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NBA free agent rankings: Pelton's new top 10, plus best fits

The article from ESPN, titled "NBA Free Agent Rankings: CP3, Kuminga, Ayton, Horford in new top 10," provides a detailed analysis of the top free agents in the NBA as of the latest season. The rankings are based on a variety of factors including performance, potential, and market value. The article is authored by Kevin Pelton, a well-known NBA analyst, and offers insights into the current state of the free agent market.

1. Chris Paul (Point Guard, Golden State Warriors) Chris Paul, at 38 years old, continues to be a significant presence in the NBA. Despite his age, Paul's experience and leadership make him a valuable asset. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. His ability to control the game's tempo and make crucial plays in clutch moments remains unmatched. The article highlights that while his scoring has slightly declined, his playmaking and defensive skills are still elite. Paul's potential to mentor younger players and contribute to a championship-caliber team makes him the top free agent on the list.

2. Jonathan Kuminga (Forward, Golden State Warriors) Jonathan Kuminga, at just 20 years old, represents the future of the NBA. Selected as the 7th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga has shown flashes of brilliance. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His athleticism and potential to develop into a star player make him a highly sought-after free agent. The article notes that Kuminga's defensive versatility and ability to score in transition are key attributes that teams are looking for. His youth and upside make him an attractive option for teams looking to build for the future.

3. Deandre Ayton (Center, Phoenix Suns) Deandre Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has established himself as one of the premier centers in the league. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Ayton's combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a dominant force on both ends of the floor. The article emphasizes that his ability to score in the post and protect the rim are crucial for any team looking to contend. However, his inconsistent effort and occasional lapses in focus are areas of concern. Despite these issues, Ayton's potential to be a franchise cornerstone makes him a top free agent.

4. Al Horford (Center, Boston Celtics) Al Horford, at 36 years old, continues to be a reliable and versatile big man. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Horford's ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset. The article highlights that his leadership and experience are invaluable for a young team looking to make a playoff push. While his athleticism has declined, his basketball IQ and versatility remain high. Horford's potential to contribute to a contender makes him a top free agent.

5. Fred VanVleet (Point Guard, Toronto Raptors) Fred VanVleet, at 29 years old, has established himself as one of the best point guards in the league. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 19.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. VanVleet's ability to score from all three levels and defend at a high level makes him a valuable asset. The article notes that his leadership and clutch performance in big games are key attributes that teams are looking for. His potential to be the primary ball-handler for a contender makes him a top free agent.

6. Draymond Green (Forward, Golden State Warriors) Draymond Green, at 33 years old, continues to be a vital part of the Golden State Warriors' success. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Green's ability to defend multiple positions and facilitate the offense makes him a valuable asset. The article highlights that his leadership and basketball IQ are invaluable for a championship-caliber team. While his scoring has declined, his impact on winning remains high. Green's potential to contribute to a contender makes him a top free agent.

7. Khris Middleton (Forward, Milwaukee Bucks) Khris Middleton, at 31 years old, has established himself as one of the best forwards in the league. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Middleton's ability to score from all three levels and defend at a high level makes him a valuable asset. The article notes that his leadership and clutch performance in big games are key attributes that teams are looking for. His potential to be a secondary scorer for a contender makes him a top free agent.

8. Jerami Grant (Forward, Portland Trail Blazers) Jerami Grant, at 28 years old, has established himself as a versatile forward. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Grant's ability to score from all three levels and defend at a high level makes him a valuable asset. The article highlights that his versatility and ability to fit into any system are key attributes that teams are looking for. His potential to be a primary scorer for a contender makes him a top free agent.

9. Kyle Kuzma (Forward, Washington Wizards) Kyle Kuzma, at 27 years old, has established himself as a versatile forward. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Kuzma's ability to score from all three levels and defend at a high level makes him a valuable asset. The article notes that his versatility and ability to fit into any system are key attributes that teams are looking for. His potential to be a primary scorer for a contender makes him a top free agent.

10. Jalen Brunson (Point Guard, New York Knicks) Jalen Brunson, at 26 years old, has established himself as one of the best young point guards in the league. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Brunson's ability to score from all three levels and facilitate the offense makes him a valuable asset. The article highlights that his leadership and clutch performance in big games are key attributes that teams are looking for. His potential to be the primary ball-handler for a contender makes him a top free agent.

The article also provides insights into the current state of the NBA free agent market. It notes that the market is highly competitive, with many teams looking to make significant moves to improve their rosters. The article emphasizes that the top free agents on the list are likely to command high salaries and long-term contracts. It also highlights that teams are looking for players who can contribute to winning immediately, as well as those with high potential for future development.

In addition to the top 10 free agents, the article mentions several other notable free agents who could make an impact in the upcoming season. These include players like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Gary Trent Jr., and Bobby Portis. The article notes that these players may not be as highly ranked as the top 10, but they still have the potential to contribute to a contender.

The article also discusses the potential impact of the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on the free agent market. It notes that the new CBA includes several changes that could affect how teams approach free agency, including new restrictions on spending and new incentives for developing young talent. The article emphasizes that teams will need to be strategic in their approach to free agency, balancing the need to compete now with the need to build for the future.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the top free agents in the NBA and the current state of the free agent market. It offers valuable insights into the potential impact of these players on their new teams and the broader implications of the NBA's new CBA. As the free agency period approaches, teams will need to carefully consider their options and make strategic decisions to improve their rosters and compete for a championship.

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45637126/nba-free-agent-rankings-cp3-kuminga-ayton-horford-new-top-10 ]