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NBA: Identifying the best value signings of free agency

By Dillon Dente

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket by Stephen Curry #30 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a basket by Stephen Curry #30 in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 19: Paul Millsap #4 of the Atlanta Hawks passes the ball in front of Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in the second half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 19: Paul Millsap #4 of the Atlanta Hawks passes the ball in front of Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in the second half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Overview

Formulas, theorems, and statistics are never perfect, but the value designated to each player based on their assumed contributions and rankings seems to mostly check out. Players will unfortunately get injured or under-perform, while some unexpected players will thrive, and that’s the unpredictable nature of sports.

Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, and Javale McGee are all examples of good value for their respective ranks, where Paul Millsap, Arron Afflalo, and Ron Baker are all questionable deals for their value. For the most part, these are even on par with the dominant public reaction to those deals.

Must Read: Four NBA Players Ready To Break Out In 2017-18

Probing the numbers in this way can help some people understand exactly why a certain player’s contract gets labeled as “bad” while others are perceived as favorable. It’s not just about points, it’s not always just about money, but like with most things in life, it’s about value and getting the most for your money. Hopefully your team didn’t strike this summer.

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