The NBA offseason is the one tine of the year when fans for all 30 NBA teams can feel a sense of optimism about the direction of their club. While only a few fortunate teams have the chance to sign some of the biggest superstars in the game, there will be a deep free agent class for this offseason for the teams that have to turn to Plan B. Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge are the most notable names expected to make it to free agency while Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green could very well become restricted free agent. But even then, there is a very good chance all five players return to their current teams. That would leave NBA teams turning to a second tier of NBA free agents as they look to fill out their rosters and fortunately for them, there is a talented group to choose from. Here are the top five Plan B free agents this offseason.
SF: DeMarre Carroll, Atlanta
Carroll isn’t the type of player that will completely turn a franchise around but he is a quality role player that will fill up a number of different stat categories while defending multiple positions and stretching the floor with his shooting ability. Carroll has averaged 12.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 three-pointers in just over 31 minutes per game this season. He’s blossomed under head coach Mike Budenholzer and could see a bigger role on a team that isn’t as talented as the Hawks. Carroll isn’t an elite offensive player but he’s a quality defender and a glue guy that can contribute in a number of areas.
SG: Danny Green, San Antonio
Anybody that watched last year’s NBA Finals was able to see how dangerous Green can be as an excellent shooter that can hit baskets from anywhere on the floor. Some will argue that he has benefited tremendously from the Spurs system, where he gets a ton of open looks, but he has learned a lot about spacing and finding open areas. The proof is in the numbers as he has shot 44% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. Green has averaged 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.4 three-point shots per game this season and he would be an underrated pickup for anybody that could get him.
SF: Tobias Harris, Orlando
Harris has taken advantage of the opportunity he has been provided playing in Orlando as he has averaged 17.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game this season. There is every reason to think he can be a key addition for a team chasing him in free agency this season. Harris has the raw size at 6’9’’, 235 pounds and at 22-years-old, he still has room before he reaches his full potential. Harris can do a lot of things at a high level and he could thrive in an environment where he is surrounded by more talented players. With so many raw traits, it will be interesting to see how teams approach him in free agency.
SG: Khris Middleton, Milwaukee
Middleton has thrived since the All-Star break, averaging 16.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 three-point shots. While that has really helped the Bucks lock up a playoff spot, there is a good chance he could leave town this summer when he becomes a free agent. Middleton can do a little bit of everything and considering his 4.05 defensive real plus-minus ranks eighth overall and third among wings he will be highly sought after at the end of this season.
C: Robin Lopez, Portland
Lopez hasn’t put up outstanding numbers in Portland where he has averaged 9.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season but the need for quality starting big men will be in high demand if he becomes a free agent. Lopez is still just 27-years-old and at 7’0’’. 255 pounds, he will be a huge asset for a team that is desperate to improve its play in the paint at both ends of the floor. Lopez isn’t an elite big man but he is another quality piece that will be highly sought after this summer as part of a second tier group of free agents.
