Who are the best free agents still avaliable in the NBA?

While most of the NBA’s top free agents saw their futures sorted out within the first days of free agency, there are still a few very talented players who could be the shot in the arm that’s needed for a team that’s looking to jump-start its assault on the league.

Which NBA free agents are still available?

As mentioned before, the 2023 free agency period saw a number of high-profile names jumping ship, but there are still a handful of stars on the market who could be the difference makers that teams are looking for. With no further delays, here’s a look at who they are based on age, position and of course how they fit into the league right here and now.

Darius Bazley

On the surface, you’re probably wondering how Darius Bazley could be on this list when he played fewer minutes in 2022-23 than he did in any of his previous three NBA seasons. On the other hand, it could be that Bazley has finally found his role in that both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns used him predominantly as a 5. Now, you might be thinking that at 6′8″, his frame is too small, but his ability on the perimeter when coupled with his athleticism, makes him a proper threat. Consider for a moment that in this most recent season, there were only 10 players in the league who matched or surpassed Bazley’s per-possession averages for blocks and assists.

Willy Hernangómez

Though you might be more familiar with his brother Juancho, who recently appeared in Netflix’s Hustle, the fact is that Willy Hernangómez is a very decent player despite the fact that he’s been in out of rotations since his rookie season in 2016-17 with the New York Knicks. While there are a number of reasons why that is, the central factor has been the evolution of the game. While he’s got a decent skill set on the perimeter, the fact remains that he’s not your typical 5 of today who attacks the rim, while making plays. Yet, his average of 15 points and 12 rebounds per 75 possessions, with more than 50% from the field in his last seven seasons put him in the company of Rudy Gobert and Jonas Valančiūnas

Hamidou Diallo

Following a very impressive defensive performance in the 2021-22 season, Hamidou Diallo followed it up by doing better in the last campaign. Of course, that’s probably due in part to his 7′0″ wingspan and above-the-rim athleticism. This is a guy whose rebound and steal percentages are way beyond what you’d expect from a 6′5″ guard/wing. Now that he’s begun to take more shots, we’re looking at a very credible two-way threat.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Some might be raising their eyebrows at this one. After all, Kelly Oubre Jr.’s only played in 48 games for a terrible Charlotte Hornets team during the 2022-23 campaign. On the other hand, he posted a career-high 20.3 and 1.4 per game. One could argue that his lack of efficiency is a concern and that he’s too individualistic at times, but make no mistake this guy knows how to score. Likely a role player, we’re looking at a very solid seventh or eighth man on one of the league’s best teams.

P.J. Washington

Here’s the thing, when we take a look at the limited resources available in the market right now, it’s hard to see a situation where Washington - a restricted free agent - signs an offer sheet that the Hornets don’t match. Across 73 games played last season, Washington was one of the Hornets’ most solid performers. While it’s true that Miles Bridges’ return could reduce his playing time, the reality is this is a key player for the franchise. A ‘Jack of all trades’ so to speak, Washington is 15th on the list of players in NBA history when it comes to rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. Think about that.

Christian Wood

Were it not for injury and the doubts of head coach Jason Kidd, it could be that Wood was on the verge of securing his place as a starter. If you recall, Wood spent the period between mid-December and mid-January averaging 20.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 threes, which is to say he was ballin’. Following his injury, he would not start again and averaged roughly 20 minutes per game. Ironically, that fact may actually serve to push his valuation down, meaning a team looking for a sharp shooting shot blocker could be about to cash in.