Every week, Hoops Rumors takes a closer look at players who will be free agents or could become free agents next offseason. We examine if their stock is rising or falling due to performance and other factors. This week, we turn our attention to the Pacific Division:
Kevon Looney, Warriors, 22, PF (Up) – Signed to a one-year, $1.57MM deal in 2018
Looney has received rotation minutes throughout the season, providing defense and rebounding while the stars do most of the scoring. Looney, who had back-to-back 12-rebound games this week, has made the most of his limited offensive opportunities (62.6%) though he doesn’t shoot threes or make enough of his free throws. Efficiency ratings and advanced defensive metrics are above-average. It remains to be seen how much DeMarcus Cousins‘ return will impact his minutes but for now, he’s enhanced his resume.
Patrick Beverley, Clippers, 30, PG (Up) – Signed to a four-year, $23MM deal in 2015
Beverley missed most of last season due to right knee surgery. Beverley’s offensive numbers are down but that’s not the strength of his game. He has resumed his role as a pesky, on-the-ball defender and Doc Rivers has played him an average of 26.9 MPG this month. Beverley posted one of the oddest stat lines of the year for a guard on Monday — three points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in 25 minutes against New Orleans. His ability to get under opponents’ skin will help him land a multi-year deal in the summer.
Ryan Anderson, Suns, 30, PF (Down) – Signed to a four-year, $80MM deal in 2016
Anderson will make a substantial amount of money next season, yet he’ll probably sign for the veteran’s minimum. How does that work? He’s guaranteed $15.6MM in the last year of his contract and the Suns have until July 10th to decide whether to give him a $21.2MM full guarantee. Considering that Anderson never plays anymore, that will likely be an easy decision for the Suns. Anderson cashed in at just the right time the last time he entered the market but he’s gone from starter on one of the league’s top teams one season to spectator on one of the league’s worst clubs this year.
Ivica Zubac, Lakers, 21, C (Up) — Signed to a three-year, $3.9MM deal in 2016
Coach Luke Walton and the front office didn’t appear to have any faith in their young big earlier this season, as evidenced by the early-season signing of Tyson Chandler. When finally given a chance a month ago, Zubac has delivered some solid performances. He erupted for 26 points and 12 rebounds in 28 minutes against Oklahoma City on Thursday. Zubac needs to become a more physical defender but he has a deft touch around the rim. A restricted free agent, Zubac’s status with the franchise hinges on how much cap space they want to free up this summer. His qualifying offer is just over $1.9MM.
Kosta Koufos, Kings, 29, C (Down) – Signed to a four-year, $32.9MM deal in 2015
Considering how the Kings have been collecting young bigs through the draft in the last couple of years, it was almost inevitable that Koufos’ role would diminish. That’s especially true this month, as Koufos hasn’t seen the court in the last four games. Koufos is a traditional center who doesn’t shoot threes and he’s also a poor free throw shooter. Defense and rebounding are the areas where Koufos can help a team in a backup role but offers on the open market will be modest.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
I’m curious to see what the market thinks of Kevin looney. I don’t see him getting the same contract as nance(even though they’re the same player) but I can see him getting a 2/12 , 3/15 from somebody.
Nance is way more agile, & almost hyperactive. Looney with his shoulders and manly stillness reminds me of a great Cuban boxer named Teofilo Stevenson.
Agree the Looney market will be interesting, but it was supposed to be last offseason & wasn’t. Apparently his success was viewed as being reliant on the GSW system.
Looney Is stiff, yet he can guard the perimeter way better than nance. Nance was unplayable last year In the finals because he couldn’t score outside 5 ft and he didn’t bring anything to the table defensively.
Was that only last year… Seems so long ago… *sigh* anyway… Nance got better, or was better until about Dec.16. He’s out now. He went from 11-game stretches of 60% from 3 before then, looking like a future allstar, to 8% after with similar falloffs, and now has an MCL.
If Looney is over his hip issues, he might be better!
I would not call Nance starting calibre last year. His reduced minutes (17 mpg) in the finals despite good stats means his defense probably was an issue.
‘Back in the day’ withe CLE-GSW rivalry… I would get mad when other NBA teams would ‘let’ GSW re-sign their FAs. They may not this time with Looney! He has paid them back already by signing for this year.