The Top Unrestricted Free Agents for the 2023 NBA Offseason
June 30th, 2023
By Alan Lu
It was a whirlwind of a postseason in the NBA this year. The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in 5 games to become the NBA champions. The Miami Heat had defeated Giannis’ Milwaukee Bucks and Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics to get to the 2023 NBA Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers made a surprising run to get to the 2023 Western Conference Finals with a healthy LeBron and AD ready to play in the postseason. And the Denver Nuggets had a terrific season as they received a sterling performance from two-time MVP and superstar center, Nikola Jokic, had strong performances from their players, and head coach Michael Malone coached them very well to lead them to win the championship.
With the Denver Nuggets primed and ready to defend their title, the NBA is about to go into free agency. Previously, I wrote about the top NBA restricted free agents, with Herbert Jones, Cameron Johnson, and Austin Reaves leading the way amongst the RFAs in the 2023 NBA offseason. Now, this will be my rankings of the top unrestricted free agents of the 2023 NBA offseason.
Without further ado, here is a look at the top NBA unrestricted free agents (UFAs) that are available in this offseason.
Khris Middleton is a three-time NBA All-Star that helped the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA championship that year, and he is a highly skilled, two-way wing that will be a great get for the team that signs him in this offseason.
(Photo: NBAE via Getty Images, via NBC Sports)
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIL): 33 GP, 15.1 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 43.6 FG%, 31.5 3PT%, 90.2 FT%, 55.1 TS%, 17.4 PER, 113 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 1.9 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIL): 5 GP, 23.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 46.5 FG%, 40.6 3PT%, 86.7 FT%, 60.0 TS%, 19.1 PER, 117 ORtg, 121 DRtg, 0.4 WS
Khris Middleton is a skilled, versatile, two-way swingman that has made three NBA All-Star teams throughout his career, and he is a very valuable player that helped the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks win the championship that year. He can shoot, score, and facilitate, and he also is a solid defender, and he is one of the best complementary players in the league when fully healthy.
However, he had an injury-plagued regular season, due to lingering effects of his knee injury that he suffered last season, and he didn’t recover quite as well as hoped. There are some concerns about his knees, and that he is in his early 30s, so it is possible that he may experience a decline in his skills, but he was a really good player when healthy, and he will be a highly sought after free agent, even if he’s only offered a fairly short-term deal.
Fred VanVleet is a one-time NBA All-Star that will command a massive payday in this offseason.
(Photo: Cole Burston/Getty Images, via Chron)
2022-23 (TOR): 69 GP, 19.3 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 39.3 FG%, 34.2 3PT%, 89.8 FT%, 54.0 TS%, 17.0 PER, 117 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 6.5 WS
VanVleet is a very skilled, crafty score-first point guard that had a down season this year after he made the All-Star team in 2022. He is an agile, quick guard that can score in a variety of ways, and he is a solid playmaker that generally is reliable with the ball in his hands. He is also a solid defender that can lock down his man.
The downside is that he had an abnormally off shooting year, where his shooting percentages were way down, which came at a rather inopportune time in his career, since he’ll be an impending free agent after having declined his player option. Still, VanVleet is a solid player that has been reliable in previous seasons before this year, so there will likely be many teams that will seek his services in free agency.
Jerami Grant is poised to be one of the best free agents in this offseason.
(Photo: Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
3. Jerami Grant
2023 NBA Regular Season (POR): 63 GP, 20.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 47.5 FG%, 40.1 3PT%, 81.3 FT%, 60.6 TS%, 16.0 PER, 117 ORtg, 120 DRtg, 4.1 WS
Jerami Grant is a very athletic, combo forward that can fill a plethora of roles on the basketball court. He thrived as a 3 and D, supporting role player on a 2020 Denver Nuggets’ team that made the 2020 Western Conference Finals before he embarked on a detour as he chose to sign with the Detroit Pistons.
