Last week we counted down the top unrestricted free agents and this week we continue with the same trend and list the top restricted free agents in 2011. The difference between the two is that restricted free agents can receive offers any NBA team, but ultimately the original team can match any offer that has been extended to the player and retain him. It is a little trickier than just signing where you please. There are some big names that are restricted free agents, and with the right offer they could potentially land in another city. So let’s take a look at the top restricted free agents in 2011.
5. Nick Young- Coming off a terrific 2010-2011 season with the Washington Wizards averaging 17.4 points, Nick Young has become a true talent to see in the NBA. Many teams have become interested in Young because of the numbers he’s putting up and his ability to shoot the ball. This could potentially lead him to another starting gig with another team if the offer is right. It sure would be a great pick-up for any team interested.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXUPcZq6TFs
4. Aaron Brooks- Coming off of a trade from Houston to Phoenix, Brooks has become unhappy with his back-up role behind the great Steve Nash. In 2010-2011, Brooks was sidelined due to injuries and did not have a great year. However, Brooks has demonstrated his talent when he was healthy with the Rockets averaging 19.6 points and 4.6 steals per game. Due to his unsatisfying role in Phoenix, many teams will put offers on the table the will allow him to get a starting gig.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHLgrpBqUdQ
Next: Young and Athletic
3. Marcus Thornton– Marcus Thornton began his career with the Hornets, and coming off the bench provided a great deal of scoring ability and shooting ability as well. After he was traded to the Sacramento Kings for Carl Laundry he put up monster numbers, averaging 21.4 points through the 14 games he was able to play. His aggressive style of play and tough mentality have allowed for him to be recognized by different teams and possibly could receive starting offers from different teams in the NBA.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYejYZevhkk
2. Jeff Green– Green had tremendous chemistry in Oklahoma City with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. However, Green was dealt along with Nenad Krstic to the Boston Celtics in return for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson. Green’s role in Boston was to come off the bench, which he had not done with the Thunder. Although his new role had changed, Green served an important role with the Celtics and performed highly in the playoffs averaging a solid 7.3 points. Green can truly light it up from the outside and his skill could possibly lead different NBA teams to offer him a starting position this off-season.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlAZfT5jwWM
Next: Big shoes to fill
1. Marc Gasol-The up and coming big man, Marc Gasol, has established himself in the NBA as a dominant big man down low with tremendous skill. The 7′ 1″ center averaged 11.7 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, and 1.7 blocks per game. Although his numbers may not seem impressive, Gasol stepped it up in the playoffs, averaging a double double with 17.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, which gave the Memphis Grizzlies life in the playoffs. Marc Gasol is considered to be the top restricted agent and there is no wonder why with the numbers he’s been putting up.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfomg8QotGs&feature=related