Training camp has begun for all 30 NBA teams, and while there will still be some roster shakeups to come, particularly if injuries start to pile up, most clubs have a pretty good sense of what their 15-man rosters will look like for the start of the regular season.
For veteran free agents, that means there are fewer viable landing spots than ever. Still, whether it happens before or after opening night, there are a number of unsigned players who seem like good bets to eventually sign with an NBA team.
Here are five of the most notable veterans who are without an NBA home for training camps this week:
Jamal Crawford, G: Crawford said last week that he’s “staying ready and staying patient” as he considers where he’ll end up. The Warriors, Celtics, Sixers, and Lakers are reportedly among the teams that have shown interest, but haven’t made contract offers. Since turning down his $4.5MM option with the Timberwolves for 2018/19, the 38-year-old has talked about finding the perfect fit — we’ll see if that happens within the next few weeks.- Nick Young, G/F: Having won his first NBA championship with the Warriors last season, Young is free to prioritize other considerations, whether that means seeking out the most lucrative offer, the most expansive role, or something else. It’s not clear exactly what he’s looking for, but it’d be a surprise if a 33-year-old who has made more than 39% of his three-pointers over the last two seasons doesn’t land somewhere.
- Corey Brewer, G/F: After spending most of last season with the Lakers, Brewer enjoyed a productive run with the Thunder down the stretch, averaging 10.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 2.1 SPG in 18 contests (16 starts) to finish the regular season. So far, that run doesn’t appear to have earned the 32-year-old an NBA roster spot to start 2018/19, but perhaps – like Crawford – he’s holding out for the right fit.
- Joe Johnson, F: Johnson turned 37 years old in June and may not have a whole lot left in the tank — his .406 FG% and .276 3PT% for Utah and Houston last season were the worst marks of his career. Still, it’d be a surprise to see the seven-time All-Star fade away without bouncing back for one last run for a contender.
- Mario Chalmers, G: Even on a Grizzlies team that was in rebuilding mode for much of the 2017/18 campaign, Chalmers earned regular minutes, averaging 7.7 PPG and 3.0 APG in 66 games (21.5 MPG). The 32-year-old is now another year removed from his Achilles tear, but has yet to line up a new NBA job.
Ten more noteworthy veterans who remain unsigned:
- Quincy Acy, F/C
- Arron Afflalo, G/F
- Luke Babbitt, F
- Jordan Crawford, G
- Richard Jefferson, F
- Ty Lawson, G
- Jameer Nelson, G
- Willie Reed, F/C
- Ramon Sessions, G
- Jason Terry, G
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
How bout the Big 3? I’m sure there’re recruiting! HaHa
Most of them are going to stay unsigned, but some should find a job after the trade deadline. Crawford and Johnson are the type of veteran shooters that playoff teams are looking for down the stretch.
Reed is the best of that group but has some baggage.
Acy is surprising, but I see both times his mpg jumped, his efficiency fell.
Young looked done.
Terry was heroic in the 2011 finals, saaa-lute!
Not sure what Crawford or his representation were thinking when they decided to toss 4.5mil out the window – signing a couple 10-days and a rest-of-the-season deal in January certainly couldn’t have been their goal when opting out. Almost brings to mind when David West opted out of 12mil to go to GSW. Sure, he eventually got a ring(s), but not the year he gave up the 12. Hopefully it works out as well for Crawford!