He later was traded to Portland, and Grant has shown recently that he can be a solid, complementary scorer in addition to being a good shooter and a rangy defender that can guard multiple positions. He’ll command a sizable payday as his skill set fits in a title contending team, but he could just as easily opt to sign with a non-contender like he did with Detroit several years ago.
Brook Lopez had a very good season this past year, and he was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive 1st Team.
(Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images, via The Bleacher Report)
4. Brook Lopez
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIL): 78 GP, 15.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2.5 BPG, 0.5 SPG, 53.1 FG%, 37.4 3PT%, 78.4 FT%, 63.0 TS%, 18.4 PER, 122 ORtg, 109 DRtg, 8.0 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIL): 5 GP, 19.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 58.2 FG%, 41.2 3PT%, 76.9 FT%, 65.3 TS%, 18.4 PER, 119 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 0.4 WS
2023 Accolades: All-Defensive 1st Team
Brook Lopez is a former All-Star who added a reliable three-point shot to add to his offensive arsenal to make him a very skilled sharpshooter and scorer on offense, which can enable his post game to be even more effective.
This past season, he made some noise by blocking a lot of shots, playing solid defense, and was Milwaukee’s primary rim protector on a team that won the most games in the regular season this year. The Bucks fell short in the playoffs as they lost in the first round to Miami, but Lopez has shown that his shooting, scoring, and defensive prowess will be highly sought after and coveted by Milwaukee and other NBA teams in free agency.
Kyrie Irving is a very talented, but mercurial superstar that will have suitors in this offseason, and some may regard him to be the best free agent in this offseason.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images, via CNN)
5. Kyrie Irving
2022-23 (BRK/DAL): 60 GP, 27.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 49.4 FG%, 37.9 3PT%, 90.5 FT%, 61.3 TS%, 22.4 PER, 121 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 7.4 WS
2023 Accolades: 2023 NBA All-Star
Kyrie Irving is a very skilled, very talented point guard who also has been one of the best at his position for years, but he’s also known to be in the news due to his mercurial, unpredictable behavior. His on-court skills have allowed him to be a perennial All-Star, but his antics and peculiar ways have sometimes drawn ire from others. Dallas went all in and dealt two very solid role players and picks to get him, but the trade backfired on them, as they lost more games than anticipated and missed the playoffs this year, and Irving decided to walk and hit free agency as a result. When he’s on his game, he can be a tremendous player for a team to have.
However, he also can sometimes be a distraction, and his ball-dominant ways and over-assertiveness can sometimes cause him to clash with his other teammates and coaches. Irving is a great talent that won with the 2016 Cavaliers, but the teams he’s been on since have largely disappointed. There’ll probably be an NBA team that will hand him a lot of money, but that could be a significantly risky proposition, so they’ll have to do their due diligence in crafting a plan to see if they should pursue him in free agency.
Bruce Brown was tremendous in the 2023 NBA Finals, especially in Game 4, and he is a champion and a terrific defender on the court.
(Photo: Kyle Terada/Associated Press, via The Boston Globe)
6. Bruce Brown
2023 NBA Regular Season (DEN): 80 GP, 11.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 48.3 FG%, 35.8 3PT%, 75.8 FT%, 57.1 TS%, 13.3 PER, 113 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 4.3 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (DEN): 20 GP, 12.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 51.1 FG%, 31.6 3PT%, 85.7 FT%, 60.7 TS%, 15.5 PER, 119 ORtg, 110 DRtg, 1.6 WS
2023 Accolades: 2023 NBA Champion
Bruce Brown had a terrific season with the Denver Nuggets this past year. He played excellent defense for them all season long, was very underrated as a scorer and playmaker, and he turned in a fantastic performance in Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals to help them win a pivotal game, as he especially dominated in the fourth quarter.
The Denver Nuggets will likely try to match all of the other teams’ bids to try to keep him, but Brown will also seek a big payday, and will most likely get it, as he’ll command an 8-figure salary for next season. He’ll be a highly coveted, sought-after free agent, and he is a tough, tenacious swingman that is a proven winner and a very valuable role player that will help either Denver or the next team he plays for in the NBA.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70918524/1399490120.0.jpg)
Draymond Green is a four-time NBA champion, and is a gifted playmaker and defender that is a proven winner and has been a valuable role player in this league.
(Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images, via Golden State of Mind)
2023 NBA Regular Season (GSW): 73 GP, 8.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 52.7 FG%, 30.5 3PT%, 71.3 FT%, 59.2 TS%, 12.2 PER, 114 ORtg, 112 DRtg, 4.7 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (GSW): 12 GP, 9.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 46.2 FG%, 25.0 3PT%, 72.7 FT%, 53.5 TS%, 14.6 PER, 115 ORtg, 109 DRtg, 1.0 WS
2023 Accolades: All-Defensive 2nd Team
Draymond Green is an experienced, crafty point forward that is a proven winner in the NBA. He is a four-time champion and has been on some of the greatest teams to grace the NBA court. He is a terrific defender that can guard multiple positions, and he is a gifted playmaker that has excellent court vision and can be a dynamo with the ball in transition. Green has been a key reason as to why the Golden State Warriors have won four titles in the past decade.
On the other hand, he’s not a very good shooter nor much of a scorer, which can hurt an NBA team’s floor spacing, and his on-court antics have sometimes gotten him into trouble. He’s been known to be argumentative and prone to petty behavior, and his stepping on Domantas Sabonis after his team’s missed rebound led to an ejection that caused him to miss Game 3 of the Warriors-Kings’ series. Green is a very smart player that sometimes does not so smart things on the court, as his emotions can sometimes get the best of him, but he’s shown that he can be a winning player on championship teams, which still will make him a valuable player for NBA teams to have for next season.
(Photo: Instagram/@kylekuzma, via Twitter @ESPN)
8. Kyle Kuzma
2023 NBA Regular Season (WAS): 64 GP, 21.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 44.8 FG%, 33.3 3PT%, 73.0 FT%, 54.4 TS%, 14.3 PER, 103 ORtg, 117 DRtg, 0.9 WS
Kyle Kuzma is an athletic, very skilled combo forward that took the league by storm when he first entered as a rookie. He was a vital role player that helped the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA championship due to his shooting and scoring prowess, and ability to create mismatches that swing in his and his team’s favor. Kuzma was later dealt to Washington as his career took a brief detour, but he’s shown that he can certainly score the basketball at every stop of his NBA career.
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIN/LAL): 71 GP, 17.8 PPG, 6.2 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 46.9 FG%, 39.6 3PT%, 82.9 FT%, 60.5 TS%, 16.3 PER, 116 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 5.1 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAL): 16 GP, 13.3 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.9 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 42.6 FG%, 31.0 3PT%, 76.9 FT%, 51.6 TS%, 12.2 PER, 104 ORtg, 115 DRtg, 0.4 WS
Russell is a tall, skilled combo guard that excels as an offensive player in the NBA. He can shoot and score the basketball, and he is a talented playmaker with the ball in his hands. On the other hand, he’ll need to improve his defense, and his struggles in the Western Conference Finals could be a knock against him. Still, he is a one-time All-Star that has shown that he can be a solid player either as a starter or off the bench, which makes him a valuable commodity in this league.
10. Caris LeVert
2023 NBA Regular Season (CLE): 74 GP, 12.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 43.1 FG%, 39.2 3PT%, 72.2 FT%, 54.6 TS%, 12.4 PER, 111 ORtg, 112 DRtg, 4.4 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (CLE): 5 GP, 15.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 42.9 FG%, 36.1 3PT%, 61.5 FT%, 54.6 TS%, 12.4 PER, 111 ORtg, 112 DRtg, 0.3 WS
Caris LeVert is an athletic, skilled swingman that first had a breakout season with the Nets in 2020, and he had a solid season with the Cavaliers this past season. He is a player that can fit into a 3 and D role well, is a solid ball mover, and he also can score the basketball.
