1. JAMES HARDEN- It's been a recurring theme in numerous media outlets for the past few months, and it's a well-founded observation: James Harden's performance has shown signs of decline.
However, this shouldn't come as a surprising or alarming revelation. With his 34th birthday approaching in August, Harden has shouldered a significant offensive burden for the better part of the last 11 years.
While teams interested in acquiring him may have legitimate concerns about his slowing down, their interest stems from his remaining abilities. Harden still possesses the skill to create scoring opportunities on a consistent basis and deliver precise passes to scoring teammates.
In the past two seasons, he has maintained averages of 21.5 points, 10.4 assists, 6.4 free throws, and 2.5 three-pointers per game.
When surrounded by multiple scoring options on a team, he will continue to accumulate assists and contribute to the offensive output for years to come.
2. Kyrie Irving's recent outreach to LeBron James regarding a potential move to the Dallas Mavericks indicates his potential willingness to re-sign with the team. However, at present, he remains one of the most prominent unrestricted free agents in the NBA.
Since his trade to Dallas mid-season, Irving showcased impressive performances, averaging 27.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.9 three-pointers per game. He also displayed efficiency, shooting 58.5 percent from two-point range and 39.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Notably, Irving demonstrated a remarkable willingness to defer to Luka Dončić, potentially even surpassing his previous experience playing alongside LeBron James during their time together on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Having spent a few years away from one of the greatest players in NBA history, Irving may have come to the realization that he excels as a highly impactful second option rather than the primary leader. This newfound understanding can significantly enhance his value as a free agent, especially as he enters his 30s.
3. Kristaps Porziņģis' health concerns are likely to persist throughout his career, and reaching 65 appearances in the 2022-23 season was considered a positive outcome. However, if one looks beyond those concerns, Porziņģis remains an impactful player known for his dynamic skills as a three-and-D big man.
During what could be considered the best season of his career, Porziņģis achieved personal highs in points per game (23.2), assists per game (2.7), free throws per game (5.4), true shooting percentage, and offensive box plus/minus. When he was on the court, the Washington Wizards experienced a positive point differential of plus-1.6 points per 100 possessions, in contrast to a negative point differential of minus-4.6 without him. Additionally, Porziņģis contributed with an average of 1.5 blocks per game.
With his ability to score effectively from various spots on the court, Porziņģis can significantly enhance an offense's spacing without compromising his rim protection capabilities on the defensive end.
4. Fred VanVleet, standing at 6'1", faces challenges on the defensive end due to his undersized stature. However, his ability to create scoring opportunities and his willingness to take a high volume of three-point shots have made him a valuable asset on offense.
In the past three seasons, VanVleet has maintained impressive averages of 9.3 three-point attempts and 6.8 assists per game. His offensive contributions have had a noticeable impact on the Toronto Raptors' performance, as the team scores 115.7 points per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the court compared to 111.5 points without him.
When surrounded by teammates who excel in rim protection and possess defensive versatility, VanVleet's skills as a lead playmaker can be unleashed, allowing him to be a dynamic force for his team.
5. Brook Lopez, who recently turned 35, is considered one of the top free agents this summer. Despite missing most of the 2021-22 season due to a back injury and surgery, his performance in the 2022-23 campaign reaffirmed his value as both a floor spacer and rim protector.
During the season, Lopez averaged 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.7 three-pointers, shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc. His impact was evident in the Milwaukee Bucks' success, as they performed significantly better when Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo shared the court, with a plus-10.6 points per 100 possessions.
Lopez's presence in the paint as a seven-foot, nearly 300-pound obstacle on defense is valuable, and his ability to draw attention at the three-point line creates opportunities for his teammates inside. His overall two-way impact would benefit any team in the league.
NOW FOR THE TOP 5
6.Josh Hart (Player Option): Josh Hart is known for being one of the best rebounding guards in the league, and he also showcased a respectable 37.2% three-point shooting percentage this season.
7. Khris Middleton (Player Option): Injury setbacks may have slightly affected Khris Middleton's value in his age-31 season, but he has maintained solid averages of 19.7 points and 5.0 assists over the last four seasons.
8. Draymond Green (Player Option): While not reaching his peak during the Golden State Warriors' dynasty, Draymond Green remains a versatile defender who can impact the game with his playmaking and passing abilities.
9. Jakob Poeltl (Unrestricted): Jakob Poeltl is a defensive anchor who brings a unique impact on both ends of the court. He stands out as one of only two players in NBA history to match or exceed his career marks for offensive rebounding percentage and assist percentage.
10. Chris Paul (Unrestricted, Assuming He's Waived): Despite concerns about his age and recent injury, Chris Paul's ability to orchestrate individual possessions can still be valuable in the right role. Even in his age-37 season, he averaged 8.9 assists and led the league in assists per game in 2021-22. With proper rest during the regular season, he can potentially make an impact in the postseason.
