Epic Debates: Which upcoming free agents' games evolved most this year?
NBA free agency in 2020 promises to be much different than in years past. With the coronavirus pandemic and the league's political issues in China certain to affect the 2020-21 salary cap, free agents that hold player options may be more inclined to exercise them.
However, several players with a broad range of skill sets will still hit the open market. Here are five whose games have evolved the most this season.
Anthony Davis, Lakers
The biggest name in the potential free-agent class, Anthony Davis is one of those who holds a player option. However, it's noteworthy what he has accomplished in 2019-20 while finally playing alongside another superstar - especially on the defensive end.
The Lakers lead the league in blocks per game and rank third in defensive rating, mostly thanks to Davis. "Brow" may be averaging under double-digit rebounds for the first time since his rookie year, but he's second in the NBA in defensive win shares and third in defensive box plus/minus.
Fred VanVleet, Raptors
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, who's been betting on himself since he came into the league as an undrafted free agent, is set to hit the open market coming off a career year.
Following up his heroics during Toronto's championship run last spring, VanVleet has become a full-time starter while hitting career highs in scoring (17.6 points per game), assists (6.6), steals (1.9), and 3-point percentage (38.8%).
Davis Bertans, Wizards
When Davis Bertans was included in a fairly nondescript three-team trade last summer, few expected a breakout season from the Latvian forward. Yet moving to the Washington Wizards from the San Antonio Spurs gave him the opportunity to show his wares on a team not expected to win very often.
In 54 games, mostly off the bench, Bertans is averaging 15.4 points while shooting 42.4% from deep, which ranks seventh in the NBA. He also leads the league in catch-and-shoot 3-point attempts.
Joe Harris, Nets
Joe Harris led the league in 3-point percentage in 2018-19 and he's followed that up by doing more on the glass. Before play was suspended in March, the Nets forward was averaging a career-high 13.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while still hitting 41% of his shots from deep.
Harris is likely due for a raise from the $7.7 million he is making this season.
Montrezl Harrell, Clippers
Speaking of raises, Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell is definitely in line for one. The former second-round pick is hitting career highs in scoring and rebounding this season, and looks poised to dethrone teammate Lou Williams as NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Harrell, who provides a burst of energy off the bench, has averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 boards, and 1.1 blocks since landing in L.A. in 2017.