2023 NBA Regular Season (LAL/LAC): 73 GP, 15.9 PPG, 7.5 APG, 5.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 43.6 FG%, 31.1 3PT%, 65.6 FT%, 51.3 TS%, 16.1 PER, 104 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 1.9 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAC): 5 GP, 23.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 41.0 FG%, 35.7 3PT%, 88.0 FT%, 50.9 TS%, 17.6 PER, 106 ORtg, 122 DRtg, 0.1 WS
Russell Westbrook is a former MVP that had his best years with the Oklahoma City Thunder before he went on a long detour, as he was traded to Houston, Washington, and then to the Los Angeles Lakers. He finally had the bounce back season that fans had been waiting for, as he especially excelled once he was traded to the Clippers around the midseason’s trade deadline. Westbrook put up solid numbers this year. He’ll still need to improve his jump shot, but his ability to attack the hoop and make plays has enabled him to thrive for years.
12. Eric Gordon
2023 NBA Regular Season (LAC): 69 GP, 12.4 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.9 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 44.6 FG%, 37.1 3PT%, 82.1 FT%, 58.7 TS%, 11.8 PER, 115 ORtg, 122 DRtg, 2.3 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAC): 5 GP, 10.2 PPG, 2.6 APG, 1.4 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 40.9 FG%, 34.5 3PT%, 83.3 FT%, 54.7 TS%, 9.2 PER, 116 ORtg, 127 DRtg, 0.1 WS
He is an agile, skilled combo guard that has excelled as a shooter, scorer, and defender in games. He is a thick, stocky combo guard that can guard bigger players and is a versatile defender. He has a proven track record of being productive on a yearly basis, and he has shown that he can be a solid contributor on an NBA contender.
13. Christian Wood
2023 NBA Regular Season (DAL): 67 GP, 16.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 0.4 SPG, 51.5 FG%, 37.6 3PT%, 77.2 FT%, 62.4 TS%, 20.6 PER, 116 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 4.8 WS
Wood is a very athletic, skilled big man that can make shots in a variety of ways, and he also is a rim protector that can help anchor a team’s defense. He has had very good, individual seasons, but he hasn’t been on many playoff teams, and the team he joined, Dallas, underachieved and missed the playoffs this year. People may wonder if he can be an instrumental player on a championship level team, but his solid set of skills will likely make him an asset for the team he decides to sign with in the offseason.
14. Jakob Poeltl
2023 NBA Regular Season (SAS/TOR): 72 GP, 12.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 62.9 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 59.2 FT%, 63.5 TS%, 21.0 PER, 123 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 6.0 WS
Jakob Poeltl is a strong, big man that has been a solid interior player and a stout rim protector in the NBA. He’s been a solid role player in this league, and while he may not be a dynamic scorer or playmaker, his strong ability to make plays in the paint will likely make him a coveted player in free agency.
15. Max Strus
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIA): 80 GP, 11.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 41.0 FG%, 35.0 3PT%, 87.6 FT%, 55.7 TS%, 10.8 PER, 113 ORtg, 117 DRtg, 3.4 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIA): 23 GP, 9.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 40.2 FG%, 31.9 3PT%, 80.0 FT%, 53.8 TS%, 9.8 PER, 115 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 1.0 WS
Max Strus is a skilled, sharpshooting swingman that an shoot and score the basketball. He played a pivotal role in helping the Miami Heat get to the NBA Finals this year, and he is a shot maker that could be a valuable role player for Miami, or for another team if he decides to sign elsewhere next season.
16. Gabe Vincent
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIA): 68 GP, 9.4 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 40.2 FG%, 33.4 3PT%, 87.2 FT%, 53.3 TS%, 9.0 PER, 104 ORtg, 115 DRtg, 1.4 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIA): 22 GP, 12.7 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 40.2 FG%, 37.8 3PT%, 88.2 FT%, 53.5 TS%, 10.5 PER, 108 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 0.7 WS
Vincent is an agile, skilled playmaking point guard that had a solid postseason this year with the Miami Heat. He helped lead them to get to the 2023 NBA Finals, and his shotmaking prowess and playmaking skills played a key role in helping his team get there. He had a breakout season this year, and he could get a bigger payday than expected in the offseason.
