NBA Free Agency: Most Impactful Sleeper Signings?

Mar 22, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Spencer Hawes (32) and Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) fight for a rebound during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Houston won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Most of the big fish are off the board, so in examining NBA free agency, which teams signed some potential sleepers for 2014-2015?

Chicago lands Aaron Brooks

If head coach Tom Thibodeau is going to make the Derrick Rose return a success for the Chicago Bulls this season, a great way to do it is by giving the 25-year old more rest during games.  This way his surgically-repaired knees won’t be enduring so much punishment like they did prior to the injuries.  That is why the signing of Aaron Brooks could become a huge steal.  Not only does he offer the tradition point guard traits, he’s also a proven scorer, having averaged 11.1 points last season.  Having him on the bench will be a big help to keeping Rose fresher and healthy late in the year.

Anthony Morrow head to Oklahoma City

They may not have landed any big fish but NBA enthusiasts were quick to overlook how the Oklahoma City Thunder still managed to improve their roster.  Anthony Morrow is not an All-Star or anything to that effect, but the veteran guard gives OKC something vital that they’ve lacked:  shooting range.  Last season Morrow posted an impressive .451 shooting percentage from three-point land.  He’s also an effective free throw shooter.  With scorers like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the floor, having a bomber like Morrow on the floor will prove huge come playoff time.

Clippers get bigger with Spencer Hawes

Something has been missing for the Los Angeles Clippers the past few ventures into the postseason.  Among the most telling was size and depth at the center position.  The team solved both problems when they snagged young vet Spencer Hawes.  Not only is he a well built 7’1″, he is a solid two-way player who offers shot blocking ability and a knack for scoring in the paint.  Putting him behind DeAndre Jordan gives the Clippers infinitely more flexibility, which is vital in that murderous Western Conference.

Indiana scoops up Rodney Stuckey

Paul George going down was a crippling blow to the Indiana Pacers, as if losing Lance Stephenson weren’t bad enough.  However, the team may not be entirely sunk from the NBA playoff picture.  Part of that optimism stems from them landing 28-year old Rodney Stuckey.  Often overlooked during his years in Detroit, the point guard was nonetheless an underrated producer, averaging 13.9 points, 2.1 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 26 minutes of action per game last season.  With George down, he figures to see more playing time.  The Pacers should benefit accordingly.