Some can be described as reclamation projects, while others are players who simply haven't lived up to their potential. Here are five free agents looking for a chance to either bounce back or take the next step.
Isaiah Thomas
For a reminder of how quickly things change in the NBA - or life, for that matter - look no further than Thomas. The term "max contract" was being bandied about after he averaged close to 30 points a game for the Boston Celtics in 2016-17. A severe hip injury and three teams later, Thomas will again be looking for a one-year deal at the veteran's minimum.
The diminutive guard needs a certain amount of minutes to be productive, something he didn't get in Denver after falling out of Mike Malone's rotation. While his halcyon Boston days are likely behind him, the right fit could see Thomas be an effective sixth man, an energizer of sorts to lead a second unit.
Rodney Hood
Hood's performance for the Trail Blazers in the second round of the playoffs was a reminder of the player he can be when he's on. He averaged 14.7 points on 50 percent 3-point shooting against the Nuggets - the sort of production he mostly lacked while with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His hot series likely ended his tenure in Portland, which can't offer him much more than the mid-level exception. Hood's talent and relatively young age (26) should command at least $8 million a season, which could become a bargain for another team.
Nerlens Noel
It feels like Noel is in this situation every year. The center declined his $1.9-million player option with the Thunder this week and will test free agency. He could still figure in OKC's plans if Steven Adams is traded, but it's unclear if the Thunder trust him after he was sparingly used this past season.
Still, Noel's talents as a shot-blocker and general disruptor are undeniable. He could receive the mid-level exception from several teams.
Willie Cauley-Stein
Although currently a restricted free agent, Cauley-Stein's agent recently asked the Sacramento Kings to renounce the big man's rights so he can go elsewhere. Cauley-Stein has improved significantly over his four NBA seasons, especially as a passer out of the paint. Still, inconsistency has hindered him. He has the tools to be a solid contributor for a contender, so it'll be interesting to see how the market shapes up for him if the Kings grant his wish.
Dragan Bender
Bender was drafted fourth overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2016, ahead of names like Jamal Murray and Domantas Sabonis. It's safe to say he's been a bust. He's often disengaged, is a pylon defensively, and he hasn't lived up to his billing as a floor-spacing big.
However, he's only 21, and his 7-foot-1 height and 7-foot-2 wingspan aren't shrinking. It's difficult to see where he could salvage his career, but somebody will probably take a flier on him.
