With the 2024 NBA offseason coming to a close, rosters are all but set ahead of the 2024-25 season. As it currently stands, the reigning NBA champions are the favorites to win the 2025 NBA Finals. The players who are already signed are the most likely to contribute to their victory if so. However, they and other teams could find value in several players who remain unsigned in free agency.
Best Small Forwards Remaining In Free Agency
Cedi Osman
A jack of all trades, Cedi Osman’s inability to master any one skill has altered his career trajectory. After averaging a career-high 13.0 points per game in his second season, his playing time has steadily dwindled with team’s looking for a more consistent piece.
Osman’s biggest weakness with regard to his position is perceived to be his outside jumper. The 29-year-old is a career 35.7 percent shooter from 3, converting just 33.7 percent of his long bombs in losses. As he’s nailed 38.7 percent of his 3s in wins, it’s fair to suggest that his jump shot is his swing skill. However, as Osman has made 37.9 percent of his 3s over the past two seasons, he’s arguably closer than a winning player than not.
It doesn’t all come down to him being a deep threat. A solid slasher, playmaker, and defender, his multifaceted game are ideal in a league that values versatility. Furthermore, Osman’s a passionate competitor, his hustle and professional approach what all teams need.
Lamar Stevens
Lamar Stevens has made a name for himself as a dogged defender in the NBA.
At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, the forward’s technique and intensity have stood out the most. However, Stevens showed signs of life at the offensive end last season, changing the perception on what his ceiling may be. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 7.2 points per game last season, largely because he posted 11.5 points per game after being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ravaged by injuries, the Grizzlies were able to give Stevens more chances than the Boston Celtics. The Penn State product took full advantage of the opportunity, scoring in double-figures in 11 of the 19 games he played with Memphis. With him excelling defensively and crashing the glass as well, he was more than serviceable.
Ultimately, Stevens is flawed. Shooting just 28.6 percent from 3, teams may have to get creative to keep him on the floor. Nonetheless, he’s a player who can be utilized situationally, at the least.
Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott’s game is simple.
A 3-point specialist, 49.2 percent of his career field goals have come from beyond the arc. That’s ultimately to his benefit, as he’s made 41.0 percent of his career 3s. One of the best shooters in the NBA, McDermott has the 24th-highest 3-point percentage of all-time. With that being said, any team that signs McDermott knows exactly what they’re getting.
That goes for the defensive end as well though. Long a porous defender, McDermott’s lack of lateral agility severely limits him at this end. As a result, he’s more of a situational option than his 3-point prowess suggests.
Nonetheless, a veteran team that needs a reliable outside shooter should have McDermott rather high on their list.
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