The 2021 NBA free agency window saw teams get involved in crazy trades as numerous players relocated from one organization to another. Some of the league's better players in DeMar DeRozan, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Lonzo Ball are just some of the talents that will be suiting up for their new teams next season. However, it's new Los Angeles Lakers addition Kendrick Nunn who is the most underrated NBA free agent signing of the offseason (so far).
Lakers NBA Free Agent (of glory): Kendrick Nunn
Out of all the squads that retooled their lineup, perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers can be hailed as the winners of this offseason with Kendrick Nunn emerging as the most underrated signing of the free agency period thus far. In the offseason, Rob Pelinka did his magic once again as he overhauled his roster after suffering a first-round exit in the 2020-21 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers general manager ensured that his squad will be better equipped for the upcoming season as they flipped the contracts of Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell in exchange for Russell Westbrook. Due to the buzz generated by the arrival of the former MVP, many fans are forgetting that a solid contributor like Nunn will also be at the helm for the Purple and Gold next season.
During his time with the Miami Heat, Kendrick Nunn quickly served as a regular starter for head coach Erik Spoelstra during his rookie season in 2019-20. Certainly enough, his contributions proved to be vital as he became a key cog for a Heat squad that surprised many teams and unexpectedly reached the NBA Finals in the Orlando Bubble.
In the following season, Nunn still proved to be a major factor for the Heat as he averaged 14.6 points and tallied career-best numbers of 3.2 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks. His shooting percentage also drastically improved last season as he normed an efficient 48.5% from the field, 38.1% from beyond the arc, and 93.3% from the free-throw line through 56 appearances.
The development and consistency that Kendrick Nunn showed in his sophomore year certainly gave him the opportunity to get the bag in free agency as he attracted several suitors around the league. However, he still chose winning above all as he ultimately went to a stacked Lakers side in order to contribute to their championship aspirations next season.
Looking back, it was evident how the Lakers lacked shooting as their wingmen failed to knock down makable shots from the floor last season. With Nunn's arrival, he will certainly provide much-needed shooting as he is set to play alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He is also expected to create shots for himself and make plays for his teammates if need be.
Landing his services in free agency is a good thing but getting him to come to L.A on a bargain deal is another story. Certainly enough, acquiring a reliable contributor like Nunn on a two-year, $10.5 million contract makes his arrival even sweeter for the Lakers.
Aside from him, Pelinka also made sure to add tenured veterans to their roster to further boost their bid to contend for the title. Carmelo Anthony along with the returning players in Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Wayne Ellington, and Dwight Howard are just some of the new faces that Lakers fans should expect to see on the floor next season.
Ultimately, the team has huge expectations for a player like Kendrick Nunn who is coming off a solid stint with a playoff team in the Heat. He will certainly be given a chance to shoulder some of the scoring load for the team as they aspire to improve from their underwhelming campaign last season. The upcoming year will see whether or not the Lakers' pursuit of Nunn's services can positively impact their championship hopes moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe