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It’s Day 4 of the 2021 NBA free agency and there are fewer players available for the picking than ever. Nevertheless, there are teams who are looking to add to their stash of big men with a player who can help them grab a couple more rebounds, make defensive plays or hit a few three-pointers.
2021 NBA Free agency: The power forwards list is drying up
After the first three days of the 2021 NBA Free Agency, the top power forwards in the market this summer such as John Collins, Nicolas Batum, Doug McDermott and Nemanja Bjelica are gone. They’ve all been gobbled up already, but there are still some players who can make a difference for a team.
The No. 1 and 2 players on this list certainly qualify as game-changers and top-of-the-line power forwards, as you’ll see later on. With that said, let’s take a look at the top five power forwards still unsigned on Day 4 of the 2021 NBA free agency:
#5 Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
One of the top remaining power forwards in the 2021 NBA free agency is the Portland Trail Blazers’ Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Playing in only 11 games last season, Hollis-Jefferson averaged just 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in 9.7 minutes an outing. However, in the 2019-20 campaign for the Toronto Raptors, he put up 7.0 points and grabbed 4.7 boards a night as an 18.7-minutes-a-night contributor.
The six-year veteran doesn’t have the shooting that some forwards have, but he is an energetic player who can change the course of a ball game with his presence. He plays tough defense and could be a defensive stopper for title-contending teams that need a player who can guard the best wing players in the game.
#4 JaKarr Sampson
If not for his limited offensive abilities, JaKarr Sampson would be a much more coveted power forward in the 2021 NBA free agency. He’s athletic and can play center in small ball lineups even at just 6-foot-7.
A team won’t have to break the bank to secure his services, and the Indiana Pacers free agent is a good player to have on the bench to provide hustle and energy. In only 10.9 minutes per game, Sampson averaged 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds.
#3 Jarred Vanderbilt
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jarred Vanderbilt could be snaffled in the 2021 NBA free agency for the right price. But the Timberwolves have the final say as he is a restricted free agent.
The 22-year-old became a valuable member of the team as a hustle guy who started in 30 of 64 games for Minnesota. He averaged career-highs across the board last season with 5.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals a night in 17.8 minutes a game.
Vanderbilt is a defensive specialist who could be signed at a fair price if a team should have an opening at the power forward position in the 2021 NBA free agency.
#2 Paul Millsap
Denver Nuggets free agent forward Paul Millsap started in 36 of 56 games last season, averaging 9.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. The scoring average is the lowest since his second year in the league as Millsap lost playing time to Michael Porter Jr.
Still, Millsap would be an asset to a title contender or a team that’s looking to get over the hump. The four-time All-Star can be a valuable contributor either as a starter or as one of the top reserves. He’s a so-so three-point shooter, but he can make the occasional three.
As one of the top power forwards in the 2021 NBA free agency, Millsap should find a home within the week.
#1 Lauri Markkanen
The top power forward still available in 2021 NBA free agency is the Chicago Bulls’ Lauri Markkanen, who is a restricted free agent. In 2020-21, he averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per game, made 40.2 percent of his three-pointers and connected on 58.2 percent of his two-point shots.
He has been somewhat injury prone, but he is too talented not to take a chance on. The 7-footer is an excellent stretch four who will be an asset to whichever team signs him. The Bulls have the final say on Markkanen’s ultimate destination, but no one knows for sure what their plans are for the Arizona product.
Don’t expect him to be available for much longer in the 2021 NBA free agency.
Guess the Lakers players!
