Although we’re in the midst of the NBA Finals, it’s never too early to start talking about the offseason. The NBA offseason is arguably one of the most entertaining in all sports. There are trades, the NBA draft, and of course free agency. There’s always the big names that get a lot of the recognition and teams that want to go after them. Let’s get into some underrated free agents that might not get as much recognition, but should…
Jalen Smith, PF/C, Indiana Pacers
Jalen Smith was seen as a bust and a player the Suns didn’t need when they drafted him. They have Deandre Ayton and didn’t really need Smith and it caused them to decline his 3rd-year option. It’s extremely rare this even occurs, only 3 players have had their 3rd-year option since 2009 in the lottery. Jalen Smith was having an alright season for the Suns, but not enough for them to want to keep him. Then the Pacers came in and traded for Smith and he showed that he’s got insane potential.
While playing around 24-25 minutes a game for the Pacers, Smith averaged 13.4 PPG and nearly 8 boards a game while shooting over 50% from the field and 37.3% from three. He showed maturity in his defense and ability to make plays from the outside and also be a threat on the inside. When finally given an opportunity, Smith showed he’s grown mentally and also has slowly learned his role offensively as well.
A team that is able to give Smith minutes will make the best decision this free agency without a doubt signing Jalen Smith. I’m calling it now, if he can become a starter on a team, don’t be surprised if he wins the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
Possible destinations: Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trailblazers, Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz
Tyus Jones, PG, Memphis Grizzlies
Jones is still relatively young at 26 and if given an opportunity to be a starter or play a consistent 30+ minutes for a team, he’s capable of being an above-average point guard. While playing over 30 minutes a game for the Grizzlies, he averaged nearly 15 and 6. He’s got a sense of maturity to him at the point guard level, like a Malcolm Brogdon, who won’t make too many mistakes and will provide decent stability and shooting ability from the point guard position.
He’s also great at facilitating the offense and making plays for others with the ball in his hands. Although not the tallest point guard, he’s able to maneuver inside and find pockets to either pass to or shoot into while running the offense. Not to mention, he’s also very capable of playing off the ball and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He might quietly get a bag this offseason from a team.
Possible Destinations: New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, LA Clippers, Washington Wizards
Malik Monk, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
Malik Monk was the 3rd best player for the Los Angeles Lakers this past season, not Russell Westbrook. Although he doesn’t do much else other than score, his ability to fill up the scoring sheet warrants him being potentially a huge signing for a team.When given over 30+ minutes, Malik Monk averaged over 19 points a game and shooting 49% from the field and over 40% from three. He was arguably the 2nd most consistent scorer on the Lakers other than LeBron James.
Monk can come in and be a pure scorer for a team. A team that needs a player that can just go and get a bucket, either off the bench, or even in a starter role. It’s not even that he’s inefficient, he’s just slightly undersized as a shooting guard so it hurts him on the other end at times. If a team saw what I saw on the Lakers, he could potentially get a $80M+ contract from a team and it wouldn’t surprise me.
Possible destinations: Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors
Mitchell Robinson, C, New York Knicks
Haven’t heard a lot about Mitchell Robinson recently and I think that we should bring more light to him. Robinson has had issues with the mental part of the game and being consistent offensively, but has shown flashes of being elite on both ends. Although his offensive game isn’t necessarily a threat, he’s capable of being a lob threat and great finisher around the rim. He’s got an elite shot-blocking ability, even though he does tend to bite a bit too much at times.
If coached up more, I believe Robinson can end up having a resurgence. A team that will be able to utilize his big body on the inside and could use his shot-blocking ability.
Possible Destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets
