Just like in years past, this summer’s NBA free agency saw a ton of player movement as well as money being splashed around.
While much of the NBA 2022 news were focused on the Kevin Durant trade saga that was recently concluded, the Celtics, Hawks, and the Sixers were among those who used this time to be productive as they’ve strengthened their respective squads.
Options are now limited to the other teams compared to before, but there are still players out there who can contribute and all they need is to be given a chance to show what they’ve got.
So who are those ballers that are still finding a new home? Read on below as SBOTOP reviews the best available free agents out there in no particular order.
Carmelo Anthony
He may no longer be the superstar that he was back in the day, but he’s still a serviceable rotation piece because his exquisite shooting stroke never left him.
Last season with the Lakers, Carmelo Anthony averaged 13.3 points per game while shooting 38-per cent from three – making him one of their top outside threats – and he operated primarily as their score-first sixth man.
Few years ago, he was struggling to find a team because of his unwillingness to accept a more auxiliary role, so kudos to him for adjusting his game.
There’s still a handful of teams who could use his perimeter shooting and veteran leadership despite already at 38 years old. Recent reports claim that the Syracuse product has interest in returning to the Knicks where he played from 2011 to 2017.
Dennis Schroder
After missing out on a huge payday with the Lakers, Dennis Schroder played for the Celtics last season but was traded to the Rockets, where he was frozen out of the rotation.
Dennis Schroder averaged 10.9 points and 5.9 assists per game, although his shooting percentages have a lot left to be desired.
As his stats indicate, Schroder can score and assist pretty well and he’s an underrated defender with his good lateral movement and hand speed.
Also, the German is only 28 years old, so he has a few more good years left in him. Teams who are in need of a backup point guard shouldn’t hesitate to pick him up.
Montrezl Harrell
Assuming he is going to be cleared from his ongoing felony drug charges, Montrezl Harrell can still provide a huge lift off the bench for your team.
The Louisville product is a force offencively since he can finish down low and grab boards. However, his lack of a three-point shot and lower height (6’7”) compared to other NBA bigs are what hold him back.
He does make up for it, though, with his high motor and hustle and he’s also only 28 years old. Harrell played for the Wizards and the Hornets last term, posting decent norms of 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on 65-per cent shooting from the field.
Collin Sexton
Collin Sexton is currently a restricted free agent this offseason. The No. 8 pick of the 2018 NBA Draft hasn’t played in a game since November 7 because of a major knee injury.
In the 16 games that he played last season, Sexton averaged 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 45-per cent from the field.
The 23-year-old has the potential to become a solid two-way guard since he’s a confident scorer and he brings tenacity on the defencive end despite his small stature.
But with the Cavaliers focused on building around Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, Sexton is now deemed as a surplus and perhaps he may need to find a new home.
Mileas Bridges
As he’s improved year after year, Miles Bridges emerged as one of the league’s top young forwards last season. The 24-year-old stalwart averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 49-per cent from the field for the Hornets.
Bridges was in line for a huge payday this offseason, but he blew his chance after he was recently arrested for domestic violence and child abuse allegations.
Although he pleaded not guilty to those charges, Bridges’ reputation is already tarnished so teams are now hesitant to give him a lucrative offer and he may not play in the league anytime soon which is a shame.
It will be fascinating to see where he ends up as the offseason rolls on. But overall, this is a massive setback for the Hornets, who enter the 2022-23 season with one of the lowest NBA 2022 odds.
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