As the curtain falls on the 2024 NBA Draft, it becomes clearer that teams have a clear strategy and need for free agency. Some teams address their specific needs precisely in the draft. For example, the Nuggets selected Daron Holmes II from Dayton University with the 22nd overall pick through a trade.
However, among this year's rookies, the point guard position is slightly underwhelmed. The first pure point guard to be drafted was Rob Dillingham of the University of Kentucky, who was drafted by the Spurs with the eighth pick and subsequently traded to the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves have been looking for an ideal successor to Conley, and now with Dillingham, they may have found a backcourt partner for Edwards for many years to come.
For teams that are in dire need of on-court commanders, they may need to look beyond the draft to address the need to organize offense. Fortunately, despite the lack of point guard talent in this year's draft, there are a number of high-level offensive playmakers in the free agent market, which provides a wealth of options for teams.
Here are the top five free agent point guards available this summer:
Note: Restricted free agents who are unlikely to leave, such as Tyrese Maxey and Emmanuel Quickley, are not included in this list.
6. Kyle Lowry - Full free agent
2023-24 stats: 8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game, 43.2% shooting from the field and 39.2% from three-point range
The 38-year-old veteran Lowry, although he is past his prime, is no longer the wild pit bull who can pestering opponents on the court for more than 30 minutes every night, while hitting the basket again and again on the offensive end. But his performances last season still proved that he can make a big difference in the league.
Whether with the Heat or the 76ers, Lowry has provided tough defense, solid and patient playmaking, and reliable outside shooting. During Embiid's injury, the 76ers were in dire need of a veteran who could stabilize the team on the offensive end, and Lowry didn't hesitate to take on that role.
On the stage of the playoffs, Lowry showed his value. His on-court vision and three-point firepower allowed the 76ers to significantly improve their offense in the first-round series against the Knicks.
For any team that needs to add a veteran to the backline, it's a blessing to have a player like Lowry. At this stage of his career, Lowry is likely to be looking to join a championship-contending team on a base salary contract, which would make him an excellent value for money option on the market this summer.
5. Tyus Jones - Full free agent
2023-24 stats: 12 points, 2.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists per game, 48.9% shooting from the field and 41.4% from three-point range
The Wizards had a fruitful 2024 draft, selecting Alexander Sarr, Carrington and Kaisean George, and the addition of these rookies has made people forget about the Wizards' controversial decisions in the past.
However, even in the seemingly chaotic and uninspired roster of the Wizards, Jones was able to show his talent.
Jones has become one of the most reliable point guards in the NBA. He's never rushed, always makes the right pass choices, and has proven himself to be one of the most effective pick-and-roll playmakers in the league.
Jones is one of the few talented on-court commanders who can play well without having to be in possession at all times. His ability is an attractive one for any title contender looking to add some playmaking energy this summer.
4. Markelle Fultz - Full free agent
2023-24 stats: 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game, shooting 47.2% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range
In the past year, Fultz has once again been plagued by injuries, with tendonitis in his left knee sidelining him for nearly half a season, and he has struggled with injuries since his return. Even when he was able to play, he struggled to find his rhythm in the game, failed to be at his best, and couldn't find his place in the Magic's crowded lineup.
Despite his worrying injury history and shooting struggles, Fultz remains the most attractive point guard on the free market because of his outstanding potential, age and skills he has shown during his short NBA career.
At just 26 years old, Fultz is still in the prime of his career. There is reason to believe that the world has yet to see the best version of him. Looking back at the 2022-23 season, Fultz has shown a glimpse of his potential and why he was the top pick in 2017.
That season, Fultz averaged 14.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, shooting 51.4% from the field and 31% from three-point range.
Fultz's ability on the court is undeniable: breaking down the basket, compressing the defense, finishing the offense or finding an open shooter. As a solid defender, he can help the team in multiple ways. Especially in teams with plenty of space, Fultz is able to play better to his strengths.
3. Russell Westbrook - Player Option
2023-24 stats: 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game, shooting 45.4% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range
Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021, Westbrook has quickly become one of the most underrated players in the league. The underwhelming combination with James and Davis has left the former MVP struggling with a championship-aspiring team.
In Los Angeles, a city full of expectations and media spotlight, Westbrook's reputation has been severely tarnished, becoming the target of countless malicious jokes and memes.
However, after moving to the Los Angeles Clippers in the same city, Westbrook began to prove himself again. Despite his age, he is still one of the top athletes in the league, still physically better than 90% of NBA players, and knows how to use his talents to contribute to the team.
Today, Westbrook's name is a household name in the basketball world, but his weaknesses seem to be more focused on than his strengths. Admittedly, he is prone to mistakes and his three-point shooting percentage needs to be improved, but his versatility on the court and passion for the game are still his most valuable assets.
The addition of Westbrook would be a big addition for any title contenders looking to improve their performance in a quick attack, enhance their playmaking or energize their bench. His experience, leadership, and desire to win will be a valuable asset to any team.
2. D'Angelo Russell - Player Option
2023-24 stats: 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists per game, 45.6% shooting from the field, 41.5% from three-point range
When talking about Russell lately, there is little mention of him having just had one of the best seasons of his career.
In Los Angeles, Russell not only had the highlight of his career, but also brought much-needed offensive firepower to the team. Alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he has shown his ability to be efficient off the ball and has become an integral part of the Lakers.
It's often misconcepted that a player who is good at the ball struggles to function on a team with star players. However, Russell's performance next to James shattered that stereotype. Not only will he be able to play well on a team like the Lakers, but he will also be able to shine even brighter on a new team with star players who don't control the ball.
Russell's value may be undervalued over time, but his performance on the next team has a good chance of reviving his reputation and proving himself once again as one of the most talented defenders in the league.
1. James Harden - Free agent
2023-24 stats: 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.5 assists per game, 42.8% shooting from the field, 38.1% from three-point range
At the beginning of the season, Harden's life with the Philadelphia 76ers was not easy. The Philadelphia 76ers have publicly stated that they want to trade the former MVP, but there is only one suitor: the Los Angeles Clippers. Eventually, the two teams reached an agreement, and Harden joined the fifth team of his career.
Just as he did with the Nets and 76ers, Harden quickly made people forget about the awkwardness of his parting with his former club with his stellar basketball performance and positive impact on the new team. On a team that already has Leonard, George, and Westbrook, many fear that Harden will struggle with a team that needs to balance a plethora of stars.
However, Harden quickly proved that he is more than capable of being the best pure point guard in the league if he wants to. He seamlessly played the role of commander on the Clippers, greatly reducing the burden on Leonard, George, and other teammates.
In the 2024 playoffs, Harden used the stats to speak, averaging 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists per game, shooting 44.9% from the field, 38.3% from three-point range, and playing 40.3 minutes per game.
There are all kinds of signs that Harden will return to the Clippers and challenge for the championship again. However, if other teams do throw an olive branch to him, then his agent is afraid that he will receive a lot of calls.
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