With 39 deals made on the first day alone, free agency waits for no one. Who among the unsigned NBA free agents can help a team compete for a championship?
It may feel like the 'free agency frenzy' and all the fun of early July has worn off, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Plenty of players stand idly by as unsigned free agents. For teams still looking to contend, these unsigned free agents are still available.
Unsigned NBA free agents who could still help a contender: 5. Justise Winslow
Winslow has played eight seasons for four teams. Despite Winslow bouncing around the league, he showed signs there was still gas left in the tank this past season. Before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in December, Winslow was a regular in the Portland Trail Blazers rotation.
Aside from being a versatile wing defender, the 27-year-old Duke product can absorb contact and finish at the rim as well. He makes up for his lack of reliable 3-point shooting with reliable playmaking. All in all, he's got role-player traits worthy of investment.
In a lineup with shooters and another playmaker, Winslow has a chance to thrive as a distributor, cutter, and defender.
Unsigned free agents who could still help a contender: 4. Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Hornets spent most of this season without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and Miles Bridges. Considering this, it makes sense why Kelly Oubre shot 17.1 shots per game last year, a career-high. The result? Good and bad news for Kelly Oubre Jr.
Good news? It was the first 20-point average season of his career. Bad news? Out of the 56 players who launched at least 15 shots each night, Oubre's effective field goal percentage was ranked 49th.
Due to a torn ligament in his left hand, Oubre Jr. appeared in only 48 games for the Charlotte Hornets last season. In those games, he averaged 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. Oubre's not a lockdown defender, but he could be a quality sixth man. He'd excel in a role where he comes in off the bench and helps a team by knocking down some shots.
According to Charlotte Observer's Roderick Boone, the Hornets are overcrowded at the wing position and Oubre's return is "unlikely." Charlotte already has Brandon Miller, Gordon Hayward, Cody Martin, and Bryce McGowens to worry about. Combine that with Miles Bridges' return to the team after sitting out last season? Essentially, don't be surprised if a contender lands Oubre on a steal of a contract.
Unsigned free agents who could still help a contender: 3. Christian Wood
A prolific scorer for a big man. At one point during his time with Houston, Wood averaged 21 points, and 10 rebounds on 50 percent shooting. For the Mavericks, Wood averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season. However, his lackadaisical defensive efforts landed him in Jason Kidd's doghouse.
Here's the hard truth: what Wood does particularly well is not what the Mavs need. Sure he's a great one-on-one scorer. But, if you're the Mavericks, you already have that in Kyrie and Luka. Therefore, you need a big man that can rebound in traffic, set hard screens, and defend. Someone like, I don't know? Grant Williams.
Wood has played seven seasons for seven teams. If his role is simply "come off the bench and score," a lot of teams could benefit from his contributions. He can play the 4 or 5, and, in terms of bigs available on the market, he's one of the best available.
Unsigned free agents who could still help a contender: 2. Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr. averaged 5 points and 2.4 rebounds in just 14 minutes last year with the Bulls. At 26 years old, he is still very much in his prime as a basketball player. But, if he progresses as a shooter, his value could increase dramatically.
An awesome athlete who understands how to make the most out of his absurd leaping ability, Derrick Jones Jr is a constant lob threat thanks to his 6-foot-6 frame and 7-foot wingspan. In addition to being a constant presence in passing lanes, he is also a very effective weak-side rim protector.
This 26-year-old could be a valuable depth player off the bench for any contending team.
Unsigned free agents who could still help a contender: 1. Trendon Watford
Earlier this summer, the Portland Trail Blazers announced they had waived forward Trendon Watford. During his two seasons with the Trail Blazers, Watford was very productive. Across 110 games, Watford averaged 7.5 points and 4 rebounds in just 18.6 minutes.
Even though Watford isn't a star, he can provide quality minutes in the regular season, which would help keep the minutes of proven starters down. According to Forbes' Morten Stig Jensen, Watford is, "one of those guys who can offer tremendous long-term value from the bench, and potentially develop into a highly important role player, which virtually all teams would be happy to have around."
It's almost unbelievable that a productive 22-year-old with a diverse skill set like Watford is just chilling in the free-agent pool. A team like the Brooklyn Nets could use Watford's size as well as his playmaking ability in the frontcourt. It'll be fascinating to see who Watford suits up for next season and what he's able to do with that change of scenery.