17. Kevin Love
2023 NBA Regular Season (CLE/MIA): 62 GP, 8.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 38.9 FG%, 33.4 3PT%, 87.9 FT%, 54.8 TS%, 13.1 PER, 110 ORtg, 110 DRtg, 2.6 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIA): 20 GP, 6.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 37.8 FG%, 37.5 3PT%, 87.5 FT%, 54.3 TS%, 13.7 PER, 113 ORtg, 108 DRtg, 0.9 WS
Kevin Love is a smart, skilled veteran big man that helped the Miami Heat get to the NBA Finals this year. He is a very good passing big man that can shoot the basketball, and his ability to shoot and make plays from out on the perimeter made it difficult for opposing big men to guard him. He also is a good rebounder that played solid position defense this year. While Love may no longer be the All-Star caliber player he once was, he is a solid role player who has a very high basketball IQ that will make him a coveted player in free agency.
18. Mason Plumlee
2023 NBA Regular Season (CHO/LAC): 79 GP, 10.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 68.0 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 63.6 FT%, 68.9 TS%, 134 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 7.9 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAC): 5 GP, 8.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 87.5 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 92.9 FT%, 92.5 TS%, 26.6 PER, 181 ORtg, 122 DRtg, 0.6 WS
Plumlee is an athletic, high-motor big man that had a very good season this year. He is a strong finisher around the basket, and he is a good passing big man that can rack up assists. He played well in his role both in the regular season and playoffs, and he also can help his team protect the paint. On the other hand, he’s not an especially dynamic offensive player and doesn’t have much range on his shot, but he is a solid role player that has played on some solid playoff teams over the years.
19. Jae Crowder
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIL): 18 GP, 6.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 47.9 FG%, 43.6 3PT%, 83.3 FT%, 62.4 TS%, 14.6 PER, 133 ORtg, 111 DRtg, 1.2 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIL): 4 GP, 1.8 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 23.1 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 50.0 FT%, 25.2 TS%, 0.0 PER, 67 ORtg, 119 DRtg, -0.1 WS
He is a strong, mobile swingman that has excelled in a 3 and D role in the NBA. This past season, he was frustrated with his role in Phoenix and demanded a trade out of there, which sent him to Milwaukee at the midseason’s trade deadline.
Crowder had an up and down season this year, but I’d be surprised if he decides to stay in Milwaukee, given his frustrations with a lack of playing time in this year’s postseason. He played very well in a bench role during the regular season with the Bucks, but he saw a reduced role in the postseason, and saw surprisingly little playing time in this year’s playoffs. Crowder’s not a dynamic offensive player, but his ability to shoot and defend will make him a useful role player in the NBA next season and for years to come.
20. Dennis Schröder
2023 NBA Regular Season (LAL): 66 GP, 12.6 PPG, 4.5 APG, 2.5 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 41.5 FG%, 32.9 3PT%, 85.7 FT%, 54.5 TS%, 11.5 PER, 112 ORtg, 117 DRtg, 2.8 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAL): 16 GP, 7.4 PPG, 2.9 APG, 1.9 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 39.8 FG%, 33.3 3PT%, 82.1 FT%, 51.2 TS%, 7.9 PER, 102 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 0.3 WS
Dennis Schroder had a bounce back year with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he is a speedy, playmaking point guard that was able to make some pivotal shots and plays to help his team in this year’s postseason. Schroder bounced back in a major way, and he could end up signing for more than expected in the offseason.
