The Bargain Bin: Western Conference Edition

Last Friday we looked at which teams in the Eastern Conference still had roster spots available, and what available free agents might fit best there of the ones left.  Today, we'll do the same with the Western Conference.  After the jump, my thoughts.

The Bargain Bin: Eastern Conference Edition

As of July 30th, most of the big name free agents have been signed.  The biggest names left are Shaquille O'Neal (in my opinion he should retire, but he's still serviceable enough to get a contract), Tracy McGrady (disappointed at a workout for the Bulls), and Allen Iverson (should stay retired.).  But there are a few bargain bin options for teams still looking for some extra depth.

I will be using Sports Illustrated 2010 NBA Free Agent Tracker and also looking at the teams that still have space left, and still have roster spots left.  The minimum amount of roster spots a team must have is 13.  The maximum is 15.  Currently some teams (like the Heat who I mentioned yesterday) are over that 15 mark, because the cuts will be made during training camp.

Today I'll be looking at the Eastern Conference, and Monday we'll be taking a look at the West.  So lets see which teams have roster spots and money available, and which unsigned players might fit best.

Make No Mistake, the Heat are Going to be Good.

When "The Decision" aired and LeBron announced he was going to be signing with Miami, joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh as perhaps the best Big 3 of all time, much was made about how they would have trouble filling the roster with smaller contracts, and that the egos would clash (If you think that, you haven't watched the Olympics and seen the chemistry between these players, especially James and Wade).

But frankly, the Heat have done a marvelous job surrounding LeBron, Wade and Bosh with very good role players this offseason.  The biggest things they needed were shooters to take advantage of Wade and James penetration, and a rim defender to stop opposing big men from dominating on that end.  Let's take a look at what they've managed to do.