For the rest of the regular season and postseason, Hoops Rumors is taking a closer look at players who will be free agents or could become free agents during the 2023 offseason. We consider whether their stock is rising or falling due to their performance and other factors. Today, we’re focusing on a handful of Southeast players.
Kyle Kuzma, F, Wizards
2022/23: $13,000,000
2023/24: $13,000,000 player option
Stock: Up
Kuzma has already said he plans to decline his player option and enter free agency, which makes a lot of sense from a financial perspective – he can only earn up to about $70MM over four years in an extension.
Through 35 games (35.4 minutes), the six-year veteran is averaging 21.6 points (a career high), 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists on .466/.341/.703 shooting (.560 true shooting percentage).
The 27-year-old’s TS% is actually below league average (.577, the highest in NBA history), but he offers three-level scoring and an interesting blend of versatility on both sides of the ball. He should see a significant raise on his $13MM deal starting next season.
Justin Holiday, G/F, Hawks
2022/23: $6,292,440
2023/24: UFA
Stock: Down
It’s a rare and impressive accomplishment for an undrafted player to last 10 NBA seasons, but the eldest of the three Holiday brothers has now joined that group, having found a nice niche as a 3-and-D wing from 2016-2021.
Holiday has earned between $4.3MM and $6.3MM each of the past six seasons, but his role and production have been limited in ‘22/23. He’s averaging just 15.4 minutes per contest and 4.7 points through 26 games, while recording his lowest 3PT% (.345) since ’15/16.
Perhaps more concerning is the fact that Holiday’s defense isn’t what it used to be, and he’ll be 34 in April, so there’s little reason to believe that will turn around. At this point, he’s looking like a one-year, veteran’s minimum type in free agency – assuming he finds a team.
Will Barton, G/F, Wizards
2022/23: $14,375,000
2023/24: UFA
Stock: Down
Similar to Holiday, playing 11 seasons as a former second-round pick (40th in 2012) is certainly an impressive achievement for Barton. He entered the league as a raw prospect, but flourished when he was traded from Portland to Denver, averaging 14.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game on .438/.362/.789 shooting over seven-plus seasons.
Unfortunately, injuries have sapped Barton’s athleticism in recent years, and he was never a great defensive player. That – along with being traded to the Wizards in the offseason – has been detrimental to his career. He’s producing at his lowest level since his Trail Blazer days, averaging just 8.3 points, 3.0 boards and 2.7 assists per game on .371/.370/.800 shooting (.486 TS%) through 31 contests (22.3 minutes).
Barton will have earned more than $80MM in his career once this season is over, but he’s clearly on the tail end of things, and is probably looking at a veteran’s minimum contract in the offseason.
Nick Richards, C, Hornets
2022/23: Minimum salary
2023/24: RFA
Stock: Up
The 42nd pick of the 2020 draft, Richards rarely saw the court in his first two seasons, averaging just 6.3 minutes across 68 games. Suffice it to say, external expectations were not high for the 7’0” center entering ‘22/23.
The fact that he has been one of the most productive backup centers in the league this season – he’s averaging 9.0 points and 6.4 rebounds in 33 games (18.8 minutes) – has been a pleasant surprise to say the least. The 9-26 Hornets currently hold the second-worst record in the league, but Richards has been a bright spot.
The 25-year-old will be a restricted free agent in the offseason and should garner a nice raise on his current minimum-salary deal.
(As an aside, I have no idea why Mason Plumlee continues to see the majority of minutes in the middle over Richards and first-rounder Mark Williams. Plumlee turns 33 in March, will be an unrestricted free agent, is a negative on defense, and Charlotte clearly isn’t going anywhere. Very odd situation for one of the league’s most perplexing teams.)
P.J. Washington, F/C, Hornets
2022/23: $5,808,435
2023/24: RFA
Stock: Down
Washington has several desirable traits – he can play both frontcourt positions (though he has played almost exclusively power forward this season), he’s a decent defender, he holds a career 3PT% of .368, he can leverage the threat of his outside shot to pump-and-drive, and he can post up smaller players, particularly favoring a mini-hook shot down low.
The former lottery pick will turn 25 in the offseason, so he’s theoretically still on the upside of his career, and he’s posting a career-best 14.8 points through 34 games in ‘22/23. So why is his stock down to this point?
Well, down is relative. I thought Washington could get a deal in the four-year, $60-70MM range on a rookie scale extension before the season started, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he still does, but it won’t be because he’s having a strong contract year. Despite playing a career-high 31.8 minutes per contest, he’s averaging a career-low 4.9 rebounds, his defense has regressed a little to my eyes, and his efficiency has plummeted. He has posted .416/.337/.798 shooting splits for a .519 TS%, after registering a career-high .588 TS% in ‘21/22.
Playing without the team’s best passers for much of the season hasn’t helped, and there’s plenty of time for Washington to turn things around with a strong second half. Still, his stock has definitely dipped since October.
Rory Maher
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/12/free-agent-stock-watch-southeast-division-5.html
By: Rory Maher
Title: Free Agent Stock Watch: Southeast Division
Sourced From: www.hoopsrumors.com/2022/12/free-agent-stock-watch-southeast-division-5.html
Published Date: 12-29-2022
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a restricted player free agent in NBA basketball?
A restricted free agent in NBA refers to a player, who has finished their rookie contract and is now an unrestricted - free agent. The rights of their former team are not affected. In this situation, the team has the right to match any offer sheet another team gives to the player. If they do, the player must continue to play for their team and remain within their contract. This allows teams to keep players who are valuable but not able to pay their salary. Restricted free agents are a type of free agent that can provide teams with valuable flexibility when building their rosters.
Who made the NBA's first basket?
