One notable NBA free agent found a new home this week, as 12-year veteran Josh Smith agreed to terms with the Pelicans. While it’s good to see J-Smoove back on an NBA roster, there are a number of players still on the free agent market whose inability to find new deals has been unexpected.
[RELATED: Current NBA free agents]
For instance, despite the fact that clubs like the Suns, Clippers, Hornets, and Pelicans are all missing key point guards early in the season, former third overall pick Deron Williams has yet to find work. Williams’ disappointing showing in the NBA Finals against Golden State remains fresh in everyone’s mind, but the longtime star is still just 33 years old and had a solid 2016/17 campaign in Dallas and Cleveland before struggling the postseason.
Meanwhile, given the rate at which most NBA teams are bombing away from beyond the three-point line, it’s surprising that veteran sharpshooters like Anthony Morrow and Brandon Rush remain free agents. Instant-offense shooting guards such as Monta Ellis and Jordan Crawford are also available for clubs in need of scoring off the bench.
Up front, David Lee is still unsigned after a productive season in San Antonio, while fellow bigs like Kris Humphries, Spencer Hawes, Roy Hibbert, and Tiago Splitter remain on the open market too.
Our full list of current free agents primarily includes players who spent some or all of last season on an NBA roster, so veterans still hoping for another shot – like Kendrick Perkins and Emeka Okafor – aren’t listed. Still, the list is extensive, featuring a mix of young players such as Archie Goodwin, Semaj Christon, James Young, and Edy Tavares, as well as reliable vets like Matt Barnes, Mike Dunleavy, Leandro Barbosa, C.J. Watson, and more.
What do you think? Do any of these players jump out as guys who should be on NBA rosters, or does it seem about right that they’re still available? If you think any of these free agents should be signed, which team(s) could use them?
Jump into the comment section below to share your thoughts!
David Lee, Leandro Barbosa, and Deron Williams should all have jobs. I still am surprised Christon and Young didn’t get 2 way contracts. Everyone else I am not surprised didn’t make opening day rosters
I like Barbosa and Crawford because of their offense. I see Kris Humphries with the Cavs since he was married to Kim Kardashian and Tristan Thompson is dating Khloe!
Lee and Barnes are two good forwards that rebuilding teams could use to bolster veteran leadership and both are solid forwards for a backup roll. Ellis would also fit in well with a rebuilding team with young guards.
Ellis will first have to serve his suspension for being caught with marijuana (reason for Pacers cutting him, that and he can’t shoot very well outside, and slowed trying to penetrate). same reason Mavericks let him go! Lee can help someone.
Deron Williams is being punished for making it to the finals. He was shooting and handling well by any standard until then. D not good
When a team takes Jose Calderon over you, that’s bad. Derrick Rose will be back Saturday and they say Isaiah Thomas hopefully in December. Williams is still better than a lot of guards in the NBA.