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

By Peter O'Keefe

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 22: Patty Mills #8 and Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets react after a made shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nets defeated the Cavaliers 117-112. 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 Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 22: Patty Mills #8 and Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets react after a made shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Nets defeated the Cavaliers 117-112. 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 Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 26: Alex Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on November 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

The top 5 under-the-radar signings from the 2021 NBA offseason: 2. Alex Caruso

Having always been a fan favorite in his time with the Lakers, Caruso’s value as an NBA player has shined bright in his first season with the Chicago Bulls.  His addition, alongside DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball, has given the Bulls a nice blend on both sides of the ball, culminating in the second-best record in the east.

Caruso is thriving under greater responsibility given by coach Billy Donovan, averaging career highs in most statistical categories. That includes minutes per game, rebounds, assists, steals, field goal, and free throw percentage.

His +4.6 in plus-minus, also a career-high, displays just how valuable he’s been. There’s no doubt the Lakers would be regretting their low-ball offer to the 27-year-old, one that led him to signing the four-year, $37 million deal with the Bulls.

The top 5 under-the-radar signings from the 2021 NBA offseason: 1. Patty Mills

After ten seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, the Australian was always going to be an in-demand free agent this past offseason. His signing, a two-year, $12 million deal with the Nets, looked like great value. But with COVID absences and Kyrie Irving’s exclusion, Mills has had a far greater impact than the contract would suggest.

The 33-year-old is averaging career highs in minutes, three-point attempts, and points per game, whilst his 44.1 percent from deep is a career-high outside his ten-game rookie season.

With Kevin Durant missing, Mills has stamped his impact with 14 threes over the last two games, helping the Nets sweep their way past both Los Angeles teams.

Next. 2 blockbuster Anthony Davis trades to fix the Lakers. dark