No doubt, the NBA free-agency period has focused on two developments.
The Portland Trail Blazers (Damian Lillard) and/or Philadelphia 76er (James Harden) are still canvasing the landscape to determine whether they will accommodate their respective star players’ trade demands. Plenty of marquee free agents stayed with their respective teams, including Golden State’s Draymond Green, Dallas’ Kyrie Irving and Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton. A few took attractive offers that were too good to pass up, including Fred VanVleet (to Houston), Bruce Brown (to Indiana) and Donte DiVincenzo (to New York).
What about the underrated free agent signings? Below are a look at some of the most notable.
Keita Bates-Diop to Phoenix Suns
The 6-foot-8 small forward may not excel in a specific area. But Bates-Diop has become serviceable in various ways. He can defend multiple positions. He has become a respectable 3-point shooter. And he has been considered a team-first guy with his work ethic and positive attitude.
Given the Suns’ top-heavy lineup with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Deandre Ayton, Bates-Diop can fill in the gaps with excelling at all the little things.
Dennis Smith Jr. to Brooklyn Nets
After struggling earlier in his career with inconsistency and durability, Smith has since matured into a dependable defender. He also has told reporters that he will be amenable to any role offered of him.
Because he is in the midst of revitalizing his career, Smith appears intent to show gratitude with any opportunities and that he will make the most of them. Smith also gives the Nets some insurance policy amid the uncertainty with Ben Simmons’ health, Cam Thomas’ consistency and Edmond Sumner’s contract status.
Obi Toppin to Indiana Pacers
What a steal. The Pacers acquired Toppin from the New York Knicks for only two second-round picks (2029, 2029). The Knicks dealt Toppin away for little given the team prioritized Julius Randle’s growth in the frontcourt, carving out cap space for a prized free agent (DiVincenzo) and freeing up their budget for two other extension-eligible players (Immanuel Quickly, Josh Hart).
Toppin, the No. 8 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is far from damaged goods. He is one of the NBA’s most athletic and quick players. He will fit in perfectly with a Pacers team that will feature Tyrese Haliburton and Bruce Brown also playing at a fast pace. And Toppin will develop with more minutes that wouldn’t have been available in New York.
Jock Landale to Houston Rockets
After going undrafted in 2018, Landale played overseas in his native Australia before finally latching onto the San Antonio Spurs (2021-22) and Phoenix Suns (2022-23). Landale sparked the Suns as a frontcourt reserve and occasional starter with his hustle and enthusiasm. Though he wasn’t the most polished player, Landale provided consistent scoring (6.6 points per game) and rebounding (4.1) through sheer hustle.
The Rockets will surely benefit from having Landale’s strong work ethic and enthusiasm on a young team that needs direction. Though Houston’s off-season moves mostly centered on VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, Landale will become a source of positive energy.
Cory Joseph to Golden State Warriors
The Warriors may face questions about Chris Paul’s health and willingness to accept a bench role. Yet, the Warriors bolstered their backcourt with a decent insurance policy through those potential hiccups.
Joseph has become a dependable ball handler that often makes the right play without committing many mistakes.
Mark Medina is an NBA Insider at Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter, on Instagram and on Threads.