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Saturday, September 28, 2013

5 Under-the-Radar NBA Free Agent Signings

Dee Bost, PG, Portland Trail Blazers
Bost, the former Mississippi State star, is now a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He will be behind competing in training camp for the Damian Lillard's backup point guard slot with Mo Williams and Earl Watson. Bost was eligible for the 2012 NBA Draft, but went undrafted. Bost is an excellent shooter, but after a wrist injury and suspension, his production slipped and so did his draft stock. After a strong overseas performance last year, he has a legitimate shot to make the Blazers roster this year.

Josh Akognon, PG, Memphis Grizzlies
Some people were just put on this planet to get buckets(see Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady) and Akognon is one of them. He was cut off of the Dallas Mavericks roster in training camp last year, but when the Mavericks needed shooting, they regretting cutting Akognon. He will be competing for Mike Conley Jr.'s backup point guard spot, but even if he doesn't get it, he will be a key factor for a Memphis team with little to no three-point shooters. He will join Jerryd Bayless and Quincy Pondexter as the Grizzlies go-to shooters.

Phil Pressey, PG, Boston Celtics
Already Rajon Rondo's backup, Pressey has gotten nearly no attention from the media. An established passer out of Missouri, Flip declared for the draft early, but didn't get picked. Hours after the draft, the Celtics signed Pressey, who they couldn't pass up on. Pressey may start at the beginning of the season if Rondo is not available or Avery Bradley shows inconsistency. The former SEC assists leader has had trouble in the clutch, but he probably won't be facing that this year.

Arinze Onuaku, F/C, New Orleans Pelicans
Onuaku was a D-League All-Star last year, and led the Canton Charge in field goal percentage. He is a tough inside presence, and at 6'9" and 256 pounds, the Pelicans will need him this year to help Anthony Davis and Jeff Withey defend the basket. The former Syracuse standout is underrated and is capable of making big plays under basket.

James Southerland, F, Charlotte Bobcats
Southerland is a flat out scorer. He can score from anywhere and everywhere on the floor. He possesses a high shot release that is very hard to contest, and at 6'8", that gives him a huge advantage. The undrafted free agent out of Syracuse can spread out the floor to allow Kemba Walker, Cody Zeller, and Al Jefferson make plays inside. Southerland can and will give some defenses fits. Southerland helped the Orangemen reach the Final Four last year, and hopefully he will have a positive impact on the Bobcats.




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