21. Jeff Green
2023 NBA Regular Season (DEN): 56 GP, 7.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 48.8 FG%, 28.8 3PT%, 74.4 FT%, 57.6 TS%, 11.0 PER, 114 ORtg, 117 DRtg, 1.7 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (DEN): 20 GP, 4.1 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 45.2 FG%, 32.1 3PT%, 89.5 FT%, 58.3 TS%, 6.8 PER, 116 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 0.6 WS
2023 Accolades: 2023 NBA Champion
Jeff Green is a smart, skilled combo forward that played a pivotal role to help the Denver Nuggets win the 2023 NBA championship. He can score in a variety of ways, as he operates well out of the post, can score off the dribble, and can shoot it from deep. He is a fairly solid position defender, and he make solid team plays on the court. He is a valuable role player whose experience, skills, and basketball IQ will make him a solid addition to either Denver or the next NBA team he decides to sign with in free agency.
22. Torrey Craig
2023 NBA Regular Season (PHO): 79 GP, 7.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 45.6 FG%, 39.5 3PT%, 71.1 FT%, 56.6 TS%, 11.6 PER, 116 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 4.0 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (PHO): 11 GP, 6.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 57.8 FG%, 44.0 3PT%, 88.9 FT%, 72.5 TS%, 14.1 PER, 142 ORtg, 121 DRtg, 0.5 WS
Torrey Craig is an athletic, strong swingman that played well for the Phoenix Suns this past season. He excels as a 3 and D, supporting role player. He thrives at scoring on off-ball motion plays, and he improved his ability to knock down outside shots off the catch. He is also a good on-ball defender. He played well in his role both in the regular season and playoffs, and he could end up getting a fairly solid contract from either Phoenix or the next team he signs with in free agency.
23. Donte DiVincenzo
2023 NBA Regular Season (GSW): 72 GP, 9.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 43.5 FG%, 39.7 3PT%, 81.7 FT%, 59.3 TS%, 12.8 PER, 117 ORtg, 113 DRtg, 4.2 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (GSW): 13 GP, 5.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 37.5 FG%, 34.1 3PT%, 66.7 FT%, 51.2 TS%, 10.4 PER, 105 ORtg, 112 DRtg, 0.3 WS
Donte DiVincenzo is an athletic, skilled combo guard that can shoot and pass the basketball. He can provide energy either as a bench player or as a fifth starter. He’ll need to improve his defense and shot creation skills, but he could be a solid contributor in a team’s rotation.
24. Yuta Watanabe
2023 NBA Regular Season (BRK): 58 GP, 5.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 49.1 FG%, 44.4 3PT%, 72.3 FT%, 63.7 TS%, 12.1 PER, 125 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 2.1 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (BRK): 1 GP, 3.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 52.1 TS%, 0.8 PER, 57 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 0.9 WS
Yuta Watanabe is a skilled, sharpshooting forward that had a very good season with the Brooklyn Nets this past season. He thrived as a shooter from beyond the arc, and he was one of the best three-point shooters in the league this year. He didn’t play much in the playoffs however, as Brooklyn really bolstered their depth after trading away Durant and Kyrie that netted them Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, and many others. Still, Watanabe’s strong ability to knock down shots will make him a solid role player in the NBA next season.
25. Trey Lyles
2023 NBA Regular Season (SAC): 74 GP, 7.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 60.7 TS%, 14.2 PER, 117 ORtg, 116 DRtg, 2.6 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (SAC): 7 GP, 6.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 42.5 FG%, 33.3 3PT%, 60.0 FT%, 54.5 TS%, 12.6 PER, 118 ORtg, 112 DRtg, 0.3 WS
He is a versatile, skilled combo forward that can help a team in a number of ways. he had a solid season with the Kings this year, and he is a tall forward that thrives as a shooter, scorer, and defender in a supporting role.
26. Josh Richardson
2023 NBA Playoffs (SAS/NOP): 65 GP, 10.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 43.1 FG%, 36.5 3PT%, 85.2 FT%, 55.5 TS%, 12.3 PER, 110 ORtg, 118 DRtg, 1.8 WS
He is an athletic, skilled swingman that has excelled in a supporting role in the NBA. Richardson can shoot, pass, and defend, and he has been a solid role player in this league.
