Top NBA free agents (20-11): Will Ariza chase a ring with Golden State?
Welcome to theScore's list of the top 50 NBA free agents for the summer of 2018.
Rankings
50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 I 20-11 | 10-1
20. SG Avery Bradley, 27 - UFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
14.3 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 25.8 |
A bulldog of a defender and a 36 percent 3-point shooter during his seven years in Boston, Bradley suffered through a 2017-18 season that was equal parts miserable and injury-filled after hurting his groin following a trade from the Pistons to the Clippers. It couldn't have come at a worse time for the 27-year-old, as his scoring, rebounding, and assist numbers all took a major hit ahead of his first shot at unrestricted free agency. But if healthy, Bradley could end up being a steal for a team that needs wing help.
19. C Enes Kanter, 26 - PO ($18 million)
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
14.1 | 11.0 | 1.5 | 25.8 |
Kanter may make more headlines off the court due to his outspoken nature, but in his first year as a full-time starter he was one of the most efficient bigs in the league, ranking fifth in field-goal percentage at 59.2. While the defensive shortcomings will always be there, Kanter has the offensive skill set and the rebounding ability to remain productive for the duration of his next deal.
18. SF/PF Trevor Ariza, 32 - UFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
11.7 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 33.9 |
One of the most dependable leaders both on and off the floor in the NBA today, Ariza was the best version of himself in the Rockets' system this past season - being a switching menace on defense and knocking down a ton of open threes. Heading into his 15th season, it remains to be seen whether Houston will have the means to keep Ariza, as this could be his last time inking a significant contract. If not, reports suggest he could be off to the Warriors.
17. SG/SF Tyreke Evans, 28 - UFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
19.4 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 30.9 |
Evans could be in for a big pay bump from the $3.2 million he earned with the tanking Grizzlies this past season while balling out in 52 games as their go-to scorer before being shut down in the spring. In a class without many attractive two-guards, Evans could strike it big with a team that doesn't believe his numbers were just a "good stats, bad team" mirage.
16. PG Marcus Smart, 24 - RFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
10.2 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 29.9 |
Smart is ready for teams to "Back up the Brinks truck," as former teammate Isaiah Thomas would say, after going on record to state he believes his value is north of $14 million due to the intangibles and heart he can bring to any club. While he's never going to be an efficient scorer, Smart's relentless defending and balls-to-the-wall effort should lead to a lucrative deal with the Celtics or another team around the league.
15. SG Will Barton, 28 - UFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
15.7 | 5.0 | 4.1 | 33.1 |
Barton shined once again in a sixth-man role with the Nuggets, and is slated for a proper payday this summer. The 27-year-old wing isn't too concerned with defense, but he can get his own shot and showed an increased ability to create for others in recent years. He even started 59 games across the last two seasons.
14. PF/C Julius Randle, 23 - RFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
16.1 | 8.0 | 2.6 | 26.7 |
Randle enjoyed a breakout 2017-18 season as he improved just about every area of his game, but that's probably not enough to delay the Lakers' grand designs of a dramatic roster makeover. Having rebuilt his body last summer, Randle showed tremendous promise as an undersized center with an ability to punish the glass and dominate in the paint. His defense remains a work in progress, but he took a number of positive steps this past season.
13. PG/SG Zach LaVine, 23 - RFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
16.7 | 3.9 | 3.0 | 27.3 |
The two-time dunk champion is another question mark based on his past ACL tear. LaVine was inconsistent after returning from the injury this past season, and while his outside shot was still strong, his ability to finish at the rim tailed off. LaVine can be an effective volume scorer if he gets healthy again, and nobody knows his medicals better than the Bulls, who hold all the cards in his restricted free agency.
12. PF Jabari Parker, 23 - RFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
12.6 | 4.9 | 1.9 | 24.0 |
Parker was on the brink of a breakout in 2016-17 when he averaged over 20 points per game, but a second ACL injury undercut his promising career. His scoring ability is undeniable, but he needs to show he's healthy before receiving a huge contract, which likely won't come from Milwaukee given the emergence of Khris Middleton.
11. C Jusuf Nurkic, 23 - RFA
PPG | RPG | APG | MPG |
---|---|---|---|
14.3 | 9.0 | 1.8 | 26.4 |
Moving to Portland helped increase Nurkic's stock, as he blossomed into a reliable third option with some defensive chops. The Blazers' tight cap situation and abrupt playoff sweep probably limits how much they can offer, so there's a good chance for another team to swoop in and land the talented pivot.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
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