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The 2020 NBA offseason has been one of the most unique in the history of professional sports. The moves made through the draft, the trade market, and during free agency have been eye-brow raising. Shocking moves such as Montrezl Harrell leaving the Los Angeles Clippers for the cross-town Los Angeles Lakers, and Gordon Hayward signing with the Charlotte Hornets came out of nowhere. With a plethora of deals made, many new faces ended up in new places, but which free agent will have the greatest effect on their new squad? Let’s take a look at the top ten NBA free agent signings.
10. Tristan Thompson, C, Boston Celtics
Tristian Thompson is one of the more underrated players in this league and last season was an example of it. Thompson quietly had a career year averaging 12 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game. Boston was smart to add a big man as tough and gritty as Thompson because he can be the defensive anchor for them down-low that they’ve been missing. This signing was a bit confusing, as the Celtics could’ve used a big man who can stretch the floor better, but the fact that Thompson still adds to their defense makes him a player who’ll be effective.
9. Dwight Howard, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Dwight Howard joining the 76ers on a one year, $2.6 million deal was quite a surprise. Coming off a championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard proved he still had plenty left in the tank and can contribute on both ends of the floor. I see Howard having a great effect on this team, particularly on star player Joel Embiid. The former three-time Defensive Player of the Year is still one of the best interior defenders in the league, and he could mentor Embiid in that aspect. That would certainly help take Philly to the next level. He’ll be an excellent backup at center.
8. Gordon Hayward, SF, Charlotte Hornets
Don’t get me wrong, Gordon Hayward is a solid player who can light it up offensively when he gets on a roll. A lot of teams would’ve won free agency by signing him. The Hornets might’ve had the most exciting off-season in their franchise’s history, namely, by selecting LaMelo Ball in the draft. But, they may have gotten a little too excited when they offered Hayward a four year, $120 million contract, overpaying him a bit. But, he’s a great player who will make this Hornets offense fun to watch due to his stellar shooting from mid-range and three. He will have a great effect on this young Hornets squad. Overpaid or not, Hayward will serve as an excellent mentor for the youth on this team.
7. Avery Bradley, G, Miami Heat
The Heat shocked a lot of people in the NBA bubble when they advanced to the NBA Finals, pushing the Los Angeles Lakers to six games. Their young roster looks to be a promising one with the passion and poise that they approach the game with. When they added Avery Bradley it made me realize that this team only wants gritty hard-nosed players. Bradley is one of those players, and he can be a great role player for this team with his three-point shooting, ball-handling skills, and excellent defensive ability. There’s no doubt he’ll have a big effect in Miami.
6. Danilo Gallinari, F, Atlanta Hawks
No one really expected Danillo Gallinari to sign with Atlanta at first, but once he did, the fit seemed more and more perfect. Gallinari brings a veteran presence to a young Hawks team and with his three-point shot off the catch, the Hawks offense will be extremely fun to watch. Adding Gallinari puts another shooter on the floor for Atlanta that takes pressure off of star player Trae Young a bit.
5. Montrezl Harrell, Los Angeles Lakers
The biggest surprise of free agency is Montrezl Harell leaving the Clippers for the Lakers. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year took a big pay cut to join (a different) championship team in their quest to go back-to-back. Harell brings a strong defensive presence next to Anthony Davis down-low for the Lakers, which they had last season, but now with more scoring and youth. Harrell can become a viable scoring option for this Lakers team, as he averaged 18.4 points per game off the bench with the Clippers. He’s going to have a great impact with the defending champs.
4. Serge Ibaka, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Sure, the Clippers would’ve loved to have kept Montrezl Harrell, but they may have found themselves somewhat of an upgrade with their signing of Serge Ibaka. Ibaka is a bit older than Harrell, but he can do most of what Harell can and then some. Not to mention, Ibaka has championship experience, winning with now Clippers’ star Kawhi Leonard, with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. What Ibaka has that Harrell doesn’t is his ability to space the floor with consistent three-point shooting. This will open up the floor for the Clippers more, and will make them more versatile.
3. Dennis Schröder, PG, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers were looking for a third scoring option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis and someone to handle the ball when James is off the court. They did just that by acquiring Dennis Schröder in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Schröder brings his pure scoring ability to the Lakers that can be relied on, especially in late-game situations. Schröder’s shooting and playmaking will be vital in the Lakers’ quest for back-to-back titles this season, leaving no doubt about the importance he’ll have in the purple and gold this season.
2. Jrue Holiday, G, Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee’s front office tried everything in their power to add weapons next to reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and although some moves like the Bogdan Bogdanovic trade failed to work, they were able to land an All-Star caliber guard in Jrue Holiday. The Bucks needed another ball handler to make things happen on offense when the game slows down, and Holiday will do just that. He’s a bigger guard that can play excellent defense too, so the Bucks, who owned the best defensive rating in basketball last season, will be even better on that end of the floor. Is Holiday the missing piece for this team? We’ll have to find out.
1. Chris Paul, PG, Phoenix Suns
Number one on the list was almost a no-brainer. Any team that adds a player of Chris Paul’s caliber with his resume, basketball IQ, and experience will only improve. The Suns made the best move of the NBA offseason by creating a backcourt of Paul and Devin Booker. The future Hall-of-Famer was on a mission in 2019, proving to the world he could lead a young team and he did just that in his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite 0.2 percent odds of making the playoffs (according to ESPN projections), Paul led the Thunder to the fifth seed out west. Now that he has improved talent around him in Phoenix, there’s no reason why Paul won’t have the same effect on the Suns that he did on the Thunder. You can book it now, the Suns will be back in the postseason with Chris Paul in town.
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