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5 bargain free-agent rim-protectors

Steve Mitchell / USA Today Sports

With the modern game migrating toward perimeter play, the role of the big men has, to some extent, become marginalized.

In decades past, having a decent set of post-moves was the prerequisite of playing the frontcourt. Drop-steps, counters, hooks, up-and-unders defined careers in an era where bigs like Hakeem Olajuwan, David Robinson and Patrick Ewing dominated. 

The prototypical big in today's game is something like Dwight Howard in his prime - springy, a good finisher in the pick-and-roll, grabs rebounds, mobile, and most importantly, able to protect the rim. There aren't any players that come close to matching Howard's abilities in this year's free-agent crop, but there are some bargain free-agent rim-protectors to be found.

1. Emeka Okafor

Selected in the same draft class as Howard, center Emeka Okafor was once thought of as Howard's equal. Yet, while Howard has gone on to reach superstardom, Okafor's career hasn't exactly petered out. 

Okafor's calling card has always been defense. He boasts a career defensive rating of 103, and has a career average of 1.7 blocks per game. He has always been a smart defender gifted with good instincts and superb timing, allowing him to be a shut-down presence despite being undersized at center. 

Ordinarily, the 31-year-old Okafor would command a sizeable multi-year deal, but he's coming off a neck injury that forced him out of action for the entirety of last season. If he returns to health, Okafor could prove to be well worth the gamble.

2. Ekpe Udoh

Taken sixth overall in 2010, Ekpe Udoh has always been perceived as a bust. It's a fitting moniker, as he boasts lacklustre career averages of 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds across his four-year career. 

Udoh will never be a major contributor on offense, in case that wasn't clear from his numbers. He can't post up, nor can he sink a jump shot. He can't even finish from close range; a center shooting 46.7 percent near the rim is borderline embarrassing.

But what Udoh can do is defend, especially at the rim. Udoh is a mobile shot-blocker who boasts a career per-36 minute block average of 2.6. He also limited opponents to shooting just 46.3 percent at the rim last season, a mark that topped reigning Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah's. Udoh is a one-dimensional player who can provide rim-protection at a discount.

3. Ed Davis

Originally drafted by Toronto, Ed Davis toiled in the Raptors' rotation behind veteran bigs like Amir Johnson and Andrea Bargnani before being shipped to the Memphis Grizzlies - where, once again, he toiled behind established veterans in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The player known as "Boss" just needs a chance.

Davis isn't a specialist like everyone else on this list - he has two-way potential. Just 25, Davis' prime years are ahead of him. Known mostly as a shot-blocker, Davis can also score a fair bit in the post. The crafty lefty can also sink the occasional elbow jumper.

But Davis' best trait will always be his defense. He can hedge drives on the perimeter on pick-and-rolls, while being fast enough to recover and help at the rim. Coupled with his youth, Davis is a diamond in the rough.

4. Chris Andersen

The player known as "Birdman" has served as the Miami Heat's secret weapon for the last two seasons. He's quick and mobile, thus allowing him to thrive as a spot-duty small-ball center. 

At the age of 35, Andersen is only looking to latch onto a contending team in the hopes of securing another title. Andersen can only play about 20 minutes per game, but he remains effective. He limited opponents to 47.8 percent shooting at the rim last season, a rate on par with Dwight Howard and Omer Asik. Given that he's a veteran, Andersen will likely accept the minimum to latch on with a quality team.

5. Jermaine O'Neal

In his prime, Jermaine O'Neal was a terror for the Indiana Pacers. He qualified for six straight All-Star appearances between 2001 and 2007, over which time he averaged 20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks.

O'Neal was especially dominant in the post, where he wielded a flashy set of post moves and a respectable jumpshot into an endless stream of double-teams. 

Heading into his 18th season, most of O'Neal's skills have left him, but he still remains a solid defender in the post. He's never shy of contact in the paint, and held opponents to 47.9 percent shooting from the field last season. Like Andersen, O'Neal will likely take the minimum for a chance at a title.

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