Top Remaining NBA Free Agents Who Could Still Impact Contenders This Season

Walking into the Araneta Coliseum last season for my first practice as a consultant with an NBA team’s international scouting department, I remember feeling that electric sense of newness—the kind Christian Standhardinger of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel described so vividly in his reflections. Everything was “bago,” as he put it—fresh faces, unfamiliar routines, the raw thrill of coaching in legendary arenas. That same feeling of untapped potential now hangs over this NBA offseason, where several impactful free agents remain unsigned, each capable of reshaping a contender’s trajectory. While the media spotlight has shifted to training camps and preseason buzz, I’ve kept my scouting notes open because the real gems—the difference-makers for a deep playoff run—are still sitting there, waiting for the right call.

Let’s start with a guy I’ve always had a soft spot for: Kelly Oubre Jr. At 27 years old, he’s in that sweet spot of his career—old enough to know better, young enough to explode on any given night. Last season with the Charlotte Hornets, he put up 20.3 points per game, and though his three-point shooting dipped to around 31%, I’ve watched him torch defenses in person during summer runs. His athleticism is just absurd; he’s one of those players who can single-handedly swing a game’s momentum with a chase-down block or a transition dunk. For a team like the Los Angeles Lakers or the Miami Heat—squads that thrive on energy and secondary scoring—Oubre could be the X-factor off the bench. I’ve spoken with a few front office folks who worry about his consistency, but honestly, in a limited role where he’s not asked to carry the offense, I think he’d thrive. The numbers might not show it, but his defensive versatility alone makes him worth a flier.

Then there’s Christian Wood, a player whose talent has never been in question, but whose fit has always been a puzzle. Standing at 6'10" with a career three-point percentage hovering near 38%, he’s the prototype of the modern stretch big. I remember watching him drop 30 points and 12 rebounds in a game last season and thinking, “How is this guy not locked into a contender’s rotation?” Yet, here we are. The Dallas Mavericks moved on, and now he’s floating in free agency. From my perspective, teams like the Boston Celtics or Golden State Warriors should be all over him. Boston, in particular, could use another big who can space the floor alongside Kristaps Porziņģis—imagine the offensive fireworks. Sure, his defense can be suspect, but in the right system, with the right veterans around him, I believe he’d be motivated to prove his worth. I’d even argue he’s a top-50 talent in the league when engaged; he just needs the right environment.

Switching gears to the backcourt, I can’t help but think about Dennis Schröder. Yeah, I know he’s not the flashiest name, but the man is a competitor. After helping Germany win the FIBA Basketball World Cup, he’s riding a wave of confidence, and his playoff experience with the Lakers last season—where he averaged 12.6 points and 4.5 assists—shows he can perform under pressure. At 29, he’s a proven floor general who can stabilize a second unit, and for teams like the Phoenix Suns or Milwaukee Bucks, that’s invaluable. I’ve always appreciated his pesky defense and ability to attack the rim; he’s not afraid of the moment, something I’ve seen firsthand in international play. If I were a GM, I’d be offering him a one-year deal worth around $8 million—it’s a steal for someone who can log 20-25 minutes a night in high-stakes games.

Another name that keeps popping up in my conversations is Hamidou Diallo. He’s only 25, an explosive wing who averaged 9.3 points and 3.5 rebounds with the Detroit Pistons last season, but his per-36 numbers suggest he’s capable of more—closer to 15 points and 6 boards. I’ve watched him in workouts, and his athleticism is off the charts; he’s the kind of player who can ignite a crowd with a single play. For a team like the Denver Nuggets or the Philadelphia 76ers, he could be that energy guy off the bench, someone who defends multiple positions and finishes in transition. I’ll admit, I’m higher on him than most analysts—his shooting needs work, sitting at just 27% from deep last year—but in the right system, like the Heat’s culture of development, I think he could blossom into a key piece.

Wrapping this up, I’m reminded of that “bago” feeling Standhardinger talked about—the excitement of something new, something unexpected. In the NBA, these free agents represent exactly that: untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Whether it’s Oubre’s scoring punch, Wood’s stretch ability, Schröder’s steady hand, or Diallo’s raw energy, each brings a unique skill set that could tip the scales in a tight playoff series. As someone who’s spent years evaluating talent, I’ve learned that the best moves aren’t always the splashy ones; sometimes, they’re the quiet signings in September that pay off in May. So, to the contenders out there: don’t sleep on these guys. The season is long, and as I’ve seen time and again, it’s often the under-the-radar additions that make all the difference.