Ranking the Best NBA Free Agents Still in the Market

While many of the prominent names in the 2023 NBA free agents quickly found new homes, a selection of impactful players remains unsigned. Today, we focus on the leading players who are still open to offers.

These players have been evaluated based on their age, position, compatibility with the modern NBA style of play, and historical and anticipated performance. You can discover these players listed below.

Ayo Dosunmu

Following a promising rookie season in 2021-22, Ayo Dosunmu experienced a setback in his second year. His scoring efficiency and assist rate notably declined, attributed in part to Lonzo Ball’s injury that thrust him into an unprepared starting role at the beginning of the season.

Even after returning to the bench in late February, Dosunmu’s performance did not improve significantly. In that role, he averaged merely 6.5 points and 1.8 assists, with a three-point shooting percentage of 33.3.

However, glimpses of his potential from his rookie campaign make him an appealing option. Standing at 6’5″, Dosunmu possesses a respectable size for a combo guard. His 37.6 percent three-point shooting suggests he could function as a floor spacer in lineups featuring dominant wing or big players.

Darius Bazley

Darius Bazley saw reduced playing time during the 2022-23 season compared to his previous three NBA seasons. However, he might have discovered a sustainable role with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns.

Both teams primarily utilized him as a power forward, despite his 6’8″ frame, leveraging his combination of perimeter skills and athleticism.

This season, only ten players matched or surpassed Bazley’s per-possession averages for blocks and assists.

If his 37.7 percent three-point shooting this season is indicative of his future performance, he could yet make a significant impact in the NBA (though this conclusion is drawn from a modest 53 attempts).

Willy Hernangómez

Willy Hernangómez hasn’t enjoyed consistent playing time in any NBA rotation since his rookie year in 2016-17 with the New York Knicks.

The reasons for his sporadic appearances vary, but the modern style of play may be a primary factor as he is available in NBA free agents.

Hernangómez possesses some perimeter skills, but his playing style aligns more with traditional big men than contemporary rim runners and playmaking centers.

However, in his limited opportunities, he has consistently delivered. He has maintained at least 15.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per 75 possessions, maintaining a field goal percentage of over 50 percent throughout his seven-year career. Only Rudy Gobert and Jonas Valančiūnas share this accomplishment over the last seven seasons.

Hamidou Diallo

Hamidou Diallo, who is approaching 25 years old, significantly improved his defensive performance from the 93rd percentile in 2021-22 to the 99th percentile in the following season.

His 7’0″ wingspan and above-average athleticism have translated to strong defensive rebounding and steal rates for a 6’5″ guard/wing.

When combined with his increased focus on scoring near the rim (resulting in a career-best effective field-goal percentage), he emerges as a dynamic two-way threat.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Kelly Oubre Jr.’s 2022-23 season went somewhat unnoticed, likely due to his limited appearances for the struggling Charlotte Hornets. Nevertheless, he achieved career highs in points (20.3) and steals (1.4) per game.

While his efficiency poses a concern, and he needs to enhance his teamwork, his ability to slash and score could greatly benefit a team’s second unit as he is available in The NBA free agents.

Despite not being renowned for his defense, Oubre’s physical attributes (6’7″ with a 7’2¼” wingspan) and athleticism equip him to excel on that end of the court.

In the right role (possibly as the seventh or eighth man on a competitive team), he can make a positive impact.

P.J. Washington

Considering the limited remaining spending power in the market, it’s improbable that restricted free agent P.J. Washington will receive an offer sheet that the Charlotte Hornets won’t match.

Washington started 73 games for the Hornets last season, and while the return of Miles Bridges could slightly affect his playing time and shot opportunities, his spot in the team remains secure.

Technically still available, Washington is a strong candidate for a floor-spacing power forward in the modern NBA. Although his three-point shooting percentage declined in 2022-23, he maintained a 37.5 percent success rate from beyond the arc across his first three seasons.

Moreover, he has consistently contributed across various statistical categories, making him an underappreciated all-around player. He is among just 14 players in NBA history who have matched or exceeded his career marks in rebounding percentage, assist percentage, block percentage, and steal percentage.

Christian Wood

Christian Wood experienced a unique 2022-23 season in the NBA.

During a contract year, just as he was establishing himself as a high-caliber starting big man, his role was disrupted by coach Jason Kidd and an untimely injury.

For approximately one month from mid-December to mid-January, Wood started and averaged impressive statistics: 20.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers.

Following the injury, he did not regain his starting position and averaged just 20.8 minutes. This closing stretch likely suppressed his value in free agency, potentially offering a favorable opportunity for teams in need of outside shooting and shot-blocking abilities