While many people watch free agency to track the moves made by the biggest free agents in the NBA, those championship teams often rely on players found in the margins of the market. Although many players are no longer available, many are still looking for the right situation that can help them shine in the NBA soon. Names like Spencer Jones, Matisse Thybulle, or Ochai Agbaji are not the biggest names in NBA free agency, but they can definitely become important contributors for either championship teams or teams looking to improve. These three players have versatility on defense, shooting ability, and overall athleticism.
Three Underrated NBA Free Agents Still Available
Spencer Jones: A Low-Risk Bet With 3-and-D Potential
Being a restricted free agent means his team, the Denver Nuggets, has matching rights to any offer he receives from another club, but it does not seem this will prevent teams from inquiring about the player. Jones’ length and height at six-foot-seven works to his advantage, making him the ideal modern NBA wing who can guard players without giving away too much height. At the moment, although Jones is still a player working on the offensive side of his game, his combination of skills should make him very attractive to any team interested in acquiring a 3-and-D type player who will shorten the adjustment period for his new team.
Matisse Thybulle: One Of The League’s Premier Perimeter Defenders
Players can be granted essential playing time with sufficient defensive ability, and few free agents can match Thybulle’s outstanding defensive level. He has made the All-Defensive Team twice in his career, reflecting his ability to stop enemy attacks effectively, thanks to instincts and fast hands that make it easier to steal and block. Although he was often criticized for his offensive ability, he has recently improved at three-point shooting.
Thus, for those playoff teams that want to bolster their perimeter defense without diminishing their level of athleticism, Thybulle is among the most attractive options. He may not be in the Portland Trail Blazers’ offseason plans, but Thybulle can be a great piece for a team to pick up in free agency.
Ochai Agbaji: A Reliable Two-Way Wing Ready For A Bigger Opportunity
Agbaji has blossomed into a reliable two-way player without getting much recognition in the league. His athleticism makes him capable of playing defense on both guard positions as well as on smaller forwards. His improving percentage from outside makes him a genuine floor spacer. Agbaji does not need the ball in his hands to make a positive contribution, which is why he is well-suited to serve as a support player to a superstar who hogs the possessions.
At only 26 years old, Agbaji still has development potential, and teams may try to secure a player who could become one of the league’s best role-playing wings. The Brooklyn Nets made the decision not to bring Agbaji back, but he could be a factor in another team’s free agency plans.
Why These Players Deserve More Attention
What all three names represent is what every NBA team is after: athleticism, adaptable defense, and the ability to fulfill a mission on the floor without wanting to feel important. Jones has potential for improvement, Thybulle’s elite defense has a big game-changing impact, and Agbaji is capable of playing as a complete product who will continue to develop his skills. None of the players mentioned will be able to serve as franchise players over the long term, but each of them can become an important player in any winning team setup.
The current free-agent landscape shows that these names should be on the radar of every franchise looking for cost-efficient options. These guys can not only be a nice spark off the bench but, with consistent opportunity, be difference-makers for contending teams or just improve their value around the league overall. Teams that need to reinforce their rosters should focus on finding players who can complement their stars rather than flashy names.
Featured Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
