OTG's Top 25 Unrestricted NBA Free Agents

25. Carmelo Anthony - SF/PF

15.4 PPG 6.3 RPG 1.5 APG - 43/38/84

52.5 TS% 1.3 WS -3.6 BPM

Carmelo Anthony was a guy who prior to last season was labeled as washed. No one expected Melo to find a home let alone play crucial minutes as a starter again. The Portland Trail Blazers gave him the opportunity and Melo took advantage. What stood out the most is that Melo finally has accepted he is no longer the star he once was. This change in mindset will help Melo land another contract as he can still provide offense at a high level.

24. Jordan Clarkson - PG/SG

15.2 PPG 2.6 RPG 1.9 APG - 45/36/78

56.9 TS% 3.4 WS 1.1 BPM

Jordan Clarkson produced pretty well in the NBA Bubble for Utah. While he remains a defensive nightmare his offensive output makes him a valuable rotation piece for any of the 30 teams. For teams looking to add a jolt of offense off the bench you could do worse than add Clarkson to the roster.

23. Dwight Howard - C

7.5 PPG 7.3 RPG 1.1 BLKs - 73/60/51

77.3 TS% 5.4 WS 0.2 BPM

Dwight Howard was running out of possible destinations prior to last season. A reputation of being a locker room headache and selfish player were the reasons why. The Lakers losing DeMarcus Cousins to a torn ACL gave Howard the chance. Howard came in with an adjusted mindset of being fully focused on doing whatever the team needed to win. Not to mention Howard is in the best shape he’s been in years. Howard showcased this by having the most efficient year of his career. Howard may not be a starter anymore but he can still provide rim protection and rebounding.

22. Justin Holiday - SG/SF

8.3 PPG 3.3 RPG - 42/40/79

58.5 TS% 4.2 WS 1.3 BPM

The Pacers shooting guard is the perfect prototype for a playoff team. He’s an above average defender, hits the three-ball at a very respectable rate, and does all the little things you want out of a solid role player. His modern skillset should allow him to earn a decent payday come free agency.

21. Aron Baynes - C

11.5 PPG 5.6 RPG 1.6 APG - 48/35/74

58.1 TS% 2.1 WS -1.0 BPM

Aron Baynes is a beloved center across the league and showed once again his value in Phoenix. Baynes is the type of center majority of NBA teams desire nowadays. He has the ability to stretch the floor, bang down low, and provides steady rebounding. Defensively he is a minus in terms of rim protection but Baynes has no issue getting physical. Contenders will be calling.

20. Paul Millsap - PF

11.6 PPG 5.7 RPG 1.6 APG - 48/43/81

59.1 TS% 3.5 WS 0.1 BPM

Millsap has earned plenty of money over his 14 seasons in the NBA. He’s been a key part of Denver’s defensive improvement since heading to the Nuggets in 2017. While he’s certainly in the twilight of his career, his experience, toughness, and savviness would prove invaluable for many contending teams, at the right price.

19. Jae Crowder - SF/PF

10.5 PPG 5.9 RPG 2.5 APG 1.1 STLs - 40/34/77

55.3 TS% 3.8 WS -0.1 BPM

Jae Crowder is still a very reliable wing in today’s NBA, he provides top-notch defense and can play a load of minutes at the power forward position. Crowder’s biggest liability is that his three-point shot isn’t consistent. Now Crowder for the majority of his time with the Miami Heat was red hot from three, however, late in the playoffs, he went ice cold. Crowder is someone who will garner a lot of interest but it’s hard to rely on his offense.

18. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - SG

9.3 PPG 2.1 RPG 1.6 APG - 46/38/77

58.4 TS% 3.7 WS -0.8 BPM

You could make a case that KCP was the Lakers’ third best player across the whole playoffs. His ability to hit timely shots on the perimeter and make quality defensive plays made him an integral part of Los Angeles’ championship run. He’ll likely opt-in to his $8.5 million player option next season given the Klutch connection with LeBron and the Lakers.

17. Tim Hardaway Jr - SG/SF

15.8 PPG 3.3 RPG 1.9 APG - 43/39/81

58.1 TS% 4.4 WS -0.1 BPM

At one point it seemed like Tim Hardaway Jr was just a throw-in piece in the Kristaps Porzingis deal to the Dallas Mavericks. Hardaway Jr has proven he’s a very solid sharpshooter who can be your third or fourth option offensively. The question is can this efficient shooting be duplicated and what value can he bring on the defensive end of the court.

