There is no doubt that talent-wise, this Free Agent class is the strongest in NBA, if not sports history. However, there does seem to be one glaring hole in this class's resume--Championship Rings. If you analyze the top 5 free agents (thus excluding Paul Pierce and his 1 ring)--LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire--their playoff resumes are surprisingly weak. The lone NBA Championship Ring belongs to Dwayne Wade, but he can thank Jerry Buss and Shaq for that as well as some questionable foul calls in finals that year.
In studying LeBron, you want to give him a pass because of how dominant a player he can be (
See: Game 5, Eastern Conference Finals, 2007) and the poor level of talent surrounding him for many years. However, after his lackluster performance against Boston in this year's Conference Semifinals. Frankly, it appeared that he either did not care as much or he did not think he could overcome the Celtics. Either way, though, red flags flew sky high.
Chris Bosh's career has included only two trips to the playoffs, both resulting in first round playoff exits to New Jersey (4-1) and Orlando (4-2). Granted Bosh has fallen into the same category as LeBron by being surrounded by less than exemplary talent, but the lack of success he has had as the leader of a team should make anyone question signing him if not signing LeBron or Wade, as well.
Joe Johnson has a more interesting and more difficult career to gauge. As a role player in Mike D'Antoni's offense, Johnson flourished in the 7 seconds or less system the Suns employed. In fact, he was a key member of the Suns' team that pushed the Spurs championship team to the brink of elimination in 2007. Later on, as the leader of Hawks, Johnson did show off a real ability to dominate in the First Round series in 2008 against the Boston Celtics, the eventual Champions. He pretty much singled handedly pushed the series to seven games by scoring at will in the 4th quarter at home. However, two second round exits later, Joe Johnson and the Hawks are stuck in neutral. Although he must deserve some credit from taking the Hawks from bottom feeders to a second round playoff team, he will need LOTS of help to get over the next hump.
FInally, Amare Stoudemire has played in multiple Conference Finals and five playoffs total. While his offensive ability is unquestionable, the Suns' success is largely due to the their offensive system and the fact that future Hall of Famer, Steve Nash, was its point guard. Although, offensively, Stoudemire can be seen as a cornerstone for a franchise, his defensive liabilities hinder his ability to lead a team deep into the playoffs.
Thus, in the end, the most ballyhooed Free Agent Class ever has five young stars, but only one ring. I'm not saying that these guys do not deserve the hype, but it makes me believe only one team with cap room is going to come out of this summer as a possible contender over the next five years.
Fingers crossed, it's the Knicks.
I'd say Nets, too, but at least they have a team if they swing and miss.
