Player Notes

Pachulia averaged 5.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per game this season.
Recommendation: The veteran saw his minutes reduced, as coach Larry Drew often opted to go with a smaller lineup featuring Al Horford at center. Still, Pachulia was able to make an impact, primarily on the boards, as he averaged 10.7 rebounds per 36 minutes. He missed the final month-and-a-half of the season, as well as the team's first-round series versus the Pacers, with an achilles injury but is expected to be back to full strength well before the 2013-14 season. As an unrestricted free agent this summer, Pachulia figures to garner plenty of interest, particularly from contenders like Miami or Oklahoma City in need of a veteran rebounding presence. He's been a fan favorite in Atlanta and expressed his desire to sign a new deal, but given the franchise's current state of flux, it may be difficult to negotiate until later in the summer when the roster will likely be l! ess murky.

Horford averaged career highs in points (17.4), rebounds (10.2) and minutes (37.2) in 2012-13.
Recommendation: After missing the vast majority of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, Horford returned to form and emerged as one of the NBA's best big men. The former Florida star often played out of position alongside Josh Smith but still managed to shoot an efficient 54.3 percent from the field. However, he struggled to get to the line (2.8 attempts per game) as well as make free throws at an efficient rate (64.4 percent). Atlanta's roster will likely look very different next season, and given the possible departure of Josh Smith, Horford, who has three years remaining on his $60 million deal, could be the face of the franchise in 2013-14.

Johnson averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes for the Hawks this season.
Recommendation: In his second season with the team, Johnson put up nearly identical numbers to those he posted in 2011-12. He, along with Anthony Tolliver, served as a versatile defender off the bench. Unlike Tolliver, however, Johnson thrived more in the interior and was often able to draw contact from opposing defenders. The 29-year-old is a restricted free agent this offseason, and his fate with the team likely will not be decided until later in the summer, as the Hawks appear to be in play for a number of big free agents.

Petro averaged 3.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in just 31 games this season - his first with the Hawks.
Recommendation: The 27-year-old primarily served as a post defender, as his offensive game remains largely unpolished. He's an active rebounder when given the opportunity but rarely logged enough minutes to make a significant fantasy impact. His three-year, $10 million deal expires this offseason and it is very unlikely that he'll be in a Hawks uniform next season. However, a team in need of a veteran, end-of-the-bench big man will likely give Petro a shot for a much cheaper contract.

Jones did not appear in an NBA game this season.
Recommendation: Jones, who entered the league in 2005, has not appeared in an NBA game since the 2009-10 season. The Warriors plucked him from the D-League in late April and he remained with the team throughout the playoffs. There is little chance Jones returns to the Warriors, or the NBA for that matter, next season.

Splitter had four points, two rebounds and a block in just 10 minutes off the bench Sunday in the Spurs' Game 5 win over the Heat.
Recommendation: Manu Ginobili, who replaced Splitter in the starting lineup, went off for his best game of the playoffs, with 24 points and 10 assists, so it's likely that Splitter remains a reserve for the rest of the NBA Finals. Boris Diaw, who saw 27 minutes Sunday, looks to be the key big man off the bench for the Spurs.

Hill (hip) is expected to be fully functional by the start of the season, Lakers.com reports.
Recommendation: This is not surprising news, as Hill has had several months to recover. He may see rotational minutes next season, as the Lakers are thin in the frontcourt off the bench.

Howard's (shoulder) slow recovery from back surgery in April of 2012 was defended by Lakers athletic trainer Gary Vitti on Friday, NBA.com reports.
Recommendation: Vitti relayed that Howard was quite agreeable and diligent in his rehabilitation last offseason, but when he steadied in that recovery, he was forced to return to the court, as no scrimmage can replicate the highest level of basketball. Over time, his play was much more energetic, as evidenced by his output from March 1 through the end of the regular season - 19.0 points (on 56.9 percent shooting), 13.6 boards, 2.7 blocks, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 38.1 minutes (23 games). During the summer, he'll be courted in unrestricted free agency, but wherever he lands, his health will be the primary question hanging over his head going into the fall.

Bosh had a double-double in a Game 4 win against the Spurs, tallying 20 points (8-14 FG, 4-4 FT) and 13 rebounds. He added one assist, two steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes of action.
Recommendation: Thursday's performance marked arguably one of Bosh's best performances all postseason long. His presence in the post was evident on both ends of the court, blocking two shots and altering several others. With a slight change in strategy on coach Erik Spoelstra's part favoring Mike Miller over Udonis Haslem and Chris Andersen in the rotation, it appears more opportunities have opened up for Bosh. Whether or not this continues remains to be seen, but the extra space in the low post evidently has given Bosh a boost of much-needed confidence.

Camby does not intend to retire, ESPN New York reports.
Recommendation: This comes as no surprise given that Camby is owed in excess of $4 million in each of the next two seasons. He hopes to be healthy enough to contribute as the Knicks' backup center, but will probably stick around for the money even if he isn't able to have any impact.

Duncan scored 20 points (6-10 FG, 8-10 FT) to go with five rebounds, one assist, and one block in a Game 4 loss to the Heat.
Recommendation: While Duncan played an efficient overall game, he did not assert himself to be a dominant force on the glass. His performance on Thursday ties his worst outing in terms of rebounds this postseason, and he will need to bounce back for the Spurs to take a convincing lead against the Heat once again.

Wilcox appeared in 61 games during the 2012-13 season and averaged 4.2 points (on 71 percent shooting), 3.0 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 14 minutes.
Recommendation: Wilcox averaged just 6.6 field goal attempts per 36 minutes, which explains the otherwise outlandish shooting percentage. He doesn't have any particular strengths worth mentioning but does seem to know his own (numerous) limitations and can thus play 10-to-15 minutes per game without hurting a team too much. Wilcox is set to become an unrestricted free agent and probably won't be a priority for the Celtics given that players of his caliber are a dime a dozen. It's hard to imagine that any team will get much more out of him than the Celtics did last season.

Andersen did not play in a Game 4 win against the Spurs. This marks only his second DNP-CD in the 2013 postseason thus far.
Recommendation: Teammate Mike Miller started in favor of Udonis Haslem in Game 4, shifting Haslem to the bench and potentially limiting any minutes Andersen would have had in the low post. While it remains to be seen whether or not this rotation will stick, Andersen looks to be a presence off the bench regardless, as his energy from the sidelines is well noted throughout the league.

Ezeli underwent successful surgery Wednesday to reinforce the MCL and PCL in his right knee, NBA.com reports.
Recommendation: Ezeli sprained his right knee in the Warriors' regular-season finale but was able to suit up for the playoffs. The recovery time is estimated to be at least six-to-nine months, so he could be out for the start of the 2013-14 season. If Ezeli misses an extended period of time, it will only increase the pressure on Andrew Bogut to stay healthy.

Melo appeared in just six NBA games during his rookie season but saw quite a bit of playing time with Maine of the D-League, averaging 9.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks.
Recommendation: Melo was the D-League leader in blocks per game, and while his other skills still need work, the Celtics have reason to be excited about their developmental center. He could be in the mix for the backup center job as soon as the 2013-14 season, although it also wouldn't be a surprise if he heads back to the Red Claws for more seasoning.