Nene Hilario, Tyson Chandler: Top five prospects in this year’s free agency: NBA Feature (Part-1)
NBA is the lockout mode at the moment, with no signs of headway evident. Free agency was the causality of the lockout, but it will also the first thing that will take place once the NBA owners and players are done fighting over
money. Here is a look at the top five prospects that are up for grabs in this year’s free market.
1- Nene Hilario
Nene last played for the Denver Nuggets and this summer he declared himself as a free agent, attracting the attention of many teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Brazilian born star has spent nine years in the
league and has performed consistently throughout his career. His free agency has not only highlighted his tremendous talent, but is also giving many teams a hope to strengthen their current roster.
Although the teams are not in position to re-sign their current players, trade or acquire new players, but still all the top teams are planning for future. As soon as the lockout is lifted, every franchise would make certain decisions
in their own capacity.
Nene made his way into the NBA when the New York Knicks selected him as 7th overall in the 2002 NBA draft and then traded him to the Nuggets. Currently, the Denver management seems happy with the Nene’s performance and
planning to give him another contract extension. However, Nene has made his intentions clear that he is aiming for a team which is a regular playoff contender. Nene has many other options at the moment. He can join another team and get a healthy contract which
will secure his future both financially and professionally. He has played a total 527 games in his career and has averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
The 28-year old has showed superfluous abilities during his time at the Nuggets. His defence and post scoring talent has established him as one of the better power forwards in the league.
2- Tyson Chandler
The Dallas Mavericks centre Tyson Chandler is also a free agent this summer. Chandler had been a perennial under achiever. But it all changed in this year’s NBA Finals.
The big man finally proved his talent and played a pivotal role in winning a Championship for the Mavericks. His free agency is attracting many teams but the Mavericks also recognize his importance. The Mavericks have made it clear
that they will not be letting go of the seven footer in the free market. However, practically they will certainly be barred by the fiscal issues.
The 28-year old made his NBA debut in the 2001 NBA draft when the Los Angeles Clippers selected him as 2nd overall pick in the first round and traded him to the Chicago Bulls. He played for almost five years with Bulls,
but failed to peak and came to the New Orleans Hornets in 2006. Before coming into Dallas Mavericks, Chandler played a full season with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2009-2010.
He was going steadily throughout the regular season, but really picked up pace as soon the Mavs hit the playoffs road. Tyson Chandler averaged 8.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game for the Mavericks in the regular season.
His stats stood at 8.0 points and 9.20 rebounds per game in the 2011 playoffs, where he finally lived up to his potential.
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