Five Up / Five Down

Five Up / Five Down

This is a two part look at ten guys whose names who are very well known, but are still on the free agency list.  Today we look at the five up who are five guys that will likely sign with a team in the near future. Part two will look at five guys whose tenure in the NBA looks just about up.

Five up   

Leandro Barbosa - SG/PG
The Brazilian Blur is still a quality player and if not for the new CBA keeping owners wallets tight he would probably already be on someone's roster.  Rumors have it that Barbosa is looking to cash in as much as possible, except the buyers are just not there. A lackluster Olympic and playoff performance is definity not helping either.

Hard to predict where he ends up at this point, but my best guess would be a young team looking for veterans that can still spark a crowd with a fast-paced brand of basketball. But thats pure speculation.  Although I think Barbosa would be the best on this list to succeed on an international team given how his style could make him a one man wrecking crew in the right league, I think he gives the NBA at least one more go.

Possible fits: Suns, Warriors, Sixers

Kenyon Martin - PF

Played well in limited minutes last year with the Clippers, but seems like a fit is hard to come by for Martin.  He wants quality minutes with a contending team, but isn't that what everyone is looking for? Guys like Antawn Jamison and Ray Allen took major pay cuts to play for a team where they thought they could help them win a championship.  Martin refused to take a pay or minutes cut early on and its left him on the outside looking in.  Don't be surprised if you see Martin on an international team this coming year.  There he can get what he wants, be just won't be contending for an NBA Championship. 

He has been rumored to be speaking to some international team in Greece, but nothing very positive has come out regarding the meeting.

Possible fits: Lakers, Knicks, International

Mickael Pietrus - SF

This is a guy that is good enough to be considered legit NBA player, but has never been good enough to stick long-term.  Plays pesky defense and has hit the three fairly consistently, but not much else.  He has the athletic ability to finish around the rim, but limited skills minimize his ability to do so.  A cold season last year has also put his shooting abilities into question.  Latest rumors has him wanting to stay in Boston, but won't sign for vet's min.  Seeing they have his Bird Rights and thus the most flexibility of any contender to offer him a bigger contract his "loyality" to Boston is not horribly surprising. 

Regardless, his so-so year with Boston, Jeff Greens official resigning, and a unwillingness to resign for a veteran minimum all point to Pietrus not being a part of the Celtics short or long-term plans.  I have a gut feeling he ends up on a rebuilding team like the Wizards who need a known professional that can step up and help a young team grow, but remain happy to take a back seat in the pursuit of development over wins; i.e take the money.  Also, rumor has it he has a big offer overseas, so he is no need to play for vets minimum if he just wants a pay check

Possible fits: Bucks, Wizards, Celtics


Derek Fisher - PG

Adding Fisher is like adding an assistant coach that can actually run on the court and play for short spurts.  We always saw what he could do for a team lie LA, but his time in OKC really showed that he can help a team win in so many ways.  This guy will end up on a playoff team looking for stability and in need of a combo guard to shore up any loose ends.

Possible fits: Spurs, Nets, Mavs

 Alonzo Gee - SF

Ok I admit that this was partially out of laziness.  Gee was a real pleasant surprise for a young Cavalier team that seems headed in the right track.  It seems preordained that Gee and Cleveland will come to an agreement.  Recent rumors have them negotiating a contract between 9-10 million dollars for three years.  It going to get done, both sides seem willing to hammer something and willing to take their time.  However, it might just take a bit of that...time.

Possible fits: Cleveland

Speaking of Cleveland, did you see what Irving did to Team USA before he got hurt?  Got Kobe twice in one play. Ouch!  Check it out, Click here! The kid has ridiculous handles.