Picking Up the Pieces: Remaining NBA Free Agents and Where They Fit

By: Zach Ruff, Basketball Analyst

The 2019 NBA offseason got off to a blistering start. Huge free agent signings, eye-popping trades, and Kawhi-watch left fans satisfied (or fatigued) and seemingly ended the “where’s he gonna go” discussion for the year. The Lakers, Clippers, Heat, and Nets reloaded; the Blazers and Bucks shored up their second options and added pieces to hopefully push them over the top; and the Celtics and Warriors made the moves they needed to stay relevant in the postseason conversation. Some of these moves, I’m looking at you, Kawhi and D’Angelo Russell, shocked the sports world and the ensured parity throughout the league. As interesting and exciting as the 2019 NBA offseason has been to this point, it’s not over. Let’s take a look at five available free agents and their best fit for the 2019 NBA season.

1. Kenneth Faried

Kenneth Faried spent the first seven years of his career with the Denver Nuggets averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds per game. His production dipped the year he spent between Denver and Brooklyn as well as the following half-season with the Nets. Last year in 25 games with the Houston Rockets, Faried broke out for 13 points and 8 boards playing 24 minutes in Mike D’Antoni’s fast-paced offense. At just 29 years old and coming off 59% shooting, Faried can realistically help a contender or elevate a fringe playoff team by playing meaningful minutes off the bench. 

Best Fit: Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers made championship-minded moves this offseason. Barring Paul George bailing on them like he did Oklahoma City, Kawhi and PG13 will be the Clippers’ stars for the next few seasons. Defensively, this team projects to be one of, if not the best defensive teams in the league. Adding another veteran big man to compete with Maurice Harkless for minutes behind Montrezl Harrell and Ivica Zubac will should give them time to develop rookie Mfiondu Kabengele while adding firepower to a bench with backup god Lou Williams.

2.Lance Stephenson

Brace Hemmellgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Stephenson has made his mark on the NBA using his signature air guitar and elite level annoyance of opposing players, however, he managed to score 7 points in 17 minutes playing for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. Stephenson has seen the majority of his success while playing in Indiana for the Pacers, however, he is a welcome, polarizing figure no matter where he plays. At 28 years old, Stephenson is still young enough to run the floor yet can also bring veteran presence to a team that may be on the rise.

Best Fit: Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks improved by five games last season thanks in large part to Rookie of the Year candidate Trae Young. Atlanta’s future is looking bright with Young and recently drafted Cam Reddish out of Duke. Lance Stephenson might just be the piece the Hawks need to bridge the gap between the rising stars and veteran players. Stephenson’s playoff experience could prove exceedingly beneficial should Atlanta continue to improve and find themselves in the postseason after a two year layoff. Atlanta has cap and roster space to make this move seamlessly.

3.Shaun Livingston

Keith Allison

Perhaps the most surprising remaining free agent is Shaun Livingston. Livingston played an important role off the bench for the Warriors through three of their championship runs and brings a strong veteran presence to any team interested in his services. Age may be impacting his market as not many teams are looking to spend money or a roster spot on a 33 year old guard that rarely shoots the three. Livingston may also not be interested in a team going through a rebuild after an extremely successful five year run with Golden State. He may need to take a page out of Vince Carter’s play book if he wants to continue earning in today’s league. 

Best Fit: Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn got exactly what they wanted in signing both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Kyrie should be able to take the Nets to the playoffs by himself, with KD almost certain to miss the entire season. Spencer Dinwiddie is a more than serviceable back up point guard, however, Livingston brings championship experience to a team on the rise that now has the personell to really make some noise come playoff time.

4.Tyler Dorsey

Paul Sancya, AP

Tyler Dorsey was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Memphis Grizzlies last season and quickly made his presence known with a 29 point outburst against Orlando. Dorsey played 21 games for Memphis and averaged 10 points on 43% shooting in 21 minutes. The 22 year old has shown a tremendous amount of potential on the offensive side of the ball. If he can develop a solid defensive game he likely will make a serious impact in the league for years to come. Another low-risk contract with the possibility of a breakout awaits teams in need of a solid scorer.

Best Fit: Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have made their flashy moves this offseason and currently have 17 players on their roster. Three of those players are on summer contracts and can easily be replaced by Dorsey who has proven he can score at the league level, even on a team with nothing to play for. It is no secret that Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni values offense over everything, which makes Houston the perfect landing spot for Dorsey. If the Rockets decide to pursue a deal the can use one of the ELEVEN exceptions they have stockpiled to make it happen. With time to develop and plenty of scoring opportunities Dorsey may find the type of success he has yet to see while playing in Memphis and Atlanta.

5.Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is the most high profile available free agent still on the market. Gone are the days of high demand for Melo’s services. After legacy tarnishing stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, Anthony is looking for a farewell tour. No one has doubted his ability to score, however, his reputation as a ball stopper, nonexistant defense, and disdain for a bench role has played a significant part in teams looking for other scoring options. Which team will give him the farewell validation he so desperately wants?

Best Fit: Los Angeles Clippers

This is Melo’s last chance. His last opportunity to legitimately contend for an NBA title. One could argue the Lakers would be a better fit, however, the Clippers are a much more defensively sound team. The Clippers have an owner in Steve Ballmer who likes to swing for the fences, and while this would not be as fundamentally sound a decision as acquiring Paul George, inking Kawhi Leonard, and resigning Patrick Beverly and Ivica Zubac, it would be a huge story and add even more star power to the roster. The one caveat, Melo has to accept a limited role off the bench that could translate into more minutes should he excel in the first half of the season. There aren’t many other teams that offer serious contention that have also have a somewhat legitimate reason to sign this type of iso player. Anthony gets his farewell tour, whatever that looks like, and the Clippers get yet another story to add to their potential championship run.