Ossie Schectman (American professional basketball player) was the one who scored the first basket for the Basketball Association of America (BAA), later becoming the National Basketball Association (NBA). The first basket was scored by Ossie Schectman on November 1, 1946 in a game between New York Knickerbockers (Toronto Huskies) and New York Knickerbockers (New York Knickerbockers). Schectman scored the historic first basket that opened the BAA's inaugural year.
What is a buyout?
A buyout agreement in the NBA is between a club and a player. In this agreement, the team agrees to pay part or all of the remaining contract amount the player was entitled to receive. Players can become free agents and sign for any team within the league once their buyout has been completed. The league allows teams to change their roster composition or reduce their salaries during the season.
What is a Trade Exemption in NBA Basketball?
A trade exception in the NBA is an allowance for teams to trade away a player. This exception allows teams and players to be acquired whose salaries are greater than the ones they trade away. This exception is allowed by teams for multiple seasons. It doesn't count against their salary cap and luxury tax threshold. Trade exceptions provide a way for teams not to have to trim their rosters or make changes to their roster composition. This helps to keep the teams in competition and avoid unfair advantage situations due to financial circumstances.
It also keeps the league financially stable, and ensures teams have the ability to make moves without worrying if they can afford them. Trade exceptions are an integral part roster construction in NBA. They can be used to help teams fight for championships.
Who is the best basketball player of all time?
This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many excellent players. Each person has their own opinion. Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant (LeBron James), Kareem Abde-Jabbar and Magic Johnson are some of the leading contenders to this title. Each of these legends have had an enormous impact on basketball, and they all deserve a place in basketball history. They all have different styles of play which have been greatly admired by millions. Therefore, it is impossible to definitively answer this question as everyone has their own opinion on who the best player of all time is. It's clear, however, that this list must include six of the most remarkable players.
Most people agree that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever. He was born on February 17th 1963 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Jordan began his professional basketball career with the Chicago Bulls in 1984 and soon became one of his era's most famous and successful players. Jordan was a six time NBA champion, six -time NBA finals M MVP, five -time NBA regular season MVP. He also served as a 10-time NBA score leader, 10-time NBA second team, nine times NBA all-defensive team MVP, and three times NBA steals leader.
Jordan is also a two-time Olympic gold medal winner and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. Jordan is remembered for his incredible ability to make plays, score from anywhere on the floor and be a leader on and off the court. His unwavering drive and ambition will be an inspiration to millions around the world.
Jordan's legacy of greatness will be remembered forever. He is without doubt the greatest basketball player in history. His level of greatness is unparalleled by any other player. He will forever be remembered for being one of the greatest athletes in history. There isn't much more that can be said about Michael Jordan except that he truly is the greatest of all time. His amazing career and accomplishments will never be forgotten. He was, will always be, and has been "The GOAT," the one and only Michael Jordan.
Which NBA team has been the most successful?
The question of "What is the best way to answer this question?" is subjective. It will be debated by fans for years. With 17 titles, the Los Angeles Lakers (with 17 titles) and the Boston Celtics (17 with 17 titles) have the most NBA championships. The Chicago Bulls were in their prime during the 1990s, when six titles were won by Phil Jackson, a Hall of Fame coach. Five championships have been won by the San Antonio Spurs since 1999. The Golden State Warriors have won four of the last ten. Other notable NBA teams are the Philadelphia 76ers, Kobe Shaq Lakers, and LeBron Jam's Miami Heat, who won back-to–back championships for 2012 and 2013.
Statistics
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
sports.yahoo.com
- Yahoo Mail, Weather and Search. Politics, News, Finance, Sports & Videos.
- NBA Finals game 1 sees the lowest viewing in recorded ratings history
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Follow Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
sbnation.com
How To
Is there a better way to be drafted into the NBA than the traditional route?
There are two ways to become a NBA player: high school or college.
NCAA schools are available to college students, such as Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Kentucky. These schools offer four years' education and training. Players develop ball handling, shooting, and rebounding skills during this period. They learn how defense and offense can be run. They also learn how to be a professional athlete mentally.
Prep schools are located outside the states where high school players live. These schools are focused on talent development and provide athletes with personalized attention. The schools teach academics, character development and sportsmanship.
Both types of players must pass identical physical tests before being allowed to enter the draft. The test includes running 40 yards, jumping above a 5'6" box and standing on one leg while throwing a football through the tire.
After passing these tests, players can be invited to workout with different NBA teams. The players are judged on their height, speed, weight, wingspan, or size.
Teams also take into account their past experience. A player who has played AAU basketball will be given preference.
Sometimes, players considered too small to be professional athletes are called "one and done" prospects. These players are often chosen in the second round.
Some players opt to skip college and join the NBA straight away. These players are called "prospects." Prospects don't have to wait to declare themselves eligible to draft.
They can apply to get an exemption so they can enter the draft before others. Prospects can apply for an exemption to be allowed to enter the draft early.
Participation is an option for prospective players who want to increase their chances in getting selected. Summer league games are played in July or August.
These events enable scouts see players in action without worrying too much about injury risks.
The NBA Draft is held each June. This is when all top prospects are evaluated by the 30 NBA teams. Each team receives a set number of picks in each round.
In other words, the first selection in the first round is usually the 15th overall. The 60th pick in the third round is the 20th selection.
Teams make trades after the draft to complete their rosters. Many teams hold mini-camps where draftees can train with them.
Draft day is exciting! What happens next
You can start waiting to hear your name called once the draft starts. Every NBA team takes turns selecting players from the pool of available hopefuls.
Once a team selects players, it sends them a contract which outlines their salary, playing times, and benefits. He becomes a member of the organization.
He also receives a jersey that bears his name and a uniform that includes his new nickname.
Finally, he signs his contract. That is when he officially joins NBA.
