Shutterstock
NBA free agency is one of the most exciting times of the year for fans. Some of the best players in the entire league have the opportunity to switch teams and change the league as we know it. Superstars such as LeBron James and Paul George are both free agents and expected to switch teams, making this one of the most intriguing free agency periods in recent memory. As we prepare for the chaos of free agency, which begins on Sunday July 2, let’s take a look at the five free agents who have been superstars since they were still in college. This is the five best college players hitting free agency in 2018.
Kevin Durant
Papadakis Press/WENN.com
Kevin Durant played a single season at the University of Texas during the 2006-07 season. During the 35 games he played, Durant averaged 25.8 points per game and 11.1 rebounds. After his only college season, Durant won Big 12 Player of the Year, the Wooden Award, the Naismith Award and the Rupp Trophy, as well as being named a consensus All-American. Since being drafted #2 overall in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics, Durant has won two NBA Championships (being named Finals MVP in both), an NBA MVP and has been named an All-Star nine separate times. Durant has played for the Seattle Supersonics (one season before they moved and changed their name), the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors.
Chris Paul
Credit: Apega/WENN.com
Chris Paul played two seasons for Wake Forest University starting with the 2003-04 season. Paul averaged 15 points, 6.3 assists and 2.5 steals during his career with the Demon Deacons. After the 2004-05 season, Paul was named a consensus All-American. Since being selected 4th overall by the New Orleans Hornets, Paul has averaged 18.7 points, 9.8 assists and 2.3 steals. He has played for the New Orleans Hornets (renamed the Pelicans), the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets.
DeMarcus Cousins
Apega/WENN.com
DeMarcus Cousins played a single season for the University of Kentucky. During his only collegiate season, Cousins averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and helped carry Kentucky to a 35-3 record. Cousins was named both a consensus All-American and an NCAA All-Region player. Since being drafted #5 overall by the Sacramento Kings, Cousins has averaged 21.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5 assists. He has played for both the Kings and New Orleans Pelicans.
Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker played one season for Duke University during the 2013-14 season. Parker averaged 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds during his only season as a Blue Devil. After the season he was named a consensus All-American. Since being drafted #2 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, Parker has averaged 15.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. During the 2016-17 season, Parker had a career year, averaging 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds. However, his production dropped off last season as he averaged just 12.6 points and started only three games the entire season.
J.J. Reddick
J.J. Reddick played four years at Duke University, starting with the 2002-03 season. In his four years as a Blue Devil, Reddick averaged 19.9 points and 2.2 assists per game. During his final collegiate season, Reddick averaged 26.8 points per game over 36 games. Reddick has twice named a consensus All-American, twice won the Rupp Trophy and ACC Player of the Year, as well as also winning the Wooden and Naismith Awards. Since being drafted #11 overall by the Orlando Magic in 2006, Reddick has averaged 12.4 points per game, 2 assists and 2 rebounds. Reddick has played for the Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. Reddick also made the playoffs in every season of his career since being drafted.
