5 Under The Radar NBA Free Agents

The NBA’s free agency period is almost upon us. While the sports world focuses intently on where LeBron James, Paul George, Chris Paul and other big names will end up, here’s a look at five under-the-radar free agents who could have a big impact with new teams.

Wayne Ellington

The 3-point line has become weaponized across the NBA, and guys who can knock down shots are more valuable than ever. Few are better at hitting from beyond the arc than Wayne Ellington.

Despite his journeyman status, the 30-year-old Ellington was excellent for the Miami Heat this season. He had a career-year, finishing tied for sixth league-wide in 3-pointers made (227). The only players to hit more were James Harden, Paul George, Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker and Klay Thompson.

Ellington hit 39.2 percent from deep while setting career-highs in true shooting percentage (58.8), value over replacement player (1.0) and win shares (4.5). And all of that as a bench guy averaging 26.6 minutes per game.

He could be a great bench piece for a contender.

Julius Randle

The power forward/center hybrid spot is becoming a staple of the new wide-open NBA, and if a team wants to go up-tempo, it needs a versatile player up front. Julius Randle might be the best option available this offseason.

A restricted free agent, Randle just wrapped up the best season of his career for the Los Angeles Lakers. He set career-highs in points per game (16.1), field goal percentage (55.8), true shooting percentage (60.6), points per 40 minutes (24.2), usage rate (24.3) and PER (19.96). And while it seems like he’s been around forever, the Kentucky product is still just 23.

Before the 2017-18 season, Randle got into incredible shape. He remade his body and in the process became a much better defender and unleashed his excellent athleticism. He’s just flat-out better and smarter than anyone expected him to be.

While he’s an undersized big man at 6’9″ he’s quick and strong enough to battle with anyone. The Lakers sent him a qualifying offer and can match any deal he’ll get elsewhere, but with other free agent plans likely in the cards, someone may be able to steal him.

Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet was one of the surprises of the 2017-18 NBA season. A solid player as a rookie in 2016-17, he wound up finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting and has positioned himself to take on a bigger role.

A restricted free agent, there are indications he may move away from the Toronto Raptors. They would be wise to bring the budding young guard back if they can afford him.

Despite being just 6′, VanVleet is a fantastic point guard. He’s a bulldog with an attacking mentality on both ends of the floor. What he lacks in size he makes up for in toughness and smarts. Real plus/minus ranked him as a 10th-best point guard in the league, ahead of Ben Simmons, Eric Bledsoe, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Ricky Rubio (among others). He also contributed 5.0 win shares despite playing just 20.0 minutes per game.

VanVleet is a really good young player who has shown dramatic improvement. He also hit 41.4 percent from 3-point range this season, which gives him a tool every NBA team is looking for. His PER also increased from 10.54 as a rookie to 15.90 this year.

The 24-year-old is likely in for a hefty raise, but may be worth the risk, given his vast improvement from Year 1 to Year 2.

Will Barton

Every team needs a spark off the bench who can occasionally slide in to the starting lineup. Will Barton is that guy, and seemed to come into his own during the 2017-18 season. He’s a rangy 6’6″ wing who is a fantastic finisher and has rounded out his offensive game.

At 27, Barton averaged a career-best 15.7 points per game last season for the Denver Nuggets, and is prepared to cash in as an unrestricted free agent. A gifted wing scorer, Barton also produced career-highs in PER (16.21), true shooting percentage (56.2), assist rate (20.6), field goal percentage (45.2), 3-point percentage (37.0), assists (4.1) and minutes per game (33.1).

While he’s not a perfect player and his defense can be an issue, Barton contributed 6.2 win shares and a 2.0 VORP. While he may not work as a long-term starter, Barton is sure to get paid like one this offseason. He may wind up being worth it.

Joe Harris

The Cleveland Cavaliers have to seriously regret never giving Joe Harris much of a chance, because he has blossomed during the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets. The 6’6″ wing has become an outstanding 3-point shooter (think the Cavs could have used that this year?) and at just 26 he has a bright future in front of him.

During the 2017-18 season, Harris set career-highs in points 10.8, rebounds (3.3), assists (1.6) and minutes (25.3) per game. He also posted career-bests in field goal percentage (49.1), 3-point percentage (41.9), true shooting percentage (63.4), points per 40 (17.1) and PER (13.39).

Now an unrestricted free agent, the Virginia product is still young and has a decently rounded offensive game. While he’s not a lockdown defender, he’s a valuable shooter off the bench. Much like Ellington, he could be a really nice piece for a contender.