27. Lonnie Walker IV
2023 NBA Regular Season (LAL): 56 GP, 11.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 44.8 FG%, 36.5 3PT%, 85.8 FT%, 57.0 TS%, 12.2 PER, 111 ORtg, 117 DRtg, 1.8 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAL): 13 GP, 6.2 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 48.3 FG%, 38.2 3PT%, 75.0 FT%, 61.3 TS%, 13.1 PER, 120 ORtg, 115 DRtg, 0.4 WS
Walker is an agile, skilled combo guard that had a memorable Game 4 for the Lakers in their second round win over the Warriors, and he is a shot maker that can provide instant offense for any NBA team, whether if it’s as a starter or off the bench.
28. Joe Ingles
2023 NBA Regular Season (MIL): 46 GP, 6.9 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.8 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 43.5 FG%, 40.9 3PT%, 85.7 FT%, 61.6 TS%, 10.7 PER, 120 ORtg, 114 DRtg, 2.3 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (MIL): 5 GP, 6.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 52.2 FG%, 50.0 3PT%, 0.0 FT%, 73.9 TS%, 12.2 PER, 121 ORtg, 120 DRtg, 0.1 WS
He is a savvy, skilled playmaking forward that can shoot and pass the basketball. He’s been injury prone over the years and may no longer be the player he was in Utah, but Ingles is a proven veteran that can still excel in a supporting role in the NBA.
29. Cam Reddish
2023 NBA Regular Season (NYK/POR): 40 GP, 9.7 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 44.6 FG%, 31.3 3PT%, 85.3 FT%, 56.1 TS%, 10.6 PER, 109 ORtg, 118 DRtg, 0.9 WS
Cam Reddish is an athletic, skilled swingman that can shoot and score the basketball. He’s struggled to consistently get minutes or to find a role, but he can put the ball in the hoop when given an opportunity to shine. He struggled to get consistent playing time in Atlanta or New York, but Reddish seemed to find his footing in Portland, he still has considerable upside as a player for his league. He needs a team that will give him consistent playing time and work to develop him, but Reddish has the skills to be a solid all-around player if the NBA team that signs him is patient in working with him for the future.
30. Mo Bamba
2023 NBA Regular Season (ORL/LAL): 49 GP, 6.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.3 SPG, 48.5 FG%, 38.7 3PT%, 66.1 FT%, 60.2 TS%, 15.7 PER, 121 ORtg, 111 DRtg, 2.2 WS
2023 NBA Playoffs (LAL): 3 GP, 0.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.3 BPG, 0.0 SPG, 0 FG%, 0 3PT%, 0 FT%, 0 TS%, 2.9 PER, 31 ORtg, 105 DRtg, 0.0 WS
Mo Bamba is a tall, athletic center that has flashed some really promising skills over the course of his NBA career, but has struggled to get consistent playing time on the court. He is an interior player that has developed a reliable outside shot, and he is a gifted shot blocker that can help his team protect the paint.
On the other hand, he’s struggled to get minutes over the years, and he wasn’t able to get many minutes with the Lakers either in the regular season or playoffs. Still, Bamba is a young, athletic center that still may possess considerable upside, and the NBA team that signs him could be getting a bargain by adding him to their team this summer.
Anyways, those are my thoughts on who the top NBA unrestricted free agents are for this offseason. In case if you were wondering why other marquee players such as Harrison Barnes, Nikola Vucevic, or Naz Reid aren’t on this list, it’s because they have agreed to re-sign with their respective teams, so I do not deem them as free agents. Also, James Harden opted in and then reportedly asked for a trade, so I did not count him as an impending free agent, either. In addition, Kristaps Porzingis and Jordan Clarkson opted in, and thus will not be free agents this year. For those of you who are interested in the stats, they can be found on Basketball-Reference, and contract information can be found through No Trade Clause.
It’ll be an interesting and entertaining offseason, and we’ll see where the impending free agents will end up. Thanks for reading.
