3 NBA Free Agent Signings not to Overlook
Now that free agent signings have calmed down and we’re getting closer to the beginning of the 2010 – 2011 NBA season, it’s time to take a look at a few free agent signings that most people have overlooked. This off-season it was easy to overlook any free agent news that didn’t come out of Miami, but many other teams did great this summer as well. There were several excellent signings that will push a few teams to the next level, let’s take a look.
Carlos Boozer – Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls announced at the beginning of July that they came to terms with Carlos Boozer on a 5-year deal worth about $75 million over the duration of the contract. Boozer has been a huge part of the success in Utah and his leadership qualities & talent will certainly help the young Bulls team. Last year Boozer averaged 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, which is among the best in the league. Teaming Boozer up with Noah, Rose, Deng and Brewer should make for an exciting team in Chicago this season and I expect them to compete with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. If you’d like to bet on NBA games this season, check out our NBA basketball betting lines page for all of the latest odds.
Amare Stoudemire – New York Knicks
Amare Stoudemire cashed in with a 5-year contract this summer worth almost $100 million when he signed with the New York Knicks. I don’t expect the Knicks to become a contender this season, but I do expect them to win more games then they did last year as well as having a better ATS spread, which is all that matters when you’re gambling. If the bookies don’t give the Knicks any respect this season and they’re commonly listed as huge underdogs, I can see the Knicks being profitable underdogs this season. Their line-up won’t scare anyone, but Stoudemire should bring 20-25+ points per game. New York runs a similar offense to the Suns and Amare should have no problem settling in.
David Lee – Golden State Warriors
David Lee signed with the Warriors this off-season and I think he makes the team a lot better. They are typically underdogs and I’ll definitely be betting on them early in the season until the bookies start respecting them more when they set the lines. Lee averaged 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game last season, but he needs to work on his defensive play this season. If Lee can provide a defensive presence for the Warriors this season they could definitely make the playoffs. Ellis, Curry and rookie Udoh are all excellent young players and we know from last year that Curry and Ellis can score at will when they want too.
All three of these teams are going to be great betting prospects this season and I’m ready for the 2010- 2011 NBA season to begin. The Warriors and Knicks might not make the NBA playoffs or win that many games, but they should do well ATS this season with the new additions both teams have made.
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