Strategy: Free Agents

This is something I have not used in the first two rounds. Timing of pick for free-agents-to-be. I have used this a lot in the past few years and I plan to use it in the Conference Finals. Soon-to-be free agents will not readily admit it, but they are extra-motivated to perform beyond expectation so as to showcase themselves to their current team and potential suitors in the summer. They show up hot either on elimination games, or on their last potential game at home.

Owners, GMs and coaches are smart enough, but sometimes in performance evaluations, the past is forgotten and this question is asked, "What have you done for me lately?"

Note that this may not hold true for a few players, but I have seen it many times before. Here is a list of free agents this summer with significant playing time in these playoffs...

Pacers:

• Evan Turner (R)
• Lance Stephenson

Heat:

• Ray Allen
• Chris Anderson (P)
• Shane Battier
• Chris Bosh (E)
• Mario Chalmers
• Udonis Haslem (P)
• LeBron James (E)
• Dwyane Wade (E)

Thunder:

• Caron Butler
• Derek Fisher
• Thabo Sefolosha

Spurs:

• Boris Diaw
• Tim Duncan (P)
• Patrick Mills

Those with player option (P) may take it easy. Those who are restricted (R) may be a little motivated to perform so as to make a showing for their current team. Those who have early termination option (E) may or may not be so desperate to show-off, unless a player is already thinking of leaving. Of the Big Three, I don't think they'll leave Miami. All of them have earned a lot of money already, it's now all about winning.

As for my pick plan, I am reserving Lance Stephenson and Derek Fisher for elimination games. With regards to Caron Butler, he is already proving to be a veteran voice in the locker, bench and the floor. With Thabo Sefolosha, hmm...