The 7 best players still available in free agency
The NBA market remains open, and there are opportunities for teams with serious needs to enhance their rosters.
Welcome to the NBA offseason lull: the time of year when the NBA Market and Free Agency take a back seat, with half of the teams on vacation and major news practically at a standstill. The few transactions that occur usually focus on completing the end of rosters, like the recent signing of Patty Mills by the Utah Jazz, or on two-way contracts and training camp invitations.
Despite the calm, there are still some free agents worth considering. They may not be superstar game-changers, but they can be valuable rotation pieces and make a significant contribution. Here are the top seven free agents still available in the market.
1. Markelle Fultz
It's surprising that Markelle Fultz remains without a team. Away from the spotlight in Orlando, he has proven to be a competent point guard when fully fit. However, two factors hold back teams from signing him. The first is his injury history: he played only 43 games last season and 129 in the previous four. The second is his need to have the ball in his hands to be effective, although his outside shooting remains a weakness (22.2% in three-pointers last season). Nevertheless, he could offer quality minutes off the bench but may have to settle for a minimum contract, perhaps rejoining Orlando.
2. Isaac Okoro (restricted)
The Cavaliers' small forward was expecting a raise from the $8.9 million he earned last season, but the restricted free agent market has not been favorable. Okoro averaged 9.4 points per game and improved his three-point percentage to 39.1%, but no team made an offer that Cleveland couldn't match. The Cavaliers have allowed the market to play out, and it seems Okoro will re-sign with the team before training camp begins.
3. Lonnie Walker IV
Walker averaged 9.7 points per game in 58 appearances with the Nets last season, shooting 38.4% from three-point range. While these numbers are solid, and he could fit into the rotation of several teams, executives primarily view him as a scorer. However, it's likely that some team will offer him a minimum contract as he can provide crucial scoring in critical moments of the season.
4. Justin Holiday
The veteran shooting guard spent last season in Denver, where he averaged four points per game and shot 40.4% from beyond the arc. Holiday hoped to secure a contract above the veteran minimum but failed to do so. At 35 years old, he is a player who could be picked up by a team in need of an experienced presence off the bench, capable of providing stability and leadership.
5. Cedi Osman
Osman was part of the San Antonio Spurs' rotation last season, averaging 6.8 points per game with a 38.9% three-point shooting percentage in 72 games. While he has expressed his desire to return to San Antonio, any team in need of a bench shooter could be interested in him. With fewer than 30 years of age and good size (6'7"), Osman is an appealing option for various teams.
6. Dennis Smith Jr.
Smith is another player who went off the radar following Brooklyn's offseason moves. Last season, he averaged 6.6 points and 3.6 assists per game. While not a great outside shooter (29.8% career three-point percentage), he can run the offense and offer valuable minutes off the bench. Despite rumors linking him to some teams, he has yet to sign with anyone.
7. Davis Bertans
Bertans was waived by Charlotte this summer while playing for the Latvian national team in an Olympic qualifying game. He has not found a team yet, although there are reports of the 76ers showing interest. This 6'10" power forward averaged 6.7 points and shot 38% from three-point range last season between Oklahoma City and Charlotte. His ability to space the floor makes him an ideal candidate to sign with a team before the preseason begins.
Other Free Agents
While not in the top 7, other veterans like Boban Marjanović, Talen Horton-Tucker, Marcus Morris Sr., Evan Fournier, Tristan Thompson, Reggie Bullock, Danilo Gallinari, Jae Crowder, T.J. Warren, Thaddeus Young, Robert Covington, and Javonte Green are still available. All of them can bring experience and depth to any team looking to strengthen their roster before the season kicks off.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 7 mejores jugadores aún disponibles en la agencia libre