man" type role. If that's what the Knicks are looking for him to do, than by all means, re-sign him. Something tells me that New York is looking for an upgrade at the shooting guard position as they enter the "Carmelo/D-Rose/Porzingis" era and if so, Afflalo needs to go. 

Derrick Williams (Forward) - YES

The former #2 overall pick in the NBA Draft has had a very disappointing NBA career so far. However, playing for the New York Knicks and coming off-the-bench seems to be the absolute perfect role for him. While he wasn't exactly an All-Star last year for New York, he was a very servicable player who could continue to blossom in that role. It's definitely worth the risk for a team who loves taking them.

Lou Amundson (Forward) - NO

Gross.

Kevin Seraphin (Center) - NO

He's not very good. Even for a back-up center. 

Lance Thomas (Forward) - MAYBE

Decent player who I would consider bringing back into the fold for the right price. Has value coming off the bench for the Knicks.

Sasha Vujacic (Shooting Guard) - NO

I will pass.

Cleanthony Early (Forward) - NO

Doesn't play enough to warrant a roster spot. 

Langston Galloway (Shooting Guard) - MAYBE

Saw his numbers and his minutes both decline in his second year in the league, but he's still young enough to take a flier on. It's not like the Knicks are exactly bleeding with talent to.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant (Forward) - YES

C'mon now.

Randy Foye (Shooting Guard) - NO

Foye just posted the worst numbers of his career and is past the age of 30. He's done. Stick a fork in him. The Thunder are too good and too close to winning it all to keep guys like this around.

Nazr Mohammed (Center) - NO

Didn't play much last year, so it ultimately doesn't matter.

Dion Waiters (Shooting Guard) - NO

Waiters is a frustrating player who is wildly inconsistent. For a team like Oklahoma City that is knocking on the door of an NBA title and trying desperately to keep their in-home talent around long-term, they need a significant upgrade at the shooting guard position. Waiters is not worth the headache even though he has flashes in the pan where he looks good. The Thunder would be best to move on from him in my opinion.

Orlando Magic

Brandon Jennings (Point Guard) - NO

Remember when Brandon Jennings was good? Ya, me too. Unfortunately for him, he had a disappointing season last year and the year before that he only played forty one games. Jennings is a guy who could potentially return to form, but he's a risk at this point in his season. The Magic should be done taking risks and start focusing on other things like I don't know....winning playoff games?

Jason Smith (Forward) - MAYBE

For the right price, I would consider bringing him back. He's a decent bench player.

Dewayne Dedmon (Center) - MAYBE

Much like with Smith, for the right price...I would consider it. 

Evan Fournier (Shooting Guard) - YES

He's a young player who has continued to show growth every year he's been in the league. He's also coming off a year in which he scored almost 16 points per game. His stock is high right now and the Magic can't afford to lose a guy like him. 

Andrew Nicholson (Forward) - YES

Another young player who has shown promise coming off-the-bench for the Magic. I wouldn't break the bank to keep him around, but he's a guy I would want to keep around on a Magic team that is hurting for talent.

Philadelphia 76ers

Elton Brand (Forward) - NO

This guy's still around eh? Jeebus.

Ish Smith (Point Guard) - YES

Ish Smith isn't a great player by any means. Sometimes though, a player can find the right fit on the right team and can catch lighting in a bottle. That's what happened when Smith was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers last year. After the trade, Smith became the 76ers starting point guard and also became one of the best players on their team. After years of floundering in the league, Ish Smith has found the perfect home and that's with the 76ers (again). Don't screw this up Philly (again).

Christian Wood (Forward) - NO

You can find a million guys like him.

Isaiah Canaan (Point Guard) - YES

He's a good back-up point guard for the 76ers. Philadelphia may be awful next season, but if they can bring back both Ish Smith and Isaiah Canaan, they'll be in good shape at the point guard position. 

Phoenix Suns

Chase Budinger (Forward) - NO

Budinger barely plays anymore and when he does play, he sucks. 

