I know we are in the NBA Playoffs but it is never too early to look at the upcoming free agents in the 2017 NBA Offseason. I will be looking at the top 10 free agents of each position. First up, the top 10 free agent point guards, in my opinion.
10. Yogi Ferrell
- Team: Dallas Mavericks
- Type of FA: Team Option
- 2016-2017 season stats: 10.0 points, 2.4 rebounds & 3.7 assists
Yogi Ferrell went undrafted in this past year’s NBA Draft and it was a blessing in a disguise. After a run with the Brooklyn Nets, he signed a 10-day deal with the Mavericks and has not looked back since. He had one of the best rookie seasons this year looks to be a future part of this ball club. Ferrell has a team option this year and looks to have his option picked up. If anything, the team might decline the option and sign him to a more secure deal this summer.
9. Patty Mills
- Team: San Antonio Spurs
- Type of FA: Unrestricted
- 2016-2017 season stats: 9.5 points, 1.8 rebounds & 3.5 assists
Mills has been with the Spurs for the past six seasons and has been one of the consistent players in the team’s rotation, especially in the playoffs. He is a scrappy player that makes threes. His high energy play style can earn him some nice money in the offseason for teams looking for backup point guards. The Spurs know how to use him and will do what they can to lock him up for longer.
8. Rajon Rondo
- Team: Chicago Bulls
- Type of FA: Team Option
- 2016-2017 season stats: 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists & 1.4 steals
We have seen that Rondo can be a great player but sometimes his attitude can get the best of him. This past season with Chicago was an up and down year, with injuries or suspensions. It also does not help that he has been injured during the playoffs to help his stock. Regardless, he has the skills to be great but character issues will still be in the question.
7. Derrick Rose
- Team: New York Knicks
- Type of FA: Unrestricted
- 2016-2017 season stats: 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds & 4.4 assists
The Knicks season was unspectacular but his play this year was pretty solid, but it did not help that he got injured towards the end of the year. New York will probably look for a younger and healthier option down the road. Teams will still be looking at Rose not necessarily as the top scoring option, but a team with some star power looking for a complementary scoring guard.
6. Jrue Holiday
- Team: New Orleans Pelicans
- Type of FA: Unrestricted
- 2016-2017 season stats: 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists & 1.5 steals
Jrue Holiday can play, but durability is a big question mark for him. When healthy, he can be a productive player. Look for Holiday to find a one-year “prove it deal” similar to what Rondo did a few years back.
5. George Hill
- Team: Utah Jazz
- Type of FA: Unrestricted
- 2016-2017 season stats: 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists & 1.0 steals
Hill was a solid player for the Jazz and has been pretty good during the Jazz’s playoff run. He did miss a lot of game this year with injuries, which is a rare thing to see for him. With the lack of point guard depth in free agency, the Jazz might lock him up for a little bit longer.
4. Jeff Teague
- Team: Indiana Pacers
- Type of FA: Unrestricted
- 2016-2017 season stats: 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists & 1.2 steals
Teague was a solid player for the Pacers this season and played all 82 games this season. The Pacers will probably try to lock up Paul George longer before going after Teague. At 28, Teague has many good years of basketball left.
3. Kyle Lowry
- Team: Toronto Raptors
- Type of FA: Player Option
- 2016-2017 season stats: 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.0 assists & 1.5 steals
Kyle Lowry has had another great year in Toronto. He is the leader of this team and the combination of him and DeRozan in the backcourt is one of the best in the league. Toronto will try to do everything they can to lock him up long term much like they did last year with his backcourt teammate.
2. Chris Paul
- Team: Los Angeles Clippers
- Type of FA: Player Option
- 2016-2017 season stats: 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 9.2 assists & 2.0 steals
At 30, Paul might start to be on the downfall but had a solid year again for the Clippers. Much like when he was a free agent a few years back, teams will still be looking for his services.
1. Stephen Curry
- Team: Golden State Warriors
- Type of FA: Unrestricted
- 2016-2017 season stats: 25.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists & 1.8 steals
The two-time league MVP will hit free agency in July. Realistically, he is not going anywhere and will look to receive a max contract with the Warriors and will be with the team many years down the road.
Stay tuned as I will look at my top 10 free agent shooting guards.