The top 5 under-the-radar signings from the 2021 NBA offseason

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 19: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the court during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on December 19, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Hornets 137-106. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

With a plethora of NBA players entering health and safety protocols, and the subsequent signings under hardship exemptions, it’s easy to forget that the first week of free agency was only a few months ago.

Given over 50 players have been signed in recent weeks, it almost feels like those who were signed in the offseason have been on their team for far longer than what is actually reality.

Whether it’s simply thriving with a greater role on a new team, or taking on increased responsibility due to COVID absences, there are a number of free-agent signings playing well above their contract.

With that in mind, and over 30 games of data to analyze, let’s take a look at five of the best under-the-radar, value signings from the off-season.

The top 5 signings from the 2021 NBA offseason so far: 5. Kelly Oubre Jr.

Often a frustration for Warriors fans last season, the six-foot-six wing is thriving in a more simplified system in Charlotte. There wasn’t a whole lot of interest in Oubre during the offseason before he eventually signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Hornets.

He’s now prospering as one of the best sixth men in the league, averaging 16.5 points on a career-high 36.9 percent from three-point range. In a system prioritizing ball and player movement, and in the absence of Klay Thompson, Oubre struggled with the more diverse scheme in Golden State.

In Charlotte, 57.4 percent of his field-goal attempts are threes, far greater than the 39.4 percent of last season. It means he’s a much more effective NBA player, improving his plus/minus from -3.5 with the Warriors, to a career-high -0.4 this season.