Over the last week, we've been focusing on free agents who specialize in a particular aspect of the game, whether that's scoring, rebounding, defense, or something else. Already, we've examined the top scorers, the top three-point shooters, and the top rebounders still available in free agency. Now, let's turn our attention to the top distributors on the market.
These guys aren't exactly Chris Paul, or even Mo Williams, who reached an agreement to sign with the Trail Blazers earlier today. But for a team looking for an inexpensive addition who can share the ball well, these guys are worth checking out.
Listed below are the top 15 remaining free agents by assist rate (a percentage of their team's baskets they assisted while on the floor). Their assist rate for 2012/13 is listed in parentheses. To qualify, these players must have averaged at least 10 minutes per game and appeared in at least 20 contests in '12/13.
- Dominique Jones (36.2%)
- Jamaal Tinsley (34.1%)
- Beno Udrih (32.3%)
- Luke Walton (28.7%)
- A.J. Price (26.4%)
- Mike James (23.7%)
- Jeremy Pargo (23.0%)
- Chris Duhon (22.8%)
- Jannero Pargo (22.8%)
- Rodrigue Beaubois (22.6%)
- Richard Hamilton (19.9%)
- Terrence Williams (19.7%)
- Leandro Barbosa (19.0%)
- Darius Morris (16.8%)
- Daniel Gibson (13.4%)
Honorable mention:
- Diante Garrett (31.3%) and Nolan Smith (19.9%) would have made the above list had they earned more playing time. Garrett only averaged 7.8 minutes per game in 19 contests, while Smith played 7.2 MPG for the season.
- Damien Wilkins (12.9%) and James Johnson (10.2%) were among the players who missed the cut, while guys like Delonte West and Keyon Dooling have solid career assist rates, but weren't on NBA rosters for most of 2012/13.