The 2020 NBA Draft was filled with high-quality talent. All-Stars Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball headline the top of the class. As the 2024 NBA free agency period looms, there are plenty of 2020 rookies who still do not have contract extensions. Those who did not earn extensions will enter a restricted free agency (RFA) in which their respective team has the right to match any offer they receive. NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski believes the top players to hit RFA include the following: Immanuel Quickley, Saddiq Bey, Patrick Williams, Obi Toppin, and Precious Achiuwa. Of course, Tyrese Maxey is in the conversation as well.
Will the 2020 rookies be with their current teams after NBA free agency?
The gifted guards
When it comes to the class of 2020, Tyrese Maxey must be mentioned. The 22-year-old has significantly improved since his first year in the league. Maxey averaged 8.0 points per game in 15 minutes in his rookie season. During the 2021-22 season, he lept to 17.5 points in 35 minutes. He now comes off a season with a career-high 20.3 points in 33 minutes.
Maxey's role with the 76ers is only expected to grow, especially given James Harden's request for a trade. Philly decided not to offer Maxey a contract extension so they could have the financial flexibility for two max slots next summer. Maxey will be in line for an expensive offer when the NBA free agency period starts. However, it might be in the Sixers' best interest to invest in Maxey over another star given his improvement and production.
Immanuel Quickley is another dynamic guard who has impressed the New York Knicks organization. Like Maxey, Quickley saw a significant jump in his third year. He went from 11.3 points per game in 23 minutes to 14.9 in 28 minutes. Most notably, Quickley averaged 4.2 rebounds per game, which ranked him the 23rd-best rebounding guard in the NBA. Clearly, he has high value. The Knicks will be a top free-agent destination in 2024 though, so there is a chance another team will steal his services.
The versatile wing players
Speaking of services, Saddiq Bey is a substantial three-and-D wing for the Atlanta Hawks. Bey ranked 33rd in ESPN's 2022-23 defensive plus-minus list for small forwards. At 6-foot-8 with nearly a 7-foot wingspan, Bey has high defensive versatility. In addition, the 24-year-old shot 40% on three-pointers last season. He is the type of player every team wants. The Hawks will have to decide if he is worth keeping with Trae Young and company next summer.
Bey's archetype is similar to what the Bulls want Patrick Williams to be. Williams was the 4th overall pick in the 2020 Draft but has yet to show his full potential. Williams averaged 10.2 points and nearly a steal per game in his third year. One of his biggest bright spots is the 41% clip he shot three-pointers on. Chicago wants to see Williams' defense and offense reach a higher level before they make a greater investment in him.
The serviceable frontcourt players
Another player NBA teams want to see improve his production is Obi Toppin. Toppin was the eighth overall pick of the 2020 class. He spent two years with the Knicks before being traded to the Indiana Pacers. Toppin took somewhat of a step back last year, averaging two fewer minutes and points per game with New York. He thrives as a slasher, but one area he improved in was his three-point shooting. He raised his percentage from 30% to 34% in his second to third year. Can he make a leap and justify the Pacers to match the contracts he receives?
The last notable player on the list is 6-foot-8 big Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa averaged 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds in his most recent year with the Toronto Raptors. He is a serviceable frontcourt player who teams will want as a solid backup. One of Achiuwa's largest improvements is his free shooting. He shot 70% from the line after shooting 50% and 60% in his first two years of the league. Depending on how things go during the upcoming season, Toronto could choose to keep him around next summer.
All of the aforementioned 2020 rookies enter the 2023-24 NBA season with something to prove. However, each of these players has positive attributes that teams will seek in the 2024 NBA free agency market. Each player has to prove their worth to stay on their current team. Regardless, they each will find a home given their incredible skill sets and capacity for improvement.
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