Who gets signed first?

 I don’t know if any honestly get signed, but I think JR Smith has the best chance. 

I learned yesterday that the Rockets signed Anthony Bennett to an unguaranteed contract like three weeks ago so that means that there is a chance for anyone in the league. To be fair Bennett developed a three point game in the G-League and is typical Morey prospect now.  

I think Lin is the most likely guy to get a chance since he seems the only one from this list who doesn’t seem to be washed up and is a good locker room presence. His durability for sure got a big hit and his defense is atrocious but he could be easily added to a team like the Suns or Magic if Rubio or Fultz end up with bigger injuries. 

Someone will sign Lin if for no other reason than his huge international fan base will buy a lot of merchandise. He’s still an adequate backup. The Rockets have a bunch of guys on non-guaranteed contracts who aren’t NBA players — Lin would make sense there.

Someone will sign Smith because wings who can shoot 3s and defend — even if they do both inconsistently — are so valuable. Maybe the Lakers can find a spot for him on the end of the bench.

Dwight Howard is still probably better than most traditional centers in the NBA, but no one seems to like him personally, and traditional centers aren’t essential anymore. I don’t think Melo is efficient enough on offense anymore to make a contending team’s regular rotation, and with his attitude I don’t know why you’d want him on the end of your bench. Bad teams wouldn’t want him around their young and developing players. I think it’s the end of the road for these two guys, at least in the NBA.

 Lin might be a good fit in Dallas. The rest of those players should have been in China 8 years ago. I’d play Vince carter 40mpg. His highlights have been off the hook the last couple years.

 It’s hard to believe the perception of Dwight Howard has gotten so bad that he can’t even get a min deal, especially since he’s shown he can still put up big numbers when healthy. I mean, I completely understand why teams would have reservations, but it seems like someone would have to eventually decide he’s worth what would likely amount to a very minimal risk if healthy. If you bring him into camp on a non-guaranteed deal and he causes problems, you could always just waive him. 

I’m not shocked JR is out of a job because that play he made in the Finals was a Death Nail, Lin/Howard could definitly come off the bench for Philly (we have Kyle O’Quinn and Jonah Bolden at backup C) 

His averages are still good and can get you 10 and 10 with a block each night if healthy. Healthy is the main word there. But I still feel it’s worth the risk if you can handle him in the locker room (so no young, rebuilding teams). Here’s some teams I would like to see take a chance on him:

Denver: Probably and upgrade over Plumlee as the backup behind Jokic. 

Detroit: Their current backup centers are Markief Morris and Thon Maker.. Your game plan doesn’t really change much going from Drummond to Howard either.

Miami: They are pushing for playoffs in the East with Butler on board. Currently relying on Bam, Olynyk and Leonard at center. With Butler and the Miami ownership and staff, I think they could focus and push Howard to play winning, team basketball.

San Antonio: The place where guys with bad reputations go to play for a few more years. He could even start if they went big with him and Aldridge. Imagine having a team with DeRozan, Gay, Aldridge and Howard like 5 years ago..

 Lin I could see getting some interest, he is an Ivy League guy and would be a good locker room presence for a rebuilding team or if a contender wanted a few minutes from a bench. Plus he’d generate his share of merch sales.

But as he won a title last season and has numerous off court interests, I could see him being content to go out on a high. He has had good career earmings and huge off court earnings plus he’s likely to be faurly astute financially I’d figure.

Dwight is still technically a Grizzly isn’t he?  I don’t remember ever seeing him actually be bought out