From Kevin Garnett to Gilbert Arenas to Shawn Marion to Paul Pierce
to Jermaine O'Neal, a staggering list of the sport's stars are
eligible to opt out of contracts and declare themselves free agents.

For this free agency cycle, which begins Sunday, there is a far more
modest crop of candidates. While the top two players, Vince Carter
and Chauncey Billups, have opted out of contracts, they were sure to
re-sign!

Marc Stein of the ESPN.com writes, "Free agent sharpshooter Jason
Kapono has quickly reached an agreement Sunday to leave the Miami
Heat and sign a four-year deal believed to be worth $24 million with
the Toronto Raptors.

The NBA's free agent period commenced at 12:01 Sunday morning, and
Toronto was quick to strike, signing Jason the first day contracts
could be signed.

The newest Toronto Raptor, sharpshooter Jason Kapono was the Miami
Heat's "6th man". In the NCAA, vs. Cincinnati, he scored 17 points
after halftime, plus 5 rebounds and an assist. In the NBA Kapono
turned into one of the league's most accurate three-point shooters
last season. Notably, he proved he could make shots even with
Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade off the floor.

The former UCLA star has a record of rapid improvement in his 3 year
pro career. The 6'-8" Kapono was the first Bruin to earn First Team
All-Pac-10 honors for all 4 years; and was also the only UCLA player
to ever lead the school in scoring 4 straight years!

After a record breaking college hoops career at UCLA, Kapono was only
the 2nd player chosen in the second-round draft (Same draft that
Toronto picked Chris Bosh 4th over-all) by the Cleveland Cavaliers in
the 2003 NBA Draft, along with 1st over-all pick LeBron James.

After his rookie season with the Cavs, he was selected by the
Charlotte Bobcats in the 2004 expansion draft. Later, he was traded
to the Miami Heat, where he earned a ring as part of the 2005-06 NBA
champion team.

In the Toronto Star, basketball writer Doug Smith said: "it's all
about the high screen and roll. The Raptors' decision to shower Jason
Kapono with free agent riches, while not addressing Bryan Colangelo's
oft-stated intention of improving the club's overall athleticism, has
to bring a twinkle to the eye of coach Sam Mitchell."

I hear Vince Carter, by the way, re-signed with the NJ Nets. This
sets up another great play-off series!