2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed
PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 10: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Utah Jazz reacts during action against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second quarter at Moda Center on April 10, 2022 in Portland, Oregon, 2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Several weeks have passed since 2022 NBA Free Agency opened up, and things have gotten rather quiet as of late. Over the next few weeks, there should be an occasional signing as teams look to put the finishing touches on their rosters.
One spot that still has a handful of talented players available on the free agent market is the center position. There are three particular names that come to mind, and any of them would make interesting additions to a team ahead of next season. With that said, let us look at three free agent centers that need to be signed before the 2022-23 NBA season starts.
2022 NBA Free Agency: 3 centers that need to be signed – Hassan Whiteside
It is somewhat surprising that Hassan Whiteside is still a free agent at this point. While he is not the player that he was back in the day, the veteran has become a serviceable backup center over the past two years, and he could still provide help to a team looking to strengthen their frontcourt via free agency this offseason.
Throughout his ongoing 10-year NBA career, Whiteside has made a living due to his strong presence on the defensive end. The All-Defensive center has been a formidable shot-blocker over the course of his career, having averaged an eye-catching 2.5 blocked shots per game.
That stellar shot-blocking has helped Whiteside take home the NBA’s Block Champion title twice in his career. Though Whiteside is somewhat limited on the other side of the basketball, mainly due to his lack of an outside jumper, he could certainly help shore up any team’s interior protection defensively with that excellent shot-blocking prowess he possesses.
Financially, Whiteside is likely looking at the minimum on his next deal. With that being the case, he would be a low-risk addition for any team looking to bolster their center depth ahead of next season.
As for potential suitors, either Los Angeles team could be a fit for the veteran center, as both teams ranked top six in opponent paint points per game last season. Both of them could use an interior defender to make sure that issue does not plague them again this year, and Whiteside could be a fitting addition in that regard on a team-friendly deal.