Jon Leuer (Forward) - YES

Leuer has been on four teams over four seasons, but I think he found the right fit in Phoenix last year. He posted career high numbers almost across the board and is only 27 years old. This one is a no-brainer to me if the price is good. 

Ronnie Price (Point Guard) - NO

Old point guard who isn't very good. Pass.

Mirza Teletovic (Forward) - YES

He's 30 years old, but he was a good player on a weak Suns team last season. If you're Phoenix, you can't exactly be letting guys like that walk out the door. You don't have a lot of them inside that door to begin with.

Portland Trail Blazers

Gerald Henderson (Shooting Guard) - MAYBE

Henderson saw both his numbers and his stats take a dip last year in his first season in Portland. However, he was effective in his role for the most part and I would definitely bring him back if his price tag isn't too high. If he's looking to get paid, I'd let him walk.

Chris Kaman (Center) - NO

It's time to go old man.

Brian Roberts (Point Guard) - NO

Roberts didn't play much after getting traded to Portland at the deadline. There are a million other guys who can do what he does and they aren't 30 years old. Just saying.

Allen Crabbe (Shooting Guard) - YES

I don't want to break the bank for a guy like Crabbe, but I'm always a fan of homegrown talent that has managed to develop. Those are usually guys you want to keep around as they may continue to blossom as they grow and mature in your system. 

Maurice Harkless (Forward) - MAYBE

Harkless was a good player for the Trail Blazers last year when called upon. It's scary to think about what he could become if he showed a little more consistency with his play. He's definitely a guy I want to bring back for the right price. If some other team is willing to break the bank on his potential though, the Blazers would be wise to look elsewhere.

Meyers Leonard (Center) - YES

I think I'm crazy for this, but I still kind of like Meyers Leonard even though he's been a disappointment so far in Portland. The potential is still there. The guy is only 24 years old and sometimes it takes big guys a little time to develop in the NBA. He showed some signs of improvement last season before an injury took him down and finished his season. I would love for the Blazers to bring Leonard back as back-up center (as long as they can sign someone like Hassan Whiteside in free agency). I really fear that the Blazers would let Leonard walk and he would turn into the next coming of Dirk Nowitzki. Just bombing 3's and scoring at will. I highly doubt that happens, but if the Blazers let him walk, it will. That's just how it goes in Rip City. 

Sacramento Kings

Rajon Rondo (Point Guard) - YES

Rondo had a nice bounce back year last year in Sacramento after a disappointing 2014-15 season. If the Kings were smart, they would lock Rondo up and he could secure their point guard position for the next couple of years. Unfortunately, the Kings are ran by idiots and rumors are already rampant that a Rondo/Kings reunion is unlikely. Life is a bitch for Kings fans, who haven't enjoyed a quality NBA product in over 10 years. 

Quincy Acy (Forward) - MAYBE

If the price is right, I would consider bringing him back as a bench player. If you're forced to start him though....yikes.

James Anderson (Shooting Guard) - NO

He stinks.

Seth Curry (Shooting Guard) - MAYBE

The less-talented of the Curry brothers should be brought back if his price is cheap. And trust me, his price will be cheap. How did Steph end up with all that talent and his brother struggles to find a spot on an NBA roster? That's a question that I need an answer to immediately.

Eric Moreland (Forward) - NO

Pass.

San Antonio Spurs

Manu Ginobili (Shooting Guard) - YES

Manu is old as shit now, but the good news for the Spurs is....they love their old players. If Manu does play another NBA season, he'll likely play on a team friendly deal and remain in San Antonio as a decent bench player. Manu leaving San Antonio is like peanut butter leaving jelly. It's not happening.

Kevin Martin (Shooting Guard) - NO

Martin is coming off the worst season since his rookie year over ten years ago. He was a disappointment in Minnesota this year and was waived by the team. He ended up signing a contract with the Spurs and somehow was even worse. This dude might be done as far as being a quality NBA player is concerned. I'm good with him.

