The NBA offseason and free agency, in particular, is often overshadowed by the big-name signings. However, the under-the-radar free agents can be the most impactful in terms of championship aspirations. Denver Nuggets’ Bruce Brown signing was a great example of a player that helped propel them to a championship. This article delves into three underrated signings that should impact their respective teams much more than their contract values might suggest.
NBA Offseason: 3 Most Underrated Free Agent Signings
Underrated NBA Offseason Signing No. 1: Keita Bates-Diop to Suns
Phoenix desperately needed depth additions after their Bradley Beal deal, and Keita Bates-Diop was just the type of player they needed. They agreed on a two-year, $5 million contract. However, Bates-Diop could make a much more significant impact than that and could be the Suns’ “secret weapon” this season.
Last year with the Spurs, he averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.7 steals on 51/39/79 shooting splits in only 21.7 minutes per game. He’s a well-rounded two-way player who should fit seamlessly alongside the Suns core.
What’s got Suns fans excited about Bates-Diop is his 3-and-D game. He’s 6-foot-8 and is a switchable defender that can guard multiple positions. The Suns are viewed as a small team with Devin Booker and Beal. However, that’s not the case, as they can now play a lineup with two seven-footers, Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton, to go along with Bates-Diop. He should also help them guard all of the elite wings in the Western Conference as they look to make a deep postseason run.
Offensively, Bates-Diop is an underrated shooter who can space the floor to provide the Suns’ elite playmakers room to operate.
Bates-Diop may play his way into the starting lineup as the wing next to Durant. He’s exactly what the Suns needed as a complementary piece that can impact the game in multiple aspects without demanding the ball.
Underrated Signing No. 2: Taurean Prince to Lakers
The Lakers received a lot of praise this offseason for their moves, and most of it was justified. Still, one of their signings somehow didn’t receive enough credit, which was bringing Taurean Prince in on a one-year, $4.5 million deal. Similarly to Bates-Diop for the Suns, Prince is another solid complementary 3-and-D piece.
At 6-foot-6, Prince is a solid defender who can take the load off of LeBron James by guarding the opposing team’s best wing, especially in the regular season. His game goes far beyond defense, however, as evidenced by his 9.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game last season on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Prince is arguably an even better shooter than Bates-Diop, with efficient shooting splits last season of 47/38/84. His ability to space the floor will be vital for elite stars like James and Anthony Davis. Prince gives them more room to operate. LeBron has had plenty of success throughout his career with shooters who can space the floor, and Prince could be the next example of that.
He’s an ideal role player as someone who doesn’t need the ball or plays drawn up for him. Nevertheless, he can impact the game as a veteran two-way player.
Underrated Signing No. 3: Jalen McDaniels to Raptors
The Raptors signed Jalen McDaniels to a two-year, $9.3 million deal in one of the most underrated moves this summer. At 6-foot-9, McDaniels fits in perfectly with Toronto’s team strength and identity. They’re all about length, versatility, and defense, and McDaniels brings precisely that.
Last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, McDaniels averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. He did this all on 46/33/84 shooting splits. At 25 years old, he also fits in exceptionally well with their retooling timeline following Fred VanVleet‘s departure. He can be an excellent complementary piece alongside Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby. He can also be an insurance policy should they decide to trade one of them. Regardless, McDaniels is a great addition that is part of the bigger roster picture that the Raptors hope to build.