16. Christian Wood - PF/C

13.1 PPG 6.3 RPG 1.0 APG - 56/38/74

65.9 TS% 5.1 WS 3.1 BPM

Christian Wood had a super season for the Detroit Pistons. His play earned him well-deserved votes for Most Improved Player. His place in Detroit is a fascinating one. With Andre Drummond now in Cleveland, and Blake Griffin’s career on the downward trajectory, does the Pistons’ front office throw a substantial contract the big man’s way? Given his talent, age, and upside, there’s certainly a high likelihood that they or another team do.

15. Marcus Morris - SF/PF

16.7 PPG 5.0 RPG 1.4 APG - 43/40/82

57 TS% 3.6 WS -0.1 BPM

Marcus Morris is arguably the best 3&D wing on the market. Now granted it didn’t work out so well for the Clippers and him, chemistry issues likely the reason as to why. Morris will bring toughness and grit to whatever team he’s on while also providing hard-nosed defense. If Morris can replicate his efficiency scoring-wise he becomes even deadlier.

14. Joe Harris - SG/SF

14.5 PPG 4.3 RPG 2.1 APG - 48/42/71

60.6 TS% 4.3 WS -0.2 BPM

I wanted my glorious, shaggy haired, three-point shooting marksman at number one but my OTG brethren wouldn’t let me. Harris continued to improve his efficiency as not only a three-point shooter, but in all facets of his game. Every great team needs a sharpshooter and the hairy hipster is certainly that. Look for Joe Tsai and Sean Marks to reward Harris for his continued improvement as a Brooklyn Net with a worthwhile extension.

13. Mike Conley - PG

14.4 PPG 3.2 RPG 4.4 APG - 40/37/82

53.7 TS% 2.5 WS 0.3 BPM

Mike Conley had a dreadful start to the 2019-2020 season, it looked like he was washed. Now Conley turned that cold start around and managed to have a decent year. He managed to even have some strong playoff outings. It does seem like Conley’s best days are behind him, with that said he’s still a solid point guard who alongside better offensive weapons would be just fine.

12. Andre Drummond - C

17.7 PPG 15.2 RPG 2.7 APG 1.9 STLs 1.6 BLKs - 53/14/57

55.3 TS% 4.2 WS 0.9 BPM

My guy Kory Waldron wanted the Cavs 45th center at number one on this list. In all seriousness, Drummond provides value as a fantastic rebounder, solid passer, and above average scorer at the five position. Does his production match his inflated $29 million player option next season? Absolutely not, but he’s a nice expiring asset for Cleveland to have on their roster.

11. Evan Fournier - SG/SF

18.5 PPG 2.6 RPG 3.2 APG 1.1 STLs - 46/39/81

59.5 TS% 4.6 WS 1.0 BPM

The Magic's issue has been they lacked offense, none of which can be blamed on Evan Fournier however. Fournier is entering the prime of his career and continues to be a well rounded offensive player. Fournier had a strong efficient shooting year while being surrounded by a weak offensive supporting cast. Fournier is a guy who can provide added offense to many teams struggling to find shot creators.

10. Goran Dragic - PG/SG

16.2 PPG 3.2 RPG 5.1 APG 0.7 STLs - 44/37/78

57.3 TS% 3.5 WS -0.1 BPM

Dragic had a tremendous season post-All Star break. He was a key driver for the Miami Heat’s surprising Finals run. The pick and roll with him and Adebayo was unstoppable for opposing defenses. The foot injury he suffered was a terrible shame but shouldn’t hinder him too greatly from getting a sizable short-term deal, either from Miami or elsewhere.

9. Danilo Gallinari - SF/PF

18.7 PPG 5.2 RPG 1.9 APG - 43/40/89

61.2 TS% 6.3 WS 3.3 BPM

Danillo Gallinari has evolved into a great stretch four that can score in a variety of ways. The biggest knock on Gallo was his inability to stay healthy, however, he's been able to stay relatively healthy the past two seasons. During these past two years, he's had arguably his two best offensive years of his career. Gallinari isn't by any means a great defender but he's not a terrible one, playing the four helps hide some of his weaker defensive qualities. Gallinari will draw the attention of contenders looking to add scoring and floor spacing.

