Kevin Durant will be the top unrestricted free agent on the market this offseason. LeBron James could end up in the conversation as well. DeMar DeRozan, Al Horford and even Dwight Howard will be in the mix while Mike Conley, Hassan Whiteside and Andre Drummond could all end up at new homes. The big name unrestricted free agents have commanded the spotlight and will be talked about endlessly this summer but they aren’t the only players that could make an impact as UFA’s this offseason. Here is a look at five sleepers to keep an eye on in NBA free agency.
Mirza Teletovic
Power Forward
The veteran big man averaged 16.3 points per game with the Phoenix Suns after Earl Watson took over as head coach and his versatility and ability to shoot the three-ball was a major asset. Teletovic shot 39-percent from beyond the arc and his 181 three-point shots is an NBA record for a reserve. Those numbers alone should be enough for Teletovic to garner significant interest on the open market and the fact that he is a 6’9’’ power forward that can rebound as well will only enhance his value. Teletovic will be 31-years-old by the time next season starts but he could be a sneaky sleeper option for a team in need of a versatile big man that can shoot the three.
Marvin Williams
Small Forward
The fact that Williams was drafted ahead of Chris Paul and Deron Williams in 2005 means that he will likely carry the “bust” label forever but he is a versatile, veteran forward that could be a strong fit for a handful of teams as a free agent this offseason. Williams found a good fit with the Charlotte Hornets last season where he averaged 11.7 points, a career-high 6.4 rebounds and hit 40.2-percent of his three-point shots. Those numbers should earn him a decent contract on the open market as teams looking forward for an athletic forward that can stretch the floor with the three-point shot take a long look at Williams’ skill set.
Ian Mahinmi
Center
Mahinmi’s outstanding work ethic helped him become a better-rounded offensive player last season and that was reflected in his numbers as he averaged 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 59-percent from the field. Those are excellent numbers from a workhorse center that is still just 29-years-old. Mahinmi proved that he can hold his own at the center position for a small-ball lineup with the Indiana Pacers and there will be plenty of teams interested in his services in free agency this summer.
Leandro Barbosa
Shooting Guard
Barbosa cemented his value in the NBA Finals when he recorded double-digit point totals on three occasions. While the Golden State Warriors might not have the money to bring him back, he will undoubtedly garner significant interest on the open market. The 33-year-old showed elite quickness, agility and finishing ability with the Warriors this past season. There have clearly been no lingering effects from the ACL tear he suffered three years ago. Barbosa is a veteran player at a position that will be very thin in free agency, so don’t sleep on him as a smart value addition that will garner plenty of interest. He’s not going to sign and be a starter somewhere but he will be a very useful bench player for a contender.
David Lee
Power Forward
The Warriors certainly had their moments in the NBA Finals when they had to be wishing they had Lee back on their roster to hold down the fort at the five instead of Festus Ezeli and Anderson Varejao. There is no doubt that their lack of a quality big man was ultimately a factor in them losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, Lee found a role with the Dalas Mavericks where he stepped in and averaged 8.5 points on 63.6-percent shooting as well as 7.0 rebounds in just 17.3 minutes over 25 games. Lee’s impact with Dallas should be enough for him to garner some significant interest on the open market and he should be another underrated sleeper free agent to keep an eye on.
