A gazillion of dollars will be splashed around the NBAthis summer, as the league welcomes in the free agency period. That’s the time when players with expired contracts expect to get paid like they just invented an absolute cure for cancer. With all that said, here’s a look at the top five unrestricted free agent centers this year.
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Top Five Unrestricted Free Agent Centers
1. Hassan Whiteside
Expected Salary: Max
2015-2016 Stats: 14.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.7 BPG
There are some concerns about his attitude, but there are teams out there willing to overlook that part of his makeup and pay him the big bucks for his services.
2. Dwight Howard
Expected Salary: Between $15-20 million
2015-2016 Stats: 13.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG
Howard thinks he’s funnier than what he really is. He also thinks he’s worth more this summer than what some NBA front offices believes he is. After a series of injuries and gradual decay of his persona around the NBA—has been viewed a team cancer—a max contract is unlikely to fall on his lap for him to sign.
In any case, Howard remains an above average big man who would protect the rim, score lots of inside points (although he averaged just 13.7 PPG last season, the lowest since his rookie year) and protect the rim.
3. Al Jefferson
Expected Salary: $15-18 million
2015-2016 Stats: 12.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG
Big Al is one of the most polished post scorers in the league today, which makes him a rare breed in the free agency market. That said, Jefferson’s numbers have been on the decline the past few years plus he hasn’t played more than 65 games the past two seasons.
4. Joakim Noah
Expected Salary: $10-15 million
2015-2016 Stats: 4.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG
Grit and hustle can only get you as far. That’s how things are for Noah, whose limited offensive skills may doom his max-contract aspirations—if he has any. But Noah’s greatness isn’t really defined by his scoring prowess. While he can’t shoot from the perimeter to save his life, he’s a terrific passer for a big man.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for Noah getting a huge payday is his health. He played 29 games last season and 67 the year prior. He’s a prime candidate for a bounce back year following a pathetic 2015-16 season nevertheless.
5. Bismack Biyombo
Expected Salary: $10-12 million
2015-2016 Stats: 5.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG
Biyombo garnered a ton of attention with his outstanding play in the postseason. He’s a glutton on the boards and has hellish intent of destroying the rim every chance he gets. That’s basically all he can bring to the table. He’s still 23 turning 24 this August, however, which means there’s reason to think that Biyombo is just scratching the surface of his potential.
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