Grades for every free agent signing: Dieng, Nurkic…

Introduction

The 2022-2023 NBA season is just around the corner, and with it comes a new wave of free agent signings. Teams have been busy reshaping their rosters, and some have made more significant moves than others. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the notable free agent signings, giving them a grade based on their potential impact on their new team. From the risers to the fallers, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each deal, providing an in-depth analysis of the moves.

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Tiago Splitter (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Grade: C+

Splitter, a 14-year veteran, joins the Timberwolves on a one-year deal. His addition brings some much-needed depth to the Wolves’ frontcourt, but his production has been declining in recent seasons. With the emergence of Naz Reid and Jarrett Culver, Splitter’s role will be limited, making it challenging for him to make a significant impact.

Jusuf Nurkic (Denver Nuggets)

Grade: A-

Nurkic, a dominant big man, returns to the Nuggets on a five-year, $80 million deal. His versatility, size, and athleticism make him a game-changer. With Nikola Jokic already on the roster, the duo will form a formidable frontline, capable of dominating on both ends of the court. Expect Nurkic to be a key factor in the Nuggets’ playoff aspirations.

Taj Gibson (Washington Wizards)

Grade: B

Gibson, a 15-year veteran, joins the Wizards on a two-year deal. His experience and leadership will be valuable assets in the Wizards’ locker room. While he won’t be the most prolific scorer or rebounder, Gibson will provide a solid presence in the paint, allowing younger players to develop. His defensive prowess will also be a significant plus.

Thaddeus Young (Indiana Pacers)

Grade: B-

Young, a 15-year veteran, signs with the Pacers on a one-year deal. His versatility, having played both forward and center, will be an asset for the Pacers. While he’s no longer a starter, Young will provide valuable minutes off the bench, offering a defensive presence and some scoring punch. However, his overall production will be limited, making it challenging for him to make a significant difference.

Alexei Poythress (Phoenix Suns)

Grade: C+

Poythress, a 28-year-old big man, joins the Suns on a one-year deal. His athleticism and rebounding abilities will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Deandre Ayton and Jalen Smith.

Amir Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers)

Grade: C-

Johnson, a 15-year veteran, signs with the Lakers on a one-year deal. His experience and leadership will be valuable assets in the Lakers’ locker room. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find playing time behind the likes of Anthony Davis and Marc Gasol.

Ognjen Kuzmic (Dallas Mavericks)

Grade: C+

Kuzmic, a 29-year-old big man, joins the Mavericks on a one-year deal. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Dwight Powell and Kristaps Porzingis.

Bismack Biyombo (Orlando Magic)

Grade: B-

Biyombo, a 10-year veteran, signs with the Magic on a two-year deal. His shot-blocking and rebounding abilities will be an asset in the paint. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Nikola Vucevic and Mo Bamba.

Taj Gibson (New York Knicks)

Grade: B

Gibson, a 15-year veteran, joins the Knicks on a one-year deal. His experience and leadership will be valuable assets in the Knicks’ locker room. While he won’t be the most prolific scorer or rebounder, Gibson will provide a solid presence in the paint, allowing younger players to develop. His defensive prowess will also be a significant plus.

DeAndre Liggins (Memphis Grizzlies)

Grade: C+

Liggins, a 10-year veteran, signs with the Grizzlies on a one-year deal. His three-point shooting ability will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Nemanja Djokic (Milwaukee Bucks)

Grade: C+

Djokic, a 28-year-old big man, joins the Bucks on a one-year deal. His athleticism and rebounding abilities will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Gorgui Dieng (Boston Celtics)

Grade: B-

Dieng, a 12-year veteran, signs with the Celtics on a one-year deal. His shot-blocking and rebounding abilities will be an asset in the paint. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Robert Williams III and Daniel Theis.

Darius Miller (New Orleans Pelicans)

Grade: B

Miller, a 10-year veteran, signs with the Pelicans on a one-year deal. His three-point shooting ability will be an asset off the bench. While he won’t be the most prolific scorer, Miller will provide a solid presence off the bench, offering some scoring punch. His defensive prowess will also be a significant plus.

Ed Davis (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Grade: C+

Davis, a 12-year veteran, signs with the Thunder on a one-year deal. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Darius Bazley and Aleksej Pokusevski.

Tony Bradley (Denver Nuggets)

Grade: C+

Bradley, a 10-year veteran, signs with the Nuggets on a one-year deal. His rebounding and shot-blocking abilities will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic.

Mfiondu Kabengele (Los Angeles Clippers)

Grade: C+

Kabengele, a 24-year-old big man, joins the Clippers on a one-year deal. His athleticism and rebounding abilities will be an asset off the bench. However, his overall production will be limited, and he may struggle to find consistent playing time behind the likes of Ivica Zubac and Serge Ibaka.

Herbert Jones (New Orleans Pelicans)

Grade: B-

Jones, a 22-year-old big man, joins the Pelicans on