5 surprising NBA free agents (Markelle Fultz!) not currently signed before the season
With the 2024-25 NBA season about to soon begin, there are several notable players who are shockingly unemployed.
It is not terribly surprising when notable veterans eventually age out of the market and do not settle on a home before the new season tips off. There are a few examples of that around the league right now (e.g. Robert Covington, Jae Crowder, JaVale McGee, Bismack Biyombo, and Justin Holiday) just like every other year.
Meanwhile, there are typically high draft picks who didn't exactly reach their potential (e.g. Killian Hayes, James Bouknight, Kevin Knox, and James Bouknight) readily available as well.
But when slightly younger players who have shown promise do not have anywhere to play, it deserves a bit more of an eyebrow raise. Here are some of those names.
Markelle Fultz
Once the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft who never quite materialized, it was exciting to see Fultz reinvent himself over the past few seasons in Orlando. During the 2022-23 campaign, he started all 60 games he played for the Magic while averaging a career-high 14.0 points to go with 5.7 assists per game. But after some shooting regression last season, Fultz did not yet land a new NBA contract.
Dennis Smith Jr.
Perhaps the most puzzling player who is not currently signed to an NBA deal is Dennis Smith Jr., who likely won't have to wait too long until a team seeks out his services. Last season, per dunksandthrees, Smith ranked in the 98th percentile among all players in Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus. With his remarkable athleticism, he should have a spot in the league again soon.
Oshae Brissett
Celtics executive Brad Stevens said that Oshae Brissett was "terrific" for Boston during their championship season, but the wing did not return to the roster or find a new home. Brissett seems ready to get back in the league as soon as possible with the right situation.
Lonnie Walker IV
While he got a look from Boston this offseason and scoring as many as 20 points in a preseason appearance, Lonnie Walker IV did not make the roster this year. He is reportedly getting looks from teams overseas, but if he stays patient, an opportunity in the NBA could present itself again soon.
Nassir Little
Another interesting free agent who is currently available is Nassir Little. After beginning his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and spending last season with the Phoenix Suns, the 24-year-old forward played the preseason for the Heat. He did not make the roster but could become an underrated free agency signing for a different franchise.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 surprising NBA free agents (Markelle Fultz!) not currently signed before the season
