10 Underrated NBA Offseason Pickups

By Joel Piton 10/10/25 Sportz Nation

This offseason, the headlines were dominated by blockbuster trades and superstar free-agent signings. But just as often, it’s the quieter moves—the under-the-radar pickups, the veterans brought in on short-term contracts—that end up making all the difference. While the big names draw all the attention, it’s these underrated additions that can raise a team’s ceiling and shift the balance of a season.

We’re already seeing signs of that in the preseason. Several of these low-profile moves are paying early dividends, whether it’s a new spark off the bench, a defensive anchor, or a steady veteran presence filling a gap. And while it’s still early, these players look primed to carve out bigger roles for their clubs than anyone expected.

With that in mind, here are 10 offseason pickups that could end up making your favorite team a lot better than you imagined.

1. Collin Sexton — Charlotte Hornets

Sexton had a relatively quiet season in Utah, but it’s easy to forget that before Donovan Mitchell arrived in Cleveland, the Cavaliers were built around him. In 2020–21, Sexton averaged 24 points per game and proved he could be a dynamic lead guard. While his recent numbers haven’t reached that peak, Sexton still remains an offensive firecracker — the type of scorer who can heat up in an instant. Now in Charlotte, he joins a young squad that’s loading up on shooters like first-round pick Kon Knueppel, and his scoring punch adds another competitive edge to the Hornets’ offense. If he finds his rhythm, Sexton could quickly become one of the most impactful under-the-radar additions of the summer.

2. Al Horford — Golden State Warriors

Despite turning 40 next season, Horford remains far more than just a role player. His leadership, defensive IQ, and ability to space the floor continue to elevate every team he suits up for. While his move to the Warriors stings for Celtics fans, it also highlights just how respected he is around the league. A 6’9 stretch four/five, Horford still protects the rim, knocks down threes, and anchors rotations with his communication and poise. This could very well be his final season, but instead of winding down quietly, Horford joins a Golden State team that will rely on his steady presence in their push for one more deep playoff run. His value shouldn’t be underestimated — he’s the type of veteran who changes a locker room the moment he walks in.

3. Tim Hardaway Jr. — Denver Nuggets

For over a decade, Hardaway has built his reputation as one of the league’s premier outside shooters. A 6’6 wing with a lightning-quick release, he provides instant offense and forces defenses to stay honest. Now in Denver, his role is even more critical with Michael Porter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gone — making him arguably the Nuggets’ most reliable perimeter threat. Hardaway’s ability to stretch the floor alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray gives Denver another deadly option in their offensive sets. He may not make headlines like a superstar, but his shooting gravity could prove to be one of the most impactful additions of the offseason.

4. Dennis Smith Jr. — Dallas Mavericks

Explosive combo guard Dennis Smith Jr. returns to the team where he once played his best basketball. Back in 2017, as a 19-year-old rookie, the 6’3 point guard drew comparisons to Derrick Rose with his motor, highlight-reel dunks, and scoring ability. Since then, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from finding a long-term home in the league, and most recently he spent time overseas with Real Madrid. Now back in Dallas, this feels like a make-or-break opportunity — but the signs are promising. Smith looked rejuvenated in Spain, showing flashes of the explosiveness that made him a top-10 pick. If he can stay healthy and embrace a complementary role, the Mavericks may have landed one of the more intriguing under-the-radar steals of the offseason.

5. Jusuf Nurkic — Utah Jazz

A seven-foot bruiser with a track record as a starting-caliber center, Nurkic has already proven he can be the leading big man on a playoff team. Despite the Suns’ struggles and an injury-riddled stint in Charlotte, he remained a reliable presence capable of posting a double-double on any given night. What makes him even more intriguing now is the legitimate addition of a three-point shot to his arsenal, stretching defenses in ways he couldn’t earlier in his career. In Utah, he’ll provide valuable depth behind Walker Kessler, giving the Jazz a dependable, physical backup who can anchor the paint or space the floor when needed.

6. Malcolm Brogdon — New York Knicks

The former Sixth Man of the Year remains one of the league’s most steady and efficient combo guards well into his thirties. A member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club, Brogdon has built a reputation for smart decision-making and consistent scoring since entering the NBA. After brief stops in Washington and Boston, the Knicks are the latest team to add him to their rotation—and it’s a move that could quietly pay off in a big way. With his ability to provide instant offense, control the tempo, and knock down shots, Brogdon is the type of veteran weapon every contender covets. On a New York squad already loaded with talent, his scoring punch and composure add another layer of depth to an already dangerous roster.

7. Ty Jerome — Memphis Grizzlies

A finalist for Sixth Man of the Year last season, Jerome broke out in his final stint with Cleveland by showcasing his full offensive arsenal. At 6’5, the combo guard is a legitimate threat to score from anywhere on the floor, and his efficiency took a major leap with averages of 12 points per game on near 50-40-90 shooting splits. Now in Memphis, Jerome slots in as the perfect backup to Ja Morant, giving the Grizzlies a reliable floor spacer and secondary playmaker who can steady the offense when their star guard sits. If he continues his upward trajectory, Jerome could be right back in the Sixth Man conversation this season — and possibly even the frontrunner.

8. R.J. Davis — Los Angeles Lakers

Wrongfully undrafted, Davis enters the league as one of the most complete point guards college basketball has produced in recent years. A five-year standout at North Carolina, he averaged 15 points per game while showcasing a balanced skillset on both ends of the floor. Standing just 6’1, Davis never backed down defensively, and his offensive numbers speak for themselves—efficient scoring, reliable playmaking, and the ability to step up in big moments. The Lakers saw enough to bring him in on a full-time deal, not a two-way contract, which is rare for undrafted rookies in today’s NBA. With a need for backcourt depth behind Gabe Vincent, Davis could emerge as a spark plug off the bench and carve out a meaningful role right away.

9. Emoni Bates — Philadelphia 76ers

Bates didn’t see much playing time with the Cavaliers, but whenever he stepped on the floor, his scoring ability was hard to ignore. At 6’10 with smooth handles and the ability to get to his spots from anywhere, Bates has long drawn Kevin Durant comparisons thanks to his length and offensive skillset. He logged heavy minutes with the Cleveland Charge during his two-way stint, showing flashes of a go-to scorer in the making. Now with the Sixers, Bates has an opportunity to carve out a role as a blossoming bench scorer on a playoff contender. If he continues to refine his conditioning and decision-making, the sky truly is the limit.

10. Kelly Olynyk — San Antonio Spurs

A seven-foot stretch big, Olynyk has carved out a long career as a reliable offensive contributor across multiple teams. Now joining his eighth franchise, he steps into the Spurs’ rotation to provide the same skillset Zach Collins offered—spacing the floor from the center position and keeping defenses honest. Olynyk has been remarkably consistent, averaging 10–12 points per game while shooting 40% from three last season, and over 50% from the field across the past two years. As a veteran who can score efficiently and stretch defenses, he gives San Antonio valuable bench depth and a trusted weapon in their frontcourt.

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When it’s all said and done, these moves could pay larger dividends for their squads than most people realize. They may not have been the most exciting signings of the summer, but barring any injuries, each of these additions has the potential to elevate their team to another level. Depth, versatility, and experience often make the difference in the grind of an 82-game season, and these players bring exactly that.

Did I miss anyone you think deserves a spot on this list? Let us know in the comment section below: your take might shine a light on the next underrated pickup in the making this year.

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Thanks for reading!

-Joel Piton (@jpiton7)