Top Remaining NBA Free Agents Who Could Still Transform Teams This Season

Walking into the Araneta Coliseum last season for my first practice as a consultant with an NBA-affiliated training program, I felt that electric mix of novelty and pressure. Everything was bago—new players, new coaching dynamics, new arenas, even the rhythm of adapting to back-to-back games in unfamiliar venues. That sense of starting fresh, of untapped potential waiting to be unlocked, is exactly what I’m reminded of when I look at the current pool of remaining NBA free agents. These aren’t just leftover names; they’re difference-makers who, in the right system, could shift a team’s trajectory overnight. I’ve spent years breaking down game tape and observing how certain veterans integrate into systems mid-season, and I’m convinced this group holds hidden gems. Let’s talk about who’s still available and why they matter.

First, there’s Kelly Oubre Jr. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve always been a fan of his explosive drives and defensive versatility. Last season with the Charlotte Hornets, he averaged 20.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game before that wrist injury sidelined him. Those numbers aren’t just empty stats—they reflect a player who can create his own shot and thrive in transition, something playoff-hopeful teams like the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers could desperately use off the bench. I remember watching him torch defenses in person during a scrimmage last fall; his motor is relentless, and he brings an edge that can lift a team’s intensity in practice and games alike. Sure, his three-point consistency has been questioned—he shot just 31.9% from deep last year—but in the right role, say as a sixth man, I think he’s a steal. If a contender signs him, don’t be surprised if he adds 12-15 points per game in limited minutes.

Then you’ve got Christian Wood, a big man with undeniable offensive skills. Look, I get why some front offices are hesitant—his defense can be sporadic, and there have been whispers about fit in locker rooms. But let me tell you, from my own experience working with bigs, players like Wood don’t come around often. He put up 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game with the Dallas Mavericks, and his ability to stretch the floor at 6'10" is a nightmare for traditional centers. I once saw him drill five threes in a half during a offseason workout—it was unreal. Teams like the Boston Celtics or Golden State Warriors, who value spacing and secondary scoring, could slot him in as a rotational big and see immediate dividends. If he lands in the right situation, I’d bet he boosts their offensive rating by 2-3 points per 100 possessions. That’s not nothing.

Another name that stands out to me is Dennis Schröder. Yeah, he’s had his ups and downs, but the guy is a proven playmaker. Last season, he dished out 4.5 assists per game with the Los Angeles Lakers and showed he can run an offense under pressure. I’ve always appreciated his pace—he’s one of those guards who can change speeds seamlessly, something I try to drill into young players during film sessions. For a team like the Chicago Bulls or Phoenix Suns, who need backcourt depth, Schröder could be a reliable backup point guard. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard every night, but he’ll stabilize the second unit and maybe chip in 10-12 points and 4-5 assists. In today’s guard-heavy league, that’s valuable.

Let’s not forget about Blake Griffin. I know, he’s not the high-flyer he once was, but his basketball IQ and leadership are off the charts. Watching him with the Brooklyn Nets a couple seasons back, I saw how he could anchor a defense and make smart passes from the high post. He’s the kind of veteran who elevates everyone in practice—something I’ve seen firsthand in training camps. If a young team like the Orlando Magic or Detroit Pistons picks him up, he could mentor their bigs and provide 15-20 solid minutes a night. Plus, he shot a respectable 48.5% on corner threes in limited attempts last year. That’s a niche skill that fits modern offenses.

Wrapping this up, I keep thinking back to that first practice in Araneta—the uncertainty, but also the excitement of what new additions can bring. These free agents aren’t just stopgaps; they’re potential catalysts. Oubre’s energy, Wood’s scoring, Schröder’s savvy, Griffin’s wisdom—each offers a unique boost. In my view, the teams that act now will gain an edge, turning what seems like a leftover market into a goldmine. So keep an eye on these names; I have a feeling we’ll be talking about at least one of them as a key pickup come playoff time.