8. Davis Bertans - PF

15.4 PPG 4.5 RPG 1.7 APG 0.7 STLs - 43/42/85

62.8 TS% 3.5 WS 0.9 BPM

The Latvian Laser may be one of the most deadly shooters in the league. His size, combined with the diversity of shotmaking he has, make him one of the most valuable free agents on this year’s market. Sitting out the Orlando Bubble was the wisest decision for him. It protected any risk of losing what will be life-changing money for the sharpshooting forward.

7. Serge Ibaka - PF/C

15.4 PPG 8.2 RPG 1.4 APG - 51/38/71

58.3 TS% 3.9 WS 0.1 BPM

Since being traded to the Toronto Raptors, Serge Ibaka has not only become an NBA Champion, he's revived his career. Ibaka is likely no longer a starter, but he can surely provide starter minutes on the right team. Ibaka's transition into playing more small-ball center has extended his career. Ibaka is still an above-average rim protector while he provides excellent floor spacing. Not to mention he has a reputation of being a great locker room presence.

6. Jerami Grant - PF/SF

12 PPG 3.5 RPG 1.2 APG 0.7 STLs 0.8 BLKs - 48/39/75

59.1 TS% 4.4 WS -0.5 BPM

There were few players who increased their worth more than Jerami Grant in the Bubble. The versatile defensive wing showed he can produce when it really matters. He performed more than capably on both ends of the floor in timely playoff moments for the Nuggets. Look for Denver to do everything in their power to retain Grant this offseason.

5. Montrezl Harrell - PF/C

18.6 PPG 7.1 RPG 1.7 APG 1.1 BLKS - 58/0/65

60.7 TS% 7.0 WS 2.9 BPM

Montrezl Harrell is an extremely hard player to gauge. Harrell is coming off a tremendous regular season which ended with him winning Sixth Man of the Year. There's no question that Harrell brings energy and tenacity to the court while excelling in the pick and roll. However, the question is can he be a successful playoff player? Harrell struggled down in the Orlando bubble, granted he also had missed some time which likely hurt his conditioning. Yet still, Harrell is undersized and not the greatest of defenders which makes him a liability. This was shown against Denver by Nikola Jokic. Harrell is still just 26 years old, but there is a concern on how much better he can get without a jump-shot in his game.

4. Gordon Hayward - SF

17.5 PPG 6.7 RPG 4.1 APG 0.7 STLs - 50/38/86

59.5 TS% 5.7 WS 2.7 BPM

When Hayward was healthy for Boston this season he provided immense worth to the team. He impacts the Celtics in a variety of ways with his playmaking, shooting, and solid defense. If he can be healthy heading into the 2021 season then Boston will no doubt take another step forward in their development to championship status. Contract-wise, it seems inevitable that Hayward will accept his player option for next season. 

3. DeMar DeRozan - SG/SF

22.1 PPG 5.5 RPG 5.6 APG 1.0 STLS - 53/25/84

60.3 TS% 7.3 WS 1.9 BPM

DeMar DeRozan has quickly become, dare I say, underrated. DeRozan doesn't have a three-point shot that can be trusted. However, DeRozan is coming off his best True Shooting Percentage of his career. He provides a little bit of everything while possibly being one of the most gifted mid-range scorers in the NBA today. The biggest improvement we've seen from DeRozan has come in regards to his playmaking, playing for Spurs, he's been tasked with getting others involved more than in previous years. If DeRozan decides to decline his player option he could be the shot-creating, offensive punch that a lot of teams are dying to find.

2. Fred VanVleet - PG

17.6 PPG 3.8 RPG 6.6 APG 1.1 STLs - 41/39/85

55.3 TS% 5.8 WS 2.7 BPM

Fred VanVleet is going to get paid! The point guard is set to garner a contract that will yield him north of $20 million per year. It will be interesting to see what lengths Toronto will go to retain VanVleet especially if a team like the Knicks offers him $25 million per year or more. Timing is everything for the Raptors guard as he looks set to earn a well-earned payday come December.

1. Anthony Davis - PF/C

26.1 PPG 9.3 RPG 3.2 APG 2.3 BLKS 1.5 STLS - 50/33/84

61 TS% 11.1 WS 8.0 BPM

There isn't much to say about the new NBA Champion, Anthony Davis. Davis is coming off an incredible season with the Los Angeles Lakers and a strong playoff run including a game-winner in the Western Conference Finals. Davis has declined his player-option but make no mistake, he's not going anywhere. Davis will likely sign a one plus one deal to ensure he gets the most money possible. Anthony Davis is currently the best power forward in the NBA, the Lakers aren't letting him walk.