NBA Free Agency: Most Overrated Signings

Apr 16, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Channing Frye (8) passes the ball against Sacramento Kings forward

(13) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Channing Frye, PF/C

New Team: Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic comfortably finished runner-up to the Sacramento Kings in the coveted “WTF are they doing?! Award” this summer. After signing Ben Gordon, Willie Green, and Channing Frye, it’s obvious the Magic are trying to add a veteran presence to their young team, but the veterans they picked are… interesting…for lack of a better word.

Frye, though, was the beneficiary of a fairly surprising four-year, $32 million contract. It’s especially surprising when considering he’s already 31 years old. Frye was probably going to command that $8 million per year, but for four whole years? I don’t get it.

When Frye has been good in his career, it’s been with great ball handlers and penetrators who can find Frye at the three-point line. He’s one of the best pick-and-pop players in the entire league. The problem I foresee is that the Magic don’t have any guards who can get their own shot. Without that guy who can break down a defense off the dribble, what good is Frye hanging out on the perimeter?

I guess I can see the logic that Frye will force defenses to guard along the three-point line, so that will open up driving lanes for guys like Victor Oladipo and Elfrid “The Mitten” Payton. There are cheaper options available if the Magic were looking for a guy who can make threes, and that’s why the Frye deal is overrated. I expect his numbers to plummet from what they were last year with the Phoenix Suns.