Honorable Mention: D.J. Augustin, UFA
Age: 28 (11/10/1987)
Slash Line: .423/.405/.805
Season Averages: 19.0 MPG, 7.5 PPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 RPG, 1.1 3PM
When D.J. Augustin is given an opportunity to play, he steps up and thrives as a pick-and-roll playmaker and efficient shooter. He’s been buried at the back end of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rotation, however, which has masked much of that value.
Fortunately for Augustin, he redeemed himself upon being traded to the Denver Nuggets at the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline.
In 28 appearances with the Nuggets, Augustin averaged 11.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 3-point field goals made in 23.5 minutes on 41.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc. That’s not far from what he was averaging with the Detroit Pistons in 2014-15.
It’s also worth noting that, in 2013-14, Augustin averaged 14.9 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.2 3-point field goals on 41.1 percent shooting from distance for the Chicago Bulls.
Thus, this pick-and-roll specialist would be quite the savvy addition on a two-year deal. He can be had at a very friendly cost, would thrive as a penetrating playmaker in Jeff Hornacek’s offense, and could play both starter’s minutes and the role of a reserve.
Augustin could be a cost-friendly and effective pickup who’d help round out the second unit.
Next: 3-and-D