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Ranking the 5 best available power forwards in 2023 NBA free agency

By Holden Walter-Warner

April 17, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 17, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 31: Keita Bates-Diop #31 of the San Antonio Spurs slam dunk against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center on March 31, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 31: Keita Bates-Diop #31