The summer has seen some big-name players land lucrative deals. To list a few, LaMarcus Aldridge signed with the Spurs, Greg Monroe joined the Bucks, Wesley Matthews inked a deal with the Mavs and Monta Ellis signed with Pacers. Other marquee players re-signed with their respective teams such as: LeBron James, Marc Gasol, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love, Kawhi Leonard, DeAndre Jordan and Dwyane Wade.
There were several more signings, however, that seemingly flew under the radar. Mo Williams joining the Cavs and Al-Farouq Aminu signing with the Blazers are two that come to mind. While these kind of signings lack the appeal of others, they are usually vital. In many cases, offseason signings for teams — regardless of how much money is involved — can restore depth, add veteran leadership and fill holes.
Thus, the question of the day: What has been the most underrated signing of the summer so far?
Aminu’s move is an underrated one, in my opinion, because he is a talented two-way forward who can rebound. Portland needed to fill holes after it lost Aldridge and Matthews to free agency and Aminu helps in that regard. Williams joining the Cavs is an underrated move as well because his contract is a bargain for the production he will likely provide as the team’s sixth man.
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what you think is the most underrated signing of the summer so far.
I think Jeremy lin to Charlotte will end up being a steal. He can play well behind kemba walker, or if walker is hurt again step into the starting role very easily. With rondo and williams getting larger contracts you have to wonder if lin would have been a better use of resources
I agree, zac. The Lin signing did not garner as much attention, but it seems like a safe and logical fit for a good price.
As much as Aldridge transforms their team, the Spurs got a huge bargain and respected vet in David West to back up both Duncan and Aldridge. You won’t find many frontcourt trios better than that.
True
Greg Monroe to Milwaukee. Big money, but still underrated. Since when does Milwaukee win out over LA, NY, etc.?
As for small money deals, gimme Corey Joseph in Toronto. Kyle Lowry’s injury proned. Joseph is a borderline starter. Combine his addition with Delon Wright, Norman Powell, and obviously Demarre Carroll. James Johnson is real. Coboclo and Noguiera can contribute on defense this year. Raptors look good. Well balanced.
I’m with you on Joseph. the guy works hard on defense and was seemingly someone the Spurs still coveted despite letting go
Mo Williams. Cleveland needed a point guard to step up after Kyrie went out, but there was no one there. Not only can he play the point, but he’ll give them a versatile scoring option that JR and Iman can never be. Tack on the fact that every team loves to have veterans coming off their bench, and you have a great under the radar addition to the eastern conference champs.
LeBron liked the signing, too, so that’s a win-win for the Cavs.
Tyson Chandler going to Phoenix was overshadowed by the Aldridge pursuit. He fundamentally changes the look of that team and gives them a legitimate defensive center. For a team that was on the outside looking in when it comes to the Western Conference playoffs, this should catapult them into the spot that the Blazers formally occupied. Few other signings turned a non-playoff team into a playoff team like Chandler.
Hopefully he can stay healthy. I think that’ll be a challenge over the length of the contract (four years), even with the vaunted Suns training staff.