Who are the top NBA free agents still available before the start of the 2023-24 season?

The 2023-24 NBA offseason has depleted the free-agency pool significantly. We have identified ten players who can still make a difference for a team. They may contribute on-court or provide veteran mentorship.

Will Barton

Player Will Barton struggled consistently in his recent stints with the Wizards and Raptors. However, he is still an explosive transition player and savvy cutter on the court. The Nuggets might consider reuniting with him if they’re worried about their wing rotation after Bruce Brown’s departure. Excitement is high in the Mile High City about the possibility of Jokić and Barton reconnecting on the court.

Bismack Biyombo

The Suns might bring back Bismack Biyombo due to the departure of Deandre Ayton, which makes having a reliable backup center crucial. Biyombo is an excellent rebounder and consistently plays high-quality defense, making him a strong option. Re-signing him would be good, as he already understands the team’s philosophy.

Hamidou Diallo

Hamidou Diallo struggled with his mid-range jumper but succeeded with Detroit Pistons in small-ball lineups. He spent 11% of his time at the four positions, helping the team improve by 10.9 points per 100 possessions. His defense skills were instrumental in this improvement. Diallo’s athleticism makes him an excellent choice for small-ball frontcourt depth. Adding him to the Sacramento Kings’ rotation would be an intriguing change of pace that complements De’Aaron Fox’s fast-paced transition play.

JaMychal Green

JaMychal Green showed promise in the second half of his time with the Golden State Warriors, with impressive averages of 6.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game and substantial shooting percentages. Despite this, he has yet to find a new team.

While not a game-changer, Green could still contribute to the Los Angeles Clippers’ championship aspirations with his shooting and rebounding abilities. Although the Clippers have other power forwards, they have struggled with injuries, making Green a potentially valuable addition to their roster.

Javonte Green

Javonte Green appeared to be cementing himself as a reliable rotation player for the Chicago Bulls before undergoing knee surgery. His three-point solid shooting and elite athleticism had shown potential, but he only played in 32 games, which hindered his chances of securing a significant contract.

Despite concerns over his knee, the New York Knicks could benefit from Green’s services as a versatile wing player. He may also experiment as a small-ball 4. As a result, the Knicks could take advantage of his high potential by signing him during the offseason.

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin could return to the Boston Celtics for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. Despite his age, the veteran mentor and locker-room presence could be valuable for the C’s, who have seen many early playoff exits in recent years. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens praised Griffin’s skills and announced that if Griffin decides to continue playing and wants to return to the East, the Celtics would be happy to have him.

Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers has been in the news for various basketball-related topics this offseason, but he hasn’t secured a new job yet. In July, the Celtics showed interest in the veteran guard, but Rivers was counting on returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He also expressed his interest in joining the Miami Heat and playing with Erik Spoelstra, and players like Jimmy Butler would be his No. 1 choice. Rivers is known for his tenacious defense, which would make him a good fit for South Beach.

Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross used to be known for his athleticism, but now his sharpshooting skills are his primary strength. He hit 36.8% of his 3-pointers on an average of 4.1 shots per game last season, rebounding from a disastrous performance. Ross is looking for a new team, and while he’s unlikely to join a championship contender, he could help a team on the rise. One exciting possibility is playing with LaMelo Ball.

Ish Smith

Ish Smith, a veteran point guard with 13 years of NBA experience, has played for 13 different organizations, finally winning a championship with the Denver Nuggets last year. He can be a reliable presence at the point guard position and may be valuable to teams looking for depth. The Milwaukee Bucks could use him behind newcomers Damian Lillard and Cameron Payne, and the San Antonio Spurs could benefit from his mentorship for their point guard rotation.

T.J. Warren

T.J. Warren is a gifted scorer but has struggled to find his rhythm lately. He can make tough shots within the half-court set and is a solid secondary distributor and defender. The Boston Celtics met with him this offseason, but nothing materialized. It might be worth considering since Boston’s second-string lineup lacks firepower.