Football players don't get $30 million a year. Why? That's simple: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has lower revenue compared with the National Football League (NFL), but there are fewer roster spots. And although the NFL may easily be the most popular bastion of professional athletes, the NBA is not far behind. Wow! More than 53 players versus 15. Do the math, and don't overreact to these somewhat outlandish deals found within free agency. Meanwhile, the following is a brief tip of the cap to front offices that saw fair market value in their new players.
1. Warriors Nab Zaza Pachulia
Less than three million for a player who nearly made the all-star team for the Western Conference? Impressive. Also, Pachulia has a decent record of durability, a tenacity for rebounding, and a veteran background. Oh yeah, KD will be in Oakland too, but Zaza may be the secret backbone.
2. Al Horford Goes To Beantown
After years of swinging (and subsequently missing) on marquee free agents, the Celtics signed a star. He should be able to spread the floor on a stuffy team, rebound prolifically, and protect the paint.
3. Jordan Clarkson Receives a Steph-esque deal (circa 2012, shh)
Being a rational fan of the Lakers, I had to laugh at Timofey Mozgov's contract, only to exalt at the bargain that Clarkson will be. He is the future of the franchise, enveloping a cautious, but high, basketball intelligence.
4. Joe Johnson Goes to Utah
Johnson can mentor Rodney Hood and Dante Exum, all while playing the 2 or the 3. The 7-time all-star, at age 34, found a way to log 33 minutes a game last year, while splitting time with the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat. Statistically, this may not be the sexiest move in free agency, but Johnson is a consummate professional who holds a track record.
5. Brandon Jennings Backs Up Rose in the Big Apple
There is little risk involved in this signing, especially for a pedestrian (by today's league standards, that is) one-year, $5 million deal. Jennings is coming off an ACL tear, but, although he's only a 39 percent overall shooter in his career, his percentage from downtown rings at a buyable rate.
6. Dwight Howard Goes Home
Dwight needed to play in the traditional Eastern Conference; he also needed his own team. Think of this upcoming stint in Atlanta as a recreation of the famed Orlando Dwight. Superman will come back, running the pick-and-roll with Dennis Schroder.
7. Jerryd Bayless Gives Philly Much-Needed Experience and Shooting
The Sixers needed a veteran presence and had to reach the salary floor. They aren't frugal anymore, though they may win 15 games. Trust that process, though.
8. Bismack Biyombo Shows Orlando What Playoff Integrity Can Do
Nobody was talking about him until Raptors' starting center Jonas Valanciunas sprained his ankle in the playoffs. Now Biyombo will pair with Serge Ibaka to form one of the scariest frontcourt duos in the league. They both can protect the rim and can take pressure off the team, as a result.
9. Milwaukee Outbids Cleveland For Dellavedova
The Bucks ultimately needed a stricter defensive acumen - it all begins with this move. Delly, 26, provides this team with three-point potential and lockdown defensive stalwart. The Deer needed some integrity defensively, after plummeting to 22nd in defensive efficiency this past season. Delly will be a favorite of the fans, undoubtedly.
10. Festus Ezeli to Portland
Ezeli is a definitive rim-protector, and should have started at the 5 for the Warriors after Andrew Bogut went down. All season, I was thinking the Lakers might be able overpay Ezeli for some defensive fortitude and some length. Wrong! But props Portland, you now have a reliable big.
