The 2023 NBA Free agency market will be featuring the best players this summer. Teams are already looking at Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Khris Middleton, and many more. Most of these athletes would require max contracts with their undeniable skill and talent. However, there are some free agents out there that could potentially be your favorite franchise’s next key player. Let’s take a look at the five underrated free agent stars in 2023 and see how far they could take a team with their contribution on the court.
5. Rui Hachimura
The 2019 9th overall pick, Rui Hachimura, has been a pretty steady player from the start of his career. With enough player time, Hachimura can get double-digit scoring output. He spent the second half of the 2022-2023 season with the Lakers and thankfully, he was one of the reasons why the Lakers were able to turn their season around.
The 25-year-old forward from Japan is already a great role player teams would want in their team. But, in this year’s playoffs, Hachimura showed he could be more than just a rotation player. At times, Rui Hachimura would be tasked to show up especially if LeBron James or Anthony Davis has an off-night. His playoff performance would make him a high-value name in the free agency market, but he has been fairly overrated throughout his career.
2022-2023 stats: 11.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 APG
4. Jakob Poeltl
The San Antonio Spurs traded the Austrian big man Jakob Poeltl to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Khem Birch and some draft picks. We can’t say if the Spurs won that trade, but the Raptors did get a solid center to add to their roster.
After Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry left, the Toronto Raptors went to rebuild mode but were still a good team in the East. They currently have All-Stars Fred VanVleet (who is also a free agent this year) and Pascal Siakam. Plus, they have the 2022 Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes. But, Jakob Poeltl is a good center that completes this deep squad. Poeltl can give you guaranteed double figures in scoring and rebounding every night, making him one of the best yet underrated centers in the league. We don’t hear his name more often, but Poeltl deserves some respect for his name.
2022-2023 stats: 12.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.0 APG
3. Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. is currently playing for the Toronto Raptors, and thankfully, he is still thriving. Two years ago, Trent Jr. seemed like a star in the making and has the potential to become a superstar. Although that is still yet to happen, the 24-year-old is playing great, steady, and consistent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czan88sqvLA
He is, however, a hidden gem that needs to be unleashed. Gary Trent Jr. was drafted 37th overall in 2018. His rookie season wasn’t that great, but he eventually became better each year. This season, he was the third leading scorer for the Raptors behind Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. The Toronto Raptors fanbase wishes to keep him, but if he decides to try free agency, Gary Trent Jr. could become a lethal offensive weapon for a championship contender.
2022-2023 stats: 17.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG
2. Jerami Grant
We don’t get much news from this guy, but Jerami Grant is having a great season with the Portland Trailblazers. Grant is posting more than 20 points a game while also shooting a career-high 40.1% 3-point field goal percentage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkfS2x0j6-E
Jerami Grant is good enough to become a second or third option with his production. He’s got great length that allows him to defend the basket, too. Skill-wise, Grant has a lot of tricks up his sleeve and he’s got a deep bag. Not to offend him, but he is somewhat a poor man’s Brandon Ingram.
2022-2023 stats: 20.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.4 APG
1. Jordan Clarkson
The 2021 6th Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson, is having the best season of his career so far. He is putting up career-high points, rebounds, and assists. Right now, he is undeniably the second-best player in the Utah Jazz, just behind Lauri Markkanen.
Clarkson has always been a great scorer even at the start of his career. A guy who can make his own shots anywhere on the court is very deadly. He may not be in the superstar category, but JC has the potential to become an All-Star. Would you believe he only signed a 4-year, $50 Million contract? He’s only getting that money despite his performance. Surprisingly, Clarkson is even averaging more points than Khris Middleton and Russell Westbrook this season.
2022-2023 stats: 20.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.4 APG
Do you agree with our take? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
