The 2015 NBA Draft is in the books and while there weren’t many major moves on the trade front, the action is set to pick up with teams narrowing their focus even further on what they need to acquire this offseason. The 2015 free agency period will represent the next opportunity for teams to load up and while DeAndre Jordan, Marc Gasol and Kevin Love will be talked about as the most notable players available there are also some bargain free agents that could play key roles for contenders next season. Here is a look at five players that could be excellent NBA free agent bargains this offseason.
Jae Crowder, Small Forward
The 24-year-old Crowder will be high on the list of free agent players that contenders will take a long look at when they try to reload for an extended playoff run. He is a young, versatile player that plays with a high level of intensity and desire every time he is on the floor. Crowder is 6’6’ and 235 pounds, but his work ethic allows him to play both the small forward and power forward. That versatility will be envied on the open market. The Boston Celtics have already made it clear they want to lock up Crowder and there appears to be a mutual interest but expect others teams to possibly pull him away as versatility is all the rage in the new NBA.
Kosta Koufos, Center
It’s no secret that Koufos wants to be a starter, so it will be interesting to see if he finds a home on a contender that has an opening at the position where they can slot him in. Koufos didn’t put up elite stats playing behind Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph with the Memphis Grizzlies last season but he is a quality big man with a good motor whose biggest strength is his defensive ability. Koufos has the potential to be a quality rim protector that can help out a bit at the offensive end. Center is a position of weakness around the league so while Koufos is still an unknown in terms of what he’ll look like as a starter, a number of teams need help and could invest.
Bismack Biyombo, Center
Biyombo is still just 22 years old but at 6’9’’ and 245 pounds, he is an absolute beast in the paint with an outstanding motor that has helped him develop into an intriguing young big man on the open market. The Charlotte Hornets just acquired Spencer Hawes and then drafted Frank Kaminsky and with Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller and Noah Vonleh already in place, they may not have the salary space to bring back Biyombo.
The key with Biyombo is just the thought of what he might be able to do with extended minutes. He played just 19.4 last season and averaged a meager 4.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. That has to make other teams think if he can be a double-double guy in a starter’s role.
Brandon Bass, Power Forward
Bass isn’t the type of player that will put up elite statistics but he is a veteran player that is versatile and puts the team ahead of his individual numbers. His size and motor make him an excellent option off the bench and he is coming off his best statistical season after averaging 12.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 31.7 minutes per game. His offensive upside is certainly limited but a contending team looking for a versatile forward off the bench could sign him as an excellent bargain play this offseason.
Rodney Stuckey, Shooting Guard
Stuckey played for the veteran minimum last year and emerged as one of the best offensive weapons on the Indiana Pacers where he ranked second on the team in points per game and third in assists per game. Stuckey set a new career-high in field goal percentage by hitting 44% of his shots and his 15.4 PER was his best in three seasons. That’s why the 29-year-old’s stock is pretty high interesting this offseason. Stuckey won’t start for a title contender but he could be a very valuable bargain addition as a guard that can come off the bench for a championship team.
