The list of available shooting guards in the free agency market are now lacking star power, but make no mistake about it, a handful of those guys can still step in to various teams and provide great service. In fact, it’s the unheralded signings that occasionally turn into steals.
Let’s have a look at who those underrated cagers are. Read on!
The second-generation two guard has showcased four good seasons in the NBA – two each with the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks. Despite being the typical energy guy seeing modest minutes in New York, playing mostly behind swingmen JR Smith and Iman Shumpert, and All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who demanded the ball a lot, Hardaway Jr. was still able to chip in 10.8 points and 1.6 threes per game during his time there.
In Atlanta, though he started out slow, he found his groove this past season and posted career-highs in just about every statistical category. He even had a couple of stretches where he was putting up 20-plus points on 50-plus percent shooting.
Ideal landing spot: The Hawks are likely to match any offer, but if he wants to get heavy minutes, New Orleans and Brooklyn could be good destinations. Being the third reliable scorer behind Russell Westbrook and Paul George in Oklahoma City could also be ideal.
Dion Waiters
Considered by many as a malcontent on the court, thanks in large part to his usually poor decision making and shot selection, Waiters appears to have raised his game well in Miami this past year. He was again looking comfortable displaying his ability to play inside and out.
The Heat blazed to an unprecedented 30-11 record in their last 41 games and BARELY missed the playoffs, with “D-Wait” playing a key part. During their late climb in the standings, Waiters netted 19.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 threes per game on 47-percent shooting in a 23-game stretch.
Ideal landing spot: He has revived his confidence with the Heat, so it might be good stay with the team.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
KCP just finished his rookie contract with the Detroit Pistons, and reports are saying that the team may look to match offers. However, consider also that the Pistons just drafted a swingman in the lottery (Luke Kennard), who has a similar skill set while also having better upside and arguably defense.
The 24-year-old Caldwell-Pope isn’t buzzed around, but a couple of clubs should take an extra look. He can spot up or do a catch-and-shoot from downtown, put the ball on the floor, and also disrupt the passing lanes (25 games with three or more steals in the last two seasons).
Ideal landing spots: He can be a good replacement for the soon-to-be-traded Iman Shumpert in Cleveland. Teams who are in need of his type of play – Indiana, New Orleans, and Brooklyn, among others – ought to call him as well.
