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The 2021 NBA free agency class is headlined by some of the top players in the game, such as DeMar DeRozan and his former Toronto Raptors teammate Kyle Lowry, who are set to be up for grabs this summer. Then there are players like Steven Adams, who has the ability to play an integral role in the setup of a championship-contending team.
2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 names that franchisees need to keep a watch on in the off-season despite their non-superstar status
Recent NBA Championship-winning teams have proven that the squad should be an ideal mix of superstars and role players. The 2019-20 LA Lakers had such a blend, with Dwight Howard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma complementing LeBron James and Anthony Davis well.
The upcoming NBA free agency has several underrated gems of similar ilk. W take a look at five underrated free agents who could be in demand this summer.
5) John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)
Atlanta Hawks' young power forward John Collins was involved in various NBA trade rumors throughout the campaign, but will see out the season with the team that drafted him. Collins had a solid season for the playoff-bound Hawks, putting up 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds on 55% shooting from the field, apart from racking up a block per game.
Collins is an offensive-minded player with a good post game and a respectable jump-shot, making him one to watch out for in the upcoming NBA free agency.
4) Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Beginning the 2020-21 season on a championship contender, promising center Jarrett Allen finished it on a lottery team. Allen had a productive year, as he averaged 12.8 points, 1.4 blocks and 10 rebounds on 61.8% shooting. Allen is one of the few young centers adept at playing on both ends of the floor, and he would be a brilliant addition to any franchise in the summer.
With his time in Cleveland probably coming to an end, Allen should be looking to bag a rewarding contract with a playoff team in NBA free agency.
Also Read: NBA Rookie of the Year 2021: Latest Power Rankings - May 17th, 2021
3) Lonzo Ball (New Orleans Pelicans)
After being criticized for his poor jump shot since his debut season, Lonzo Ball made major improvements in that regard this year, making 37.8% of his 3-point attempts. His playmaking was also on point, as the former LA Lakers star dished out 5.7 assists despite sharing the ball with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
Ball is set to test NBA free agency waters in the upcoming offseason. His size, defense and playmaking make him a unique prospect who could command a sizable contract.
2) Tim Hardaway Jr. (Dallas Mavericks)
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been impressive for the Dallas Mavericks, making an impact both off the bench and when being inserted into the starting lineup. He goes into the postseason on the back of averages of 16 points and 3 rebounds on 44-39-81 shooting splits.
Hardaway Jr. has provided the Dallas Mavericks with a scoring punch whenever he has been on the floor, whether it's through his ability to get to the rim or by taking 3-point shots. Hardaway Jr. has the potential to be one of the best sixth men in the NBA, and remains an underrated player who should garner a lot of interest in NBA free agency.
1) Spencer Dinwiddie (Brooklyn Nets)
Spencer Dinwiddie's 2020-21 NBA season was cut short just three games in, as he suffered an ACL tear that ruled him out of the campaign. However, there is no doubt over the point guard's ability, which was on full display last year when both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were out with injuries.
Dinwiddie averaged 20 points and close to seven assists in the 2019-20 season, forming a reliable backcourt partnership with Caris LeVert. Dinwiddie's leadership skills were also impressive, as he took a severely undermanned Brooklyn Nets team to the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The Brooklyn Nets now have a stacked roster that doesn't necessarily need Dinwiddie's services, making him expendable. The former Detroit Pistons man has the complete offensive package, and there is a high probability that he will be a part of a major bidding war in NBA free agency.
