Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019 NBA free agency: 5 players most likely to be overpaid

By Simon Smith

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 02: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Bobby Portis

Age: 24
Position: PF
2018-19 salary: $1.7 million
Status: Restricted free agent

Considering what they had to give up, and the numbers he posted upon arrival, the Washington Wizards would appear the frontrunners to sign Bobby Portis this summer. Acquired from the Chicago Bulls along with Jabari Parker, in exchange for Otto Porter Jr., Portis impressed in his short time in the nation’s capital.

In 28 games in his new home, the 6’11” Portis averaged 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in 27.4 minutes per per game. A true stretch-4 with the length to switch over to the center spot, Portis shot a career-best 39.3 percent from 3-point range last season, including a 40.3 percent clip during his time with the Wizards.

Before he entered the league, Draft Express wrote the following about Portis:

"“The 6’10.5, 235-pound forward has some intriguing physical tools, centered around his seeming never-ending motor. He competes with tenacity….To round out his physical attributes, he sports a long wingspan, measured at 7’1.5….Portis is a great jump shooter for a big man and has range to the mid-range and beyond….He has enough offensive weapons to find ways to contribute offensive and his motor and physical tools should help him compete on the defensive side.”"

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1111846764015960064

Considering the modern NBA style of play, Portis’ ability to stretch the floor is bound to be an attractive asset for a number of teams, in particular for a Wizards team that ranked 26th last season in 3-point percentage. So despite Portis possessing a variety of skills at the offensive end, his lack of true explosiveness can find him wanting defensively.

Among the 22 players in the league standing at least 6’11” who averaged at least 25 minutes per games in a minimum of 50 appearances, Portis finished dead-last with just 20 blocks for the season.

Additionally, per NBA.com, Portis ranked dead-last in defensive rating among all forwards and centers standing at least 6’10” who played at least 25 minutes per game in at least 50 games.

Given his age and intriguing skill-set, Portis is bound to attract several suitors. In terms of comparison, the most recent severe overpay would be the four-year, $80 million awarded by the Houston Rockets to Ryan Anderson.

While age and overall decline came into the equation for Anderson, Portis’ clear deficiencies at the defensive end of the floor could mean a lucrative, multi-year deal would be a costly mistake.