Most Likely to Hustle His Way Into a Fat Contract: Leon Powe

NBA FanHouse walks through the Valley of the Most Likely; we shall fear no topic.

If you watched game two of the 2008 NBA Finals, you know what Leon Powe is all about. That's right, HUSTLE. My man is relentless out there, diving for lose balls, blocking shots, fighting for tip ins, and slamming it home on opposing player's faces. He's what most people like to call a hardhat guy.

But there are some real skills to go along with that hustle. I mean, according to John Hollinger's PER projections, Powe projects to be one of the top 25 most efficient players in the league (ahead of guys like Steve Nash, Jose Calderon, and Deron Williams).

With the free agent departure of James Posey and the retirement of P.J. Brown, Powe is going to get his chance to shine, as he likely will be one of the first players off of the bench for the defending champion Celtics this season. Knowing how hard Powe works, and how he makes the most of every minute he is out there on the floor, I won't be surprised if he turns this opportunity into free agent riches this coming summer.

I mean, statistically Powe is a much better player than Ronny Turiaf, and Turiaf was able to convert his hustling style of play into free agent riches. Hopefully the same thing happens to Powe. And with how hard he works and everything he has had to go through in his personal life, you won't find a more deserving NBA player. Good luck, Leon.