Andre Miller (Point Guard) - NO

Speaking of guys that are old as shit, I'd be surprised if Andre Miller returns for another season. If he does though, the Spurs should let him walk. They have to get younger EVENTUALLY right? 

David West (Forward) - MAYBE

David West joined the San Antonio Spurs on an extremely team-friendly deal in an effort to win an NBA championship. That didn't happen though. If he's willing to do it again, I would bring him back for one more round if I'm San Antonio. If he wants to get paid or wants a contract with some years on it, I'm letting him go.

Matt Bonner (Center) - NO

GET OUT OF HERE MATT BONNER!

Boban Marjanovic (Center) - YES

Yes, bring him back. Even though the guy looks like he belongs more on an episode of Game of Thrones than an actual NBA court, he was a good player for the Spurs last year and get this.....he's UNDER the age of 30! HOLY SCHNIKES! 

Toronto Raptors

DeMar DeRozan (Shooting Guard) - YES

I've already stated numerous times that teams should focus on signing their own guys that have grown in the system. DeMar DeRozan is the perfect example of that. He's coming off the best season of his career and Toronto isn't exactly a hot bed for free agents. When your a team like the Raptors and you develop a guy like DeRozan, you have to do your best to keep him. It just makes sense.

Bismack Biyombo (Center) - YES

After four years in the league, Biyombo's stock is at an all-time high. He's a good defender, a good rebounder, and is still extremely young at just 23 years old with plenty of room to grow. The Raptors may not be able to afford to keep Biyombo around, but they should do everything in their power to keep him.  

James Johnson (Forward) - NO

Pass.

Luis Scola (Forward) - MAYBE

Luis Scola is that guy in the NBA that you hate unless he's on your team. It's been that way since Scola joined the league in 2007 and it will remain that way until he finally decides to hang them up. As far as being brought back, I would definitely bring him back if the price is right. He was a good player for the Raptors last season and that's worth another look for the right price.

Jason Thompson (Forward) - MAYBE

Another player I would consider bringing back for the right price. He's a decent bench player.

Utah Jazz

Trevor Booker (Forward) - YES

He's a quality bench player for the Jazz and something tells me his price won't be that high. 

Washington Wizards

Nene Hilario (Center) - NO

Nene used to be a good player, but he's coming off a season in which he just posted career lows almost across the board. He's been a good player for the Wizards for over five seasons now, but it's probably best for everyone to move on with their lives. Sometimes separations can be brutal, but they need to happen. That's the case here.

Jared Dudley (Forward) - MAYBE

Tread lightly with Jared Dudley. That's all I'm going to say.

Ramon Sessions (Point Guard) - MAYBE

Sessions is a good back-up for John Wall. If you can get him to agree to a team-friendly deal, I would definitely bring him back. Otherwise, I'd let the 30-year old walk. Trust me when I say, he's used to having to move to a new team. 

J.J. Hickson (Center) - NO

J.J. was my boy when he played for Portland back in 2011-12, but those times are long gone. Hickson is coming off his worst season since his rookie year and something tells me that arrow isn't going to be pointing up anytime soon. 

Bradley Beal (Shooting Guard) - YES

Beal is an interesting player heading into free agency. He's one of those guys that's going to get a max contract, even though he's not worth it. With the NBA salary cap the way it is though, the Wizards would be wise to be the team that locks up Beal. He's not the best shooting guard in the league, but he's definitely capable of being a good player on a playoff caliber team. The question is, can he take that next step? We haven't seen it yet.

Alan Anderson (Shooting Guard) - NO

Yuck.

Garrett Temple (Shooting Guard) - MAYBE

If it's a good contract, he's a quality back-up for Beal. 

Marcus Thornton (Forward) - YES

Sure, what the hell?

Thanks for reading everyone. Make sure you stay tuned to THEUltimateSportsBlog.com for more NBA free agency coverage as it kicks off on July 1.