Top Free Agents, and Who’s likely to be after them: 

Much of the basis of this article will be drawn from previously written articles about free agency subjects.  Instead of delving into the strengths and weaknesses of each player, or ranking them, I will be focused on the best potential fits between players and teams, along with a list of teams most likely to be hoping to acquire their services for the coming season.  Since many teams around the NSL are positionally needy, I will be lumping top free agents from each position into groups, and don’t be surprised if you see the same teams after one position or style of player.   This article will focus on the back court, while front court subjects will be covered in the next edition.  Let’s dig into it! 

Point Guards: 

• 1)       Russell Westbrook

Westy will bring some real energy to a starting unit, and perhaps best suited to excel in a 6^th man role on a contending team.  He’s been a factor his entire NSL career, and although he has slowed a bit in the NBA, he still profiles as a difference maker in the NSL this season. 

Pursuing Teams: WAS, LAL, SA, TOR, SAC(reunion), CLE

• 2)       D’angelo Russell

Another difference maker.  Russell has been a key piece to the contending Wolves in years past, but with no bonus to retain him this offseason, Russell appears to be set for potentially greener pastures.  

Pursuing Teams: WAS, LAL, SA, BKN, MIN, CLE

• 3)       Lonzo Ball

A force on the NSL court, and NBA court if he can stay healthy of course.  Lonzo brings a bit of do it all, the type of player teams can put out with the starting unit, and the bench unit.  He excels at defending and playmaking, but also employs a serviceable three ball, and a top shot selection.  You’ll notice top contending teams early and often on the top players, as they have the best shot to attain them, but sleepers should have an eye to this talent as well. 

Pursuing Teams: WAS, LAL, SA, MIA, DEN, MIL, CLE

• 4)       Ty Jerome

Ty Jerome breaks a bit of the mold ongoing in this article thus far as far as the PG’s go.  Perhaps the only player here, who’s best days may still genuinely be ahead of him.  Lonzo looks the goods, but with that injury history vs Jerome’s mostly clean bill of health, Jerome seems the better bet to assume there is still ascension to be had.   A flame thrower from deep, with some length and range to effect the game on the defensive end, Jerome will be a coveted man in this FA period.  Chicago appears poised to try the most to keep their man, but will it be enough? 

Pursuing Teams: CHI, MEM, IND, SAC, POR, GSW

• 5)       Chris Paul

The NBA epitome of the fountain of youth.  Chris Paul’s athleticism initially declined 5-6 years ago, but since then, it’s seemed to really plateau, in a good way of course.  A highly serviceable PG, on both ends, CP3 can still hit clutch shots, run an offense, and he is far from shabby on the defensive end.  Pesky perhaps the best word.  On a minimum, he will be as sought after as just about any PG in NSL free agency. 

Pursuing Teams: WAS, LAL, SA, DEN, CHA, CLE

Shooting Guards: 

• 1)       Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown has returned to his NBA promise land, and many around the NBA and NSL expect him to pick back up, virtually where he left off when he was last in Denver.  He should play a key role on an NBA Denver team which made depth a priority in the offseason.  

Pursuing Teams: CHA, LAC, MIA, MIL, PHI

• 2)       Nickeil Alexander Walker

The rare MLE target on this article, it’s hard not to love what NAW has done on the young NBA season thus far.  Starting, coming off the bench, it hasn’t mattered, he’s played a key role in each of Atlanta’s wins in the early going.  He’s a true 2-way factor in the NSL this year, and in my opinion, the clear top MLE target of NSL free agency this season.  

Pursuing Teams: CLE, NOP, GSW, ATL

• 3)       Gary Trent Jr. 

A true gun in the NBA and NSL.  GTJ has a rather limited, but highly specialized skillset that a number of teams could utilize in their roster this season.  Best suited in a super-6^th man role, GTJ has the poise and talent to lead a teams 2^nd unit. 

Pursuing Teams: SAC, MIL, HOU, CLE, PHO, MIN

• 4)       Caris Levert

Where GTJ is a specialized role player, Caris is a much more balanced, bit of do it all player.  A nice rotation piece to have in the NSL as he can spot start in place of an injury, or contribute heavily to a teams bench unit, but most likely, do a bit of both.  He can create, score, and defend albeit not in a supreme manner, though his length will help on that end.  Another pricey get, but if you’ve got the money, why not. 

Pursuing Teams: MIN, NOP, GSW, ATL

• 5)       Josh Okogie

Many would have gone another way here.  GP2, Exum, Eric Gordon were honorable mentions, but I decided to go with Okogie on the back of his strong play at an NBA contender in Houston.  He again looks like he’ll be a factor in the NBA, which in term will make him very serviceable, especially on the defensive end in the NSL. 

Pursuing Teams: MIN, CLE, CHA, PHO, SAC, LAL