The NBA is less than a month into its 2023 fiscal season. While most of the top free agents are signed to new contracts, there are still over 60 veterans still on the open market.
As it stands on July 27, 12 NBA teams are under the 15 players limit, equating to only 16 open roster spots. Meanwhile, 11 squads are over the player limit, thus meaning that there will be more players joining the free agent market. Here are my top 10 players without a team.
1. Colin Sexton
Sexton, a restricted free agent, was lost for the season due to a torn meniscus in the 11th game of last season. The 23-year-old is a bucket getter though he struggled from beyond the arc last year. Still, he is a top young talent who will likely sign a long-term deal with the Cavaliers though he is believed to want “starters)” money after rejecting a three-year,$40 million deal from the team.
2. Montrezl Harrell
Harrell is probably still on the open market because of his legal trouble, as he was charged in Kentucky with drug trafficking with less than five pounds of marijuana. The 30-year-old faces 1-to-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted of the Class D felony.
Harrell is coming off one of the most efficient offensive seasons of his career, and he still was a quality offensive rebounder., The 2019-20 6th-Man of the Year produced 13.1 points, 6.0 rebounds (2.1 offensive rebounds), and 2.0 assists while shooting 64.9% from the field last year for the Wizards and Hornets.
3. Miles Bridges
Bridges is a restricted free agent who had his qualifying offer rescinded by the Hornets after he was arrested on domestic violence charges on June 29. He has since pleaded not guilty to beating his girlfriend as she alleges Bridges choked her, broke her nose, and gave her a concussion. Committing domestic violence is an absolutely despicable and disgraceful act, and he should never play basketball again if convicted or pleads down.
But in terms of basketball, Bridges is supremely talented and gifted. The 24-year-old forward is coming off a career season, compiling 20.2 points along with 7.0 caroms and 3.8 assists..
4. Dennis Schroeder
Schroeder has had a couple of poor seasons. Still, he put up decent stats last year with the Rockets and Celtics, compiling 13.5 points along with 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 44.0% from the field and 34.4% from the 3-point line. The Clippers, Suns, and Bucks are potential suitors for Schroeder.
5. Carmelo Anthony
A defensive liability, the 38-year-old forward can still score and shoot the ball. Anthony tallied 13.3 points on 44.1% shooting from the field and 37.5% from the 3-point line, to go along with 2.2 treys and 4.2 caroms. The Lakers, Knicks, and Heat are potential landing spots.
6. LaMarcus Aldridge
Like Anthony, Aldridge is a little long in the tooth though he is still very productive. The 37-year-old’s mobility has declined though he still has a nice touch around the rim and rebounds the ball well. He compiled 12.9 points on 55% shooting from the field, and grabbed 5.5 rebounds in just over 21 minutes of action over 49 contests for the Nets.
7. DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins isn’t the player he once was, but he can still hit the boards furiously and score around the rim. The 31-year-old averaged 9.0 points along with 5.6 rebounds in 15 minutes over 48 combined contests with the Bucks and Nuggets. Atlanta, Brooklyn, and Dallas are potential suitors.
8. JaMychal Green
Green is a solid player off the bench who plays with energy and physicality. He is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, compiling 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.2 minutes. The 32-year-old forward is expected to sign with the Warriors.
9. Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside has found a nice niche coming off the bench the last two years for the Kings and Jazz. He registered 8.2 points, 7.6 rebounds (2.6 offensive), and 1.6 blocks in 65 appearances for Utah.
10. Jordan Nwora
The 23-year-old youngster is a restricted free agent who is searching to find his value on the market. Nwora is an athletic scorer that struggled in year two of his development, The former second-round draft choice finished last season with 7.9 points, and 3.6 boards while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.8% from deep. He will likely be with Milwaukee next season.
