NBA Free Agency: 9 restricted free agents hitting the market in 2023

2. NBA Free Agency: Rui Hachimura will be a coveted restricted free agent.

The 2021-22 season was rocky for Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura. Missing half of the year due to personal issues, Hachimura didn’t quite look right upon his return to the lineup. However, Hachimura has always been a valuable defender at 6-foot-8 with a stout frame and unique lateral quickness for someone of his size. Plus, it wasn’t all bad for the 24-year-old.

Hachimura managed to post his most efficient year as a shooter to date. His field goal attempts lowered with him largely coming off the bench. He made 49.1% of his shots and 55-of-123 attempts from deep (44.7%). He projects confidence when taking spot-up mid-range jumpers or post fadeaway shots, which will keep a defense on its toes during crucial moments.

If he can maintain this level of shooting, or at least replicate it to some extent, Hachimura becomes a candidate to make a lot of money as a restricted free agent.

3. NBA Free Agency: Restricted free agent Matisse Thybulle is an elite defender.

If your team has some cash to burn and needs a defensive boost, Matisse Thybulle is the top restricted free agent to target in 2023. His all-around game is coming along with time, but no one is adding him to their team as an elite scoring option or playmaker. He’s effective at spacing the floor and cutting for easy buckets, but he’s the modern equivalent of a true defensive specialist.

On-ball, off-ball, in passing lanes, on the fastbreak, or anywhere in between, Thybulle is a remarkable defensive player with the instincts and motor to assert his will. A two-time All-Defensive selection in three years a pro, Thybulle has demolished all questions of whether he’d translate to the NBA coming out of Washington.

For reference, Basketball Index graded Thybulle at A+ or better in seven categories of its perimeter defense rankings including on-ball defense, ball screen navigation, passing lane defense and off-ball chasing. His value in NBA free agency will be quite telling for how much the league is emphasizing defense in this modern, perimeter-oriented game.