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The 77th NBA season is right around the corner and teams are looking to be ready with their roster. Over the summer, news about where free agents will land was everywhere. With limited roster spots available, there were players who were bound to be left in the dust.
The start of the season is approaching but there are still capable players that haven't landed a contract. With their status, accomplishments and experience, one would think that it would be easy for them to get a contract. But that's not the case. In fact, there are still a plethora of players that haven't found a new team.
With that said, here are the top five NBA players who are free agents entering the 2022-23 season.
#5. LaMarcus Aldridge
Last season, LaMarcus Aldridge played for the Brooklyn Nets as a veteran presence in the center position. He fared well against his opponents and his ability to stretch the defense proved to be important for the team. Aldridge was a solid player for the team, and played 47 games during the 2021-22 season.
The 37-year old big man is still a solid backup center. He isn't the most explosive player available on the market, but his grounded playstyle could be useful for most teams.
#4. DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins last played for the Denver Nuggets for the 2021-22 NBA season. He played a backup role behind the league's MVP, Nikola Jokic. He did well with the team and showed flashes of his old self.
Cousins isn't the same player he once was. But he's one of the most skilled players that's available in the market. Boogie can score, pass and rebound very well and teams can use someone like him. He may not be as athletic as he once was, but his basketball IQ is still valuable.
#3. Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson is the youngest available player on this list. At only 31 years of age, he's still waiting for an NBA contract. Thompson last played for the Chicago Bulls, where he only played 23 games. Still, he did his job as a premier rebounder and was a problem on the glass.
Thompson lacks a ton of offensive skills. However, he is still well-experienced in fitting into any system as an offensive rebounder. Over the years, his reputation as a defender has taken a slight hit, but he still offers other ways to contribute to any team.
#2. Dwight Howard
It may surprise some people, but Dwight Howard is still available in the market. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner last played for the Los Angeles Lakers. During his third stint with the Lakers, Howard's involvement in the system decreased. Still, he showed flashes of his former self at times.
Obviously, he's not the All-Star center he once was. But his defensive instincts haven't failed him yet. As a backup center, Howard is still mobile on the floor and can protect the rim decently. The eight-time All-Star is available and hopefully a team picks him up.
#1. Carmelo Anthony
Together with Howard, Carmelo Anthony was part of the Lakers squad that achieved disappointment last season. Now 37 years old, Anthony is still a threat offensively and was even the fifth-best scorer in the Lakers' last 2021-22 NBA season. The 10-time All-Star has proven that he's not a washed-up player yet.
Melo is beloved by NBA fans, and seeing him on any roster just feels right. Anthony can help stretch defenses with his reliable outside stroke. He'll certainly produce offensively as he has averaged 14 points per game over the last three seasons.
