Mar 27, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) boxes out Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
This season’s NBA free-agent class is loaded with talent, especially at the center position. Here are the five best big men available.
With the NBA playoffs winding down, it is a good time to look ahead to free agency. Many teams will undoubtedly be looking for a center. Well, this year’s class is a mixed bag. From injuries to age to locker room concerns, no center is a clear home run, but that leaves upside on the table for teams who are willing to roll the dice. Each five of these players can easily outperform expectations.
There is also a clear drop-off to the next tier of centers, which is led by Mason Plumlee and Thomas Bryant.
Let’s break down the five best free-agent centers this summer.
Best available NBA free agent centers: 5. Naz Reid
Reid was a five-star recruit out of high school. With size, shooting ability, and rim protection, he boasted sky-high potential. However, he was not selected in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Minnesota Timberwolves signed him to a two-way contract.
In his fourth season, Reid started putting all the pieces together. Across 18.4 minutes per game, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks, while shooting 53.7 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from 3. He flashed upside in a bigger role, as well. In 11 games as a starter, he averaged 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks.
Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending wrist injury in March.
In free agency, he should draw plenty of interest. He is only 23 years old, and he is already one of the most impactful bench players in the league. His skill set also gives him the ability to play the 4 or 5.