11. Jerami Grant (Unrestricted): Jerami Grant took a chance on himself and showcased his scoring prowess over the past three seasons. Transitioning from a defensive specialist to a more versatile offensive player, he has averaged 20.7 points and 2.1 three-pointers, shooting 37.2% from deep since the start of the 2020-21 season.
12. Nikola Vučević (Unrestricted): Despite recent discussions focusing on what Nikola Vučević lacks, his impressive all-around contributions should not be forgotten. Over the last three seasons, he has averaged 19.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 33.4 minutes, showcasing his versatility.
13. Harrison Barnes (Unrestricted): While Harrison Barnes may not excel in rebounding, assists, or defensive statistics, his size (6'8"), experience, and three-point shooting (38.7% over the last five seasons) make him a valuable plug-and-play option for most teams.
14. Austin Reaves (Restricted): Austin Reaves experienced a significant shift in his long-term prospects in recent months. From March 1 through the Lakers' playoff run, he demonstrated his abilities by averaging 17.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.6 free throws, shooting 51.4% from the field and 43.6% from beyond the arc.
15. Cameron Johnson (Restricted): In his first season as a full-time starter, Cameron Johnson demonstrated his value by averaging 15.5 points and 2.5 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 40.4% from deep. His ability to provide high-end floor spacing alongside his versatile defense makes him an appealing restricted free agent this offseason
16. D'Angelo Russell (Unrestricted): D'Angelo Russell showcased his abilities for the Los Angeles Lakers, but struggled offensively and was targeted defensively in the conference finals. Despite this, his outside shooting and pick-and-roll skills make him an attractive option for multiple teams.
17. Christian Wood (Unrestricted): Christian Wood, a versatile stretch big with shot-blocking abilities, didn't have a defined role under Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. His consistent production over the last three seasons, averaging 18.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 threes, and 1.1 blocks, will surely generate interest from teams in need of size.
18. Kyle Kuzma (Player Option): Kyle Kuzma has displayed scoring prowess throughout his career, but during his time with the Washington Wizards, he has also improved his rebounding and defensive skills, utilizing his size effectively.
19. Bruce Brown (Player Option): Bruce Brown's stock has risen during the playoffs, particularly in the Finals, where he has provided tenacity for the Denver Nuggets. His impact on the court has been evident, with the Nuggets boasting a plus-11.4 points per 100 possessions when he's playing and plus-4.5 when he's not.
20. Russell Westbrook (Unrestricted): Russell Westbrook's value hit a low point before being traded to the Utah Jazz and subsequently released. However, his impressive performance with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, likely garnered attention from potential suitors.
21. Tre Jones (Unrestricted): Similar to his brother Tyus, Tre Jones has emerged as a dependable floor general. In the 2022-23 season, he showcased his reliability by averaging 6.6 assists with only 1.6 turnovers.
22.Caris LeVert (Unrestricted): Caris LeVert has long been an inefficient volume scorer, but he can still be a solid innings-eater off the bench. Over the last four seasons, he's managed 16.4 points and 4.4 assists.
23. Gary Trent Jr. (Player Option): Gary Trent Jr. is primarily valued for his shooting ability, consistently attempting 6.6 three-pointers per game over the past four seasons while shooting 38.5% from deep. Though his contributions may be limited beyond shooting, his scoring prowess makes him a valuable asset.
24.Donte DiVincenzo (Player Option): After struggling with injuries for the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings in 2021-22, Donte DiVincenzo rehabbed his value this season with the Golden State Warriors. He's a solid playmaker and excellent rebounder for his size and position, and he shot 39.7 percent from three in 2022-23.
25. Alec Burks (Team Option): Alec Burks has matured into a dynamic scorer and playmaker off the bench who can defend multiple positions and reliably knock down open catch-and-shoot opportunities. Over his last four seasons, he's averaged 13.0 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 threes in 26.1 minutes, while shooting 40.3 percent from three.
26. Grant Williams (Restricted): Grant Williams, another combo forward, has proven himself capable of guarding opponents' top scorers effectively. Over the past three seasons, he has shown consistent shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 39.7% of his three-point attempts.
27. Jordan Clarkson (Player Option): Jordan Clarkson has built a reputation as an electrifying scorer coming off the bench. However, in the 2022-23 season, he surprised many with improved playmaking skills, achieving a career-high of 4.4 assists per game.
28. Bogdan Bogdanović (Player Option): Bogdan Bogdanović is a reliable three-point shooter who also contributes to secondary playmaking. Since joining the Atlanta Hawks in the 2020-21 season, he has averaged 3.0 assists while shooting an impressive 40.0% from beyond the arc.
29. P.J. Washington (Restricted): P.J. Washington is a versatile combo forward known for his solid shooting skills. He can even fill in as a small-ball center when needed. Throughout his career, he has maintained a respectable 36.6% three-point shooting percentage.
30. Dillon Brooks (Unrestricted): Dillon Brooks may not have the best shooting statistics in the NBA, but he compensates with his decent size as a wing player. He is fearless when it comes to accepting challenging defensive assignments.
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