The last standard restricted free agent on the market this summer, PJ Washington was officially re-signed by the Hornets on Tuesday. With Washington off the board, 47 of our top 50 free agents from the start of the offseason have now signed, including all of the top 24. However, there are still a number of notable players who continue to look for new ones. NBA home.
Big man Christian Wood, our No. 25 free agents, one. We ranked Wood as high as we did because of his scoring and rebounding prowess — he averaged 18.1 points in just 29.3 minutes per game over the past three seasons, grabbing 8.9 boards per night on the same side.
However, it seems that concerns about Wood’s professionalism and defense have made teams wary about making him any kind of significant offer. A report in July suggested there may be a disconnect between what Wood thinks he’s worth and what teams think he’s worth. If he’s willing to accept a minimum salary deal, he’ll be on a roster.
Veteran ahead Kelly Oubre entered the No. 27 on our free agent list after putting up a career-high 20.3 points per game in 48 games last season. But averaging 20 PPG isn’t what it used to be. Oubre is one of only 57 players to accomplish that feat while appearing in at least 29 games. And out of those 57 players, he ranks 53rd in EFG%, so he’s not scoring very well.
Oubre still has some value, but after earning at least $12MM in each of the last four seasons, he doesn’t seem likely to approach that mark in 2023/24.
The only other unsigned player on our top-50 list is No. 43 Hamidou Diallo. I’m a fan of Diallo because of his athleticism, rebounding ability, defensive energy, and shot selection (he made 59.3% of his two-point attempts last season). But he has an unusual game and may not be a good fit for many teams.
Here are some other free agents who didn’t make our top 50 but will likely receive consideration from NBA teams before the season starts:
Guards
Kendrick Nunn played well in Washington last season, knocking down 39.2% of his three-pointers in 31 games with the Wizards. Terence Davis and Jaylen Nowell among the other available ball-handling guards who can score and shoot less, even Nowell is coming off a down year in which his three-point rate dropped from 39.4% to 28.9%.
George Hill, Ish Smith, Goran Dragicand Austin Rivers could hold some appeal for teams looking to fill their backcourt with a consistent veteran. John Wall won’t sign either, even though he has a different skill set than other vets.
Trent Forrest and Theo Maledon free agents are still restricted, but it seems likely to end in a two-way deal.
Wings
There aren’t many solid two-way wings left on the board. Danny Green Once fit that bill, but at age 36, he’s past his prime. Terrence Ross Certainly capable of playing a rotation role, but his outside shot comes and goes (he only made 29.2% in 2021/22) and he’s not an elite defender.
A team interested in adding a shooter can look to Svi Mykhailiuk (who made 36.0% of his career three-point attempts), Barton (35.5%), Anthony Lamb (35.3%), two-way RFA Matt Ryan (37.1%), or Edmond Sumner (37.7% over his last two healthy seasons).
Veteran ahead TJ Warren and Rudy Gay can score, but don’t provide a ton of defensive resistance, and Gay’s best years are behind him – the 17-year veteran is 37 and coming off his worst season as a pro (5.2 PPG on .380/.254/. 857 shooting).
A club focused on strengthening its wing defense would be desirable Lamar Stevens or Javonte Green. Although they don’t pack much offensive punch, they can bring power off the bench.
Former top-10 picks like Kevin Knox, Jarrett Culver, Winslow was rightand Stanley Johnson didn’t generate much buzz this offseason, but there may be teams that believe they can get value from those one-time prospects.
Big ones
There is no shortage of veterans centers still available on the open market. Bismack Biyombo, Tristan Thompson, Boban Marjanovic, Derrick Favor, Serge Ibakaand Gorgui Dieng are among the remaining free agents, and JaVale McGee is set to join them once he clears waivers on Thursday.
A team in the market for a less traditional big man could be kicking the tires Blake Griffin or JaMychal Greenwho had a bit of a bounce-back year for the Warriors last season after a forgettable 2021/22 campaign in Denver.
Former first-round pick Usman Garuba There could be intrigue for a club looking for a development project rather than a player who can contribute immediately. He is only 21 years old.