In the NBA, every team is looking for players who can make a big difference in a small role. Whether it's a player with a defensive prowess, a tough style, or an attacker who can bring extra scoring firepower to the team.
There will always be players on the free market who may not be in the media spotlight like James, George or Harden, but their arrivals can be game-changing.
Here are three 2024 free agents to watch in particular who could be low-risk, high-reward signings.
1. Naji Marshall - New Orleans Pelicans - Full free agent
An undrafted pick in 2020, Marshall signed a four-year, $5.35 million contract with the Pelicans. He understands that in order to gain a foothold in this league, he must constantly prove himself. Over the years, Marshall worked his way up to become one of the most underrated small forwards in the league.
As an important member of the Pelicans' bench, Marshall has shown his worth with his mature technical style. Despite his limited playing time, his performance was enough to make him a hot candidate in the free agent market in 2024.
Naji Marshall's stats for the Pelicans stand out:
- 2023-24: Averaged 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, shooting 54.2% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
- Career: Averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.
Marshall's defensive impact has been particularly prominent. Even when he's playing alongside defensive stalwarts like Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado, Marshall often shines on the defensive end. His excellent one-on-one defense, as well as his ability to handle the ball and assault on the fast break, make him an indispensable member of the Pelicans.
On the offensive end, Marshall has reached new heights this season. Despite a slight drop in points per game, his efficiency has increased dramatically. Marshall might have been seen as a burden on the offensive end of the season before that, but his soaring three-point shooting percentage has completely upended that label, as he shot a career-high 38.7 percent from three-point range this season.
As a mature 3-and-D player, Marshall will undoubtedly attract the attention of many teams. They're either looking for the next all-around piece of the puzzle or they're looking to use Marshall to shape a unique team culture. In terms of salary, Marshall is sure to get a much higher contract than he does now.
The Pelicans basically can't keep Marshall. According to Forbes Sports' Evan Sidri, the Pistons, Spurs and 76ers will be the main contenders for Marshall. In addition, the Charlotte Hornets could also be interested in Marshall, who could offer Schel a salary of $8 million to $12 million.
2. Isaac Okoro – Cleveland Cavaliers, restricted free agent
Okoro's situation is similar to that of Naji Marshall, whose efficiency gains this season have catapulted him to the free agent market. The 23-year-old defensive stalwart not only excelled on the defensive end, but also found his outside touch this season, shooting 39.1 percent from three-point range.
Isaac Okoro's stats for the Cavaliers are as follows:
- 2023-24: Averaged 9.4 points per game, shooting 59.9% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
- Career: 8.5 points per game, 57.4% true shooting, 34.7% three-point shooting
Okoro's improved shooting ability is a clear addition for the Cavaliers. His perimeter threat creates more space for Mitchell and Garland to break through, making the Cavaliers' offense more three-dimensional and versatile.
Okoro's improvement in shooting ability is especially evident in his corner shooting performance, where 64.2 percent of his three-point attempts come from assists and he shoots 39.9 percent from the field, indicating that he is an efficient outside shooter.
Although Okoro's efficiency has decreased in the playoffs, with his three-point shooting percentage dropping to 25.7 percent, that doesn't affect his market value as a restricted free agent. The Cavaliers may choose to match any reasonable offer for Okoro, but may also see him as a sacrificial asset, as 2021 prospect Evan Mobley is also on the verge of a contract extension.
As for Okoro's potential suitors, there are certainly plenty of teams with salary space to give him a chance. Young teams such as the Spurs, Utah Jazz, Wizards and Pistons, who are lacking on the defensive end, could become Okoro's new owners. These teams all have some salary cap space this offseason that could give Okoro a chance.
If Okoro leaves the Cavaliers, his salary is expected to be around $10 million, and while it's unlikely that a team will offer him a contract that goes well beyond that number, his market value and potential have been recognized.
3. Saddiq Bey - Atlanta Hawks, restricted free agent
Early years with the Pistons, Saddiq Bey was hailed as a rising star in the league for his amazing potential. In 2021, he finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year poll, averaged 16.1 points per game in 2021-22, and even shocked the league with a 51-point game against the Magic on March 18, 2022.
However, the Pistons traded him to the Atlanta Hawks for the 2022-23 season. In Atlanta, Sadiq Bey's journey has not been easy. In 2022-23, his scoring average dropped to 11 points per game, and in 2023-24, he suffered a career trauma - anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Still, Saddiq Bey's brief outburst at Atalanta, as well as his impressive performances from previous seasons, were enough to give some teams confidence in him. Here are his stats for the Eagles:
- 2023-24: Averaged 13.7 points per game while shooting 49.7% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range.
- Career: Averaged 14.1 points per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three-point range.
Although Bey's injury could keep him out for most of next season, his scoring ability and potential have led some teams to offer him a contract.
For the Hawks, they may choose to let go, as Saddiq Bey could leave again as a full free agent in the summer of 2025. If Saddiq Bey chooses to return, he will receive a qualifying offer worth $8.5 million, which will extend his contract for another season.
For strong teams eager to add an instant scorer to the bench, Saddiq Bey is undoubtedly an appealing option. His ability to score is still deeply imprinted in the minds of most team management.
In the free agent market, the Orlando Magic could be a big suitor for Saddiq Bey. They are trying to introduce as much offensive firepower as possible with a limited budget. Bey's scoring ability could be the best for a team like the Magic.
Recruiting Saddiq Bey on a contract of less than $10 million is undoubtedly a low-risk, high-reward potential operation for teams like the Heat and Timberwolves. For them, the only task after signing Saddiq Bey is to integrate him into the team's defensive system.
#头条创作挑战赛#