NBA free agency this coming October promises to be met with a weak market. On top of a lack of top-end players, the financial instability stemming from the worldwide pandemic is going to make things interesting.
With that said, there’s going to be a number of underrated free agents set to make a major impact next season. That includes sharpshooters in Brooklyn and New Orleans. It’s in this that we look at the five-most underrated NBA free agents for October.
Joe Harris, guard, Brooklyn Nets
While pretty much one-dimensional, Harris should be a highly-coveted free agent in a market that’s going to be incredibly bare. The 28-year-old three-point specialist would excel on a team that utilizes a ton of spacing on offense. The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets out west make a ton of sense.
Harris is averaging 13.9 points and 4.3 rebounds on 41% shooting from distance this season. He led the NBA with a ridiculous 47% three-point mark last season. A combo guard-forward, Harris will make his new team extremely happy. Of course, that’s if Brooklyn doesn’t pony up the cash to retain him.
Alex Len, center, Sacramento Kings
A former top-five bust of the Phoenix Suns, Len has joined other high draft picks that have had success after leaving the organization. The 27-year-old center has played a key role for the Kings since coming over in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Len is averaging 6.6 points and 7.1 rebounds on 62% shooting from the field in less than 17 minutes per game in California’s capital city. Barring long-term ramifications stemming from his recent COVID-19 diagnosis, Len should be a strong figure in free agency.
E’Twaun Moore, guard, New Orleans Pelicans
It’s all about three-point shooting for this former late second-round pick. Moore will resume his season in Orlando having shot 38% from three-point range on the season. All said, the former Purdue standout has shot better than 36% from distance in each of the past four seasons.
There’s going to be some concern over his inability to do pretty much anything else as a combo guard (1.8 career assists per game). With that said, Moore’s excellence from the perimeter will make him an attractive option once October comes calling.
Alec Burks, guard, Philadelphia 76ers
Burks, 28, was absolutely tremendous for an injury-depleted Warriors team earlier in the season. The former top-12 pick averaged north of 16 points on 38% shooting from distance. Burks also contributed 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per outing.
Sure the guard struggled to an extent finding his rhythm after being traded to Philadelphia. In no way does this mean he won’t be an underrated option once free agency gets going. The ability to fill up the stat line coming off the bench will not go unnoticed.
Dwight Howard, center, Los Angeles Lakers
How can a potential future Hall of Fame big man be considered underrated? It’s rather simple. Howard received a non-guaranteed contract at the veteran minimum from Los Angeles last summer. He has responded by putting up a career-resurgent performance.
Howard, 34, is averaging 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds on an absolutely ridiculous 73% shooting from the field this season. He’s doing so in less than 20 minutes of action per game. The hope here is that Howard finds a way to return to the Lakers. If not, he’s certainly going to help another contender.