The 2024 NBA offseason has been quite eventful, with a number of stars switching teams. Paul George, Klay Thompson, and DeMar DeRozan will all be wearing new jerseys for the first time in years. Or ever.
However, while the free agency period has cooled down, a number of shooting guards are both available and serviceable. There are a few who teams would be wise to strongly consider signing.
Best Shooting Guards Remaining In Free Agency
Isaac Okoro
Currently a restricted free agent, four-year veteran Isaac Okoro is currently in a contract dispute with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The young defensive specialist looking to get paid upwards of $10 million annually. As a result, there’s a chance that he could sign his qualifying offer, becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason. This is aided by the fact that only the Detroit Pistons have the cap space necessary to offer him to a contract that he might accept.
The Pistons could sign Okoro if they believe in his jump shot. A sign-and-trade is another feasible option, with Isaiah Stewart owed $15 million annually. Such a move would fortify Cleveland’s frontcourt and improve Detroit’s perimeter defense.
However, the Pistons aren’t the only team that could take that route. With his two-way ability, contenders and rebuilding teams alike would find him useful.
Lonnie Walker IV
Lonnie Walker IV has played well enough to justify his roster spot.
Over the past two seasons, the Pennsylvania native has averaged 10.7 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting from 3 in the regular season. In big playoff moments, he’s shown up. Statistically, Walker averaging 6.2 points per game in the 2023 NBA Playoffs wasn’t impressive. Factoring in his 48.3 percent shooting from the field and 38.2 percent shooting from 3 makes those numbers shine a bit more.
However, it was Walker’s timely scoring and strong perimeter defense that stood out.
A moment doesn’t make a career. To that point, Walker has been inconsistent at both ends of the floor. Though he has playmaking potential, he has a rather one-dimensional impact. Yet, with his flashes and age (25), it’s difficult to say that he’s maxed out his potential.
The Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards are among the rebuilding teams that could have an interest in him.
Talen Horton-Tucker
Talen Horton-Tucker is undoubtedly talented, averaging at least 10 points per game in each of the last three seasons.
At 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, he lacks bounce and wiggle due to his bulk. Furthermore, he’s a streaky jump shooter, making 29.3 percent of his 3s in his career. Yet, with his size and craftiness, Horton-Tucker is a relatively unique scorer. His herky-jerk style and scoring instincts allow him to be a spark plug off the bench. When he gets hot, he’s truly a spectacle.
Though 23 years old, there’s a question of how much potential he has. Nonetheless, Horton-Tucker is a solid option for a variety of teams, even if only for depth.
