5 Surprisingly Efficient Free Agents Rated Under 70 In NBA 2K17

Staying under the salary cap is a balancing act that many in-game owners admire. If you're able to do it, chances are you might save your position for another season. This of course applies mostly to money-obsessed owners, who are more interested in turning a profit or at least breaking even, regardless of team chemistry and success. However, others are also prone to making balancing team budget one of your season goals.

When you take over a team like the New York Knicks, you're already over the pay limit. In that case you need to unload some mediocre talent, as Melo, D-Rose and Noah's contracts are almost enough to prevent you from avoiding the luxury tax. The same goes for teams like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, or the Memphis Grizzlies.

As a team needs to have at least thirteen spots taken on the roster, it is good to have two or three players who will not care for playing time, nor money, as they will sign for the minimum.

Granted, they are not what you might call "starter material," but when chosen carefully and used properly, still can positively impact your team for at least ten minutes a game.

Position: PF/SF

Overall Rating: 69

Age: 30

Upsides: Exceptional rebounder (A-), Reliable interior defender (C+)

Jeff Adrien is a journeyman, who played for five NBA teams, as well as clubs in China, Russia and Israel. It is actually OK to feel sorry for him, as Adrien should be an actual starter in the NBA - when allowed to play more than 20 minutes a game, he posted solid numbers (almost 11 points and 8 rebounds in 28 games) for the Milwaukee Bucks.

You should give Adrien a shot, if only to feel good about yourself. He is not tall for a power forward (just 6'7"), but can outbox bigger players and grab a few rebounds with ease. With his easy-to-master release, he is also a surprisingly good free-throw shooter, even though his rating is under 70.