The 2024 NBA offseason has been one the most eventful in years. However, it’s not done yet and even when it does end, free agency will continue. It’s one of the beautiful things about the league, as there’s always a potential x-factor who could be signed.
This close to the start of the season, there are limited options for teams looking to fill out their roster. Yet, a few big men could be sneaky good additions.
Best Centers Remaining In Free Agency
Mathias Lessort
With his play during the Paris Olympics, Mathias Lessort didn’t just put the NBA on notice, but the world. An aggressive defender and crafty low-post scorer, the 28-year-old averaged 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game. His efficiency also stands out, as the big man shot 66.7 percent from the field while being defended tightly.
At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, Lessort is somewhat undersized as a center. He’s not a floor spacer nor is he a rim-protector. Regardless of his limitations though, he plays a winning brand of basketball, as he displayed throughout the Olympics.
Among the NBA teams that could have interest in Lessort, he’s been explicitly linked to the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks aren’t the only team that could use depth or a difference-maker at center. The Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Sacramento Kings are just a few teams who fall into that category.
Notably, Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson was on France’s coaching staff during the Olympics.
Bismack Biyombo
13-year veteran Bismack Biyombo is a known commodity in the NBA.
Despite being 6-foot-8, the Congolese center is a glass cleaner and above-average rim-protector. Because he doesn’t have the softest hands or a reliable jumper, his offensive impact is limited. In fact, he’s never averaged over 7.5 points per game in his career. Yet, because of his hustle, defensive impact, and rebounding prowess, he’s played 19.5 minutes per game.
Ultimately, teams looking for a frontcourt safety net should look Biyombo’s way in free agency. Teams such as the Knicks, Kings, and Memphis Grizzlies all fit the bill here. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau might wind up being particularly fond of Biyombo due to his toughness, competitiveness, and defense.
Chimezie Metu
If Chimezie Metu was a more consistent 3–point threat, he may not remain unsigned. However, with the big man being a career 29.8 percent 3-point threat, what could have been his best weapon is shot defenses will dare him to take. Yet, there’s a chance that the six-year veteran is being underestimated.
Last season, Metu shot 34.8 percent from deep on 3s out to 24 feet away from the rim. When he attempted to take shots deeper than that, his efficiency fell by nearly 10 percentage points. Knowing this, he can adjust his shot diet accordingly and maximize his efficiency. At that point, his ability to stretch the floor out to 3-point range will create mismatches that teams can use to exploit the defense.
At the other end, Metu’s a defensive event creator with quick hands, a great motor, and solid instincts. With that being said, players can’t just rely on their intuition to consistently succeed. As that relates to Metu, the 27-year-old must improve his defensive awareness.
Teams that don’t mind teaching the fundamentals, like the Brooklyn Nets, could be a fit for the big man.
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