Despite the offseason coming and going, there are still a lot of players looking for a team. As teams complete their final touches on their roster, they can make a last-ditch effort for signing someone who stays in the market. Injuries can happen even in preseason, so filling in some depth at the back end of the bench will never hurt anyone.
While there are more than 100 unsigned players who can look for contracts in development leagues or overseas, these 10 players are quality players who remain in the market and have not yet signed. If a team is smart enough to sign them off, sooner or later they will finish their depth map.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="5" > honorable mention</h1>
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="6" > Mike James</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 7.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
James played 13 games for the Nets last year. In some games, he was an unsung hero, providing some ingenious offense for a team eager to attack with most of its players injured. In small samples, James showed that he could produce at a high level.
The best place for James to land was Brooklyn. He was successful in that system. It also gave him the best chance to win. It all depends on whether the Nets are interested or not. Since Kyrie Irving can't fully guarantee playing this year, the Nets may soon have a vacancy here.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="12" >10</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 5.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG
When Gasol came to the Lakers, some thought he would be the last veteran to solve the puzzle. On the contrary, Gasol never really integrated into the team. At one point, we thought he would leave the team once Monterrez Harrell and Andre Drummond joined the team. Now it looks like Gasol could retire after being traded and bought out in the offseason.
Gasol is 36 years old and will turn 37 next January. Like his brother Paul Gasol, he seems to be able to hit him into his old age. Gasol may not be a starting-level center or defensive player of the year, but he is a championship veteran and respected by his peers. Who is a fairly young team that could benefit from more veteran voices with championship experience? Phoenix Suns. That team may have played the NBA Finals, but they have access to all possible resources. Gasol can be a third-tier center forward and add quality insight to the team.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="18" >9</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 5.6 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Last year was not a good season for Ferrer. He played just 10 games in the Clippers and Cavaliers. In the 2019-2020 season, Ferrer averaged 4.4 points per game for the Kings with quality bench point guard playing time. Ferrer isn't the sexiest signing off the pitch, but he's an experienced point guard who can make an impact on the team when needed.
The most prominent team is the Utah Jazz. On the depth chart, Mike Conley Jr. is followed by Jordan Clarkson, who is also listed as a substitute for Donovan Mitchell. With the addition of Jared Butler, the depth of the point guard is fragile due to inexperience. In this case, Ferrell may not play much with the Jazz, but he will be a better back-end roster than the rookie.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="24" >8</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 5.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Johnson has spent the past two seasons with the Nets. Prior to that, he spent two years with the Suns and 4.5 years with the Heat. Johnson is a relatively good scorer who can offer some offensive talent on the bench. He was the average scorer in double figures in his first four attempts. If a team is looking for a third option for small forwards, Johnson will be a cheaper option.
If Johnson is working right now, the Houston Rockets should call him. First, Eric Gordon may have to move in the first few months of the season.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="33" >7</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 8.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
In Orlando, Ennis played his best season to date. He was lobbying the Lakers' roster before filling the roster. Last year, Ennis hit a career-high 43.3 percent three-point shooting. His 8.4 points per game set a career high in nearly a season (he averaged 15.9 points in nine games in 2015). Ennis is an excellent substitute at Orlando and is a seven-year veteran of the league.
If the Los Angeles Lakers are still looking, the Lakers will be a very suitable candidate, but that ship may already be on course. The Nuggets are an imaginative team.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="38" >6</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 3.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Remember, Leonard did play last year. However, he missed most of last season due to injury, and then for the rest of the season, he was found using vulgar language on video game broadcasts. That being said, Leonard has publicly stated that he wants to return to the league. Leonard was a former miami heat starter who reached the 2020 NBA Finals. He was only 29 years old. You may not have to like what he says, but if a team can accept his apology and admit that he has taken the steps to move on, then maybe he will get another chance to play.
The best team will be the team that cut him at the Heat. Behind Adebayor, Dwayne Dedmond is the team's full-time substitute. After that, it lists Markiv Morris and P.J. Tucker. Neither player is a true center and should stay away from playing in the fifth position. Leonard plays less than 10 minutes per game, but he'll be in a state where he feels comfortable and gets his feet back on the door.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="44" >5</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 5.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG
It's hard to believe that Biyombo hasn't signed with the team yet. He played in 66 games for the Hornets last year, averaging 20.4 minutes per game and averaging 5.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. It's not like scrubbing on the street. It's a high-quality bench center with 58.7 percent shooting. He's a great hitman who can provide energy on the bench, similar to Bobby Portis in Milwaukee.
Instead of bringing up the Heat again, imagine having Adebayor and BillyBo as your first and second center. The hustle and bustle of team one and two teams never ends. Why haven't the Heat signed Billy Bienbau yet, because it would be a great one-two punch?
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="51" >4</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 6.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG
This is another interesting player left in the market. Baynes went from a year of his career at Phoenix to an acceptable year in Toronto, becoming a free agent a week before the season began. Bynes averaged 18.5 minutes per game and had 6.1 points and 5.2 rebounds. He is a quality substitute center who can provide electronic defense against other big opponents. Baynes, 34, can still play. The question is who will it be this year?
Remember when the Warriors had Andrew Bogut? While Bogut is a better player, Baynes matches Bogut's performance in some parts of the game. Bogut is a reliable basket protector for those teams, and that's exactly what Baynes needs to do. With the possibility of a James Wiseman trade looming, the depth of the center is a good thing for the Golden State Warriors.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="57" >3</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 6.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Teague started the year with the Celtics but was acquired by the Bucks mid-season. Teague is an excellent substitute defender who is able to score and organise offense when necessary. Teague, 33, became the league's champion player after serving as the Bucks' main bench last year. For a young team, Teague will be a great veteran. Now that he has the ring, he may be looking for a warm place to play these days.
Teague should find a way to renew the Clippers' contract because it's good for both sides. On the depth map, Reggie Jackson is followed by Eric Bledsoe, Justis Winslow, and Terrance Mann. First, Bledsoe was listed as the team's starting point guard. Second, Winslow isn't really a point guard in this league, and neither is Mann. Teague can provide high-quality bench point guard playing time on a cheap veteran's minimum contract.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="63" >2</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 4.8 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG
While the stats aren't fascinating, Matthews is a season veteran in the league who can shoot from the outside. His 33.5 percent three-point shooting percentage last year was the lowest in his career, but he's been in the league since 2009. When you think of the veteran at the end of the depth chart, Matthews checks each box. Last year was also the first year of his career to average less than 20 minutes per game.
Given the complexity of their depth chart situation, the best fit for Matthews is the Washington Wizards. Kentavius Caldwell Pope, who is listed as a substitute shooting guard, is expected to be the starting small forward. Kyrkuzma is listed as a substitute small striker and is expected to be the starting big striker. The Wizards appear to be able to use another sharpshooter from deep, which will allow these players to stick to their natural position.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="69" >1</h1>
2020-2021 Data: 8.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Since 2017, it's been a sad path for Cousins. Since the start of the injury journey, Cousins has rebounded in the league. Last year, he spent some time with the Rockets and Clippers, including playing significant playing time in the playoffs. He averaged 7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16 regular season games at L.A. Cousins. He's been in Sacramento's All-Star era for a long time, but one deserving thing is that we've been watching the comeback story take place. Oops, look at Derek Rose. If Cousins is in good health, he can produce at a high level. Of course, he has only played 71 games in total since 2018.
One that might suit Cousins could be the Eagles. The team needs a third center after Clint Capela and Gorgy Dun. Cousins wasn't as strong as he used to be, but he was valuable. If any player is injured, he can provide quality backup center playing time.