NBA Players Set to Make Biggest Impact in Their New Homes

By Connor Schumock on Tuesday, August 5th 2014
NBA Players Set to Make Biggest Impact in Their New Homes

Every year there a free agent signings that drastically change the landscape of the NBA. Four years ago LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined forces in Miami with Dwyane Wade to complete change the way we looked at free agency. Just last year the Rockets signed Dwight Howard, immediately making them playoff contenders.

While the signings involving superstars always receive a majority of the media attention, sometimes it s the less public signings that make all the difference. And the signings can also work in the players favor, as a change of scenery helps turn around their struggling careers.

All free agent signings make some sort of an impact on the team and the NBA. Sometimes, these impacts are reflect in individual success, while others affect team chemistry and the overall success of the franchise. With a majority of this years free agent class signed let's take a look at the players who will make the biggest impact on their new teams.

 

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

It'd be nearly impossible to write an article on free agency without mentioning LeBron. After singe-handedly holding the free agency period at a standstill, LeBron finally made his decision to return to Cleveland. This move broke millions of hearts and made millions more extremely happy. It also affected the entire NBA. By returning to the Cavaliers, LeBron instantly made them one of the favorites in the East.

A roster with tons of young talent is the perfect spot for LeBron. Unlike in Miami he will have plenty of young players to help him. He will also be a great mentor and leader in the locker room. Most importantly, he creates a huge boost to the local economy and give Cleveland fans something to cheer about about years of suffering.

 

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

After may successful years in Los Angeles, Pau decided to move on to the Chicago Bulls. Surprisingly, this signing didn't garner the kind of attention it should have. Despite being on his last legs and struggling with injuries, Pau is still on of the more consistent big men in the NBA. Coming off a year which he averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, and nearly four assists per game, Pau can offer a lot to the Bulls. Gasol and Joakim Noah will instantly be one of the most dominate front courts in the NBA.

They will also excel at moving the ball as both are very capable passers. Pau will also bring consistency and depth to the front court for Chicago. Mos importantly, he will be a strong veteran presence with championship experience. Injuries have plagued the Bulls the last few years, however; if they can stay healthy they certainly have the potential to make a championship run.

 

Paul Pierce, Washington Wizards

Coming off the worst year of his career, Pierce certainly has very little in the tank. While he did average a respectable 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game, the production was a major decrease from even a year ago. Fortunately for Pierce and the Wizards, his production isn't what is most important. The Wizards have plenty of young talent and a very solid core.

What they lacked last year was a veteran player with championship experience. Pierce fits that mold exactly. While he may be a downgrade from Trevor Ariza, he brings so much more to the table as a leader. Plus, the Wizards have two talented young wing players just waiting for their opportunity. Pierce is the perfect piece for the Wizards roster.

 

Chandler Parsons, Dallas Mavericks

While the rice might have been a bit steep, Parsons was a fantastic addition by Mark Cuban and company. Not only does he bring youth to an otherwise aging roster, he brings deadly three point shooting. Parson thrived last year as the third man behind James Harden and Dwight Howard. Now he will get his opportunity to be one of the offensive focal points.

Parsons has improved every year he has been in the league and there's no reason he shouldn't continue that trend, especially with an increased role. Most important, Parsons will be able to guide the Mavericks through the twilight years of Dirk Nowitzki's career and into the future.

 

Vince Carter, Memphis Grizzlies

Carter had a sneaky good season last year with the Mavericks. Without starting a game all season he averaged 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game. While his mind blowing athleticism might have left him, his three point range has not. And that is exactly what the Grizzlies need. The Grizzlies were one of the worst offensive teams last year, especially from behind the arc. Enter Vince Carter, the ideal offensive spark plug off the bench. Carter has shot 40 percent from behind the arc in his last two seasons, and with a strong defensive team around him, he should thrive as an offensive weapon.

 

Luol Deng, Miami Heat

After a great start to the season in Chicago, Deng struggled mightily after being traded to the Cavaliers. As a free agent Deng decided to hit the open market. After receiving interest from multiple teams, Deng decided on the Miami Heat, and to try to fill the void left by LeBron's departure. While Deng won't be able to even come close to filling that void, he was a great addition by Miami.

Deng is solid in all parts of the game, but is strongest on the defensive end. He is also a more than capable scorer and rebounder, something the Heat will desperately need. Deng should thrive along side Wade and Bosh. Plus, at 29 years of age he still has some good years left to offer Miami.

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Scores

7:00 PM ET
Pistons
-
Cavaliers
-
7:30 PM ET
Celtics
-
Nets
-
8:00 PM ET
Bucks
-
Knicks
-
8:30 PM ET
Mavericks
-
Grizzlies
-
9:30 PM ET
Thunder
-
Nuggets
-
Clippers
88
Timberwolves
92
Nets
110
Spurs
126
Jazz
118
Pelicans
129
Pacers
109
Hornets
133
76ers
124
Heat
117
Bulls
112
Trail Blazers
121
Magic
108
Rockets
113
Mavericks
121
Kings
130
Hawks
126
Wizards
96
Suns
113
Lakers
110
1:00 PM ET
Hornets
-
Trail Blazers
-
3:30 PM ET
Heat
-
Rockets
-
7:00 PM ET
Wizards
-
Raptors
-
8:30 PM ET
Warriors
-
Lakers
-
9:30 PM ET
Jazz
-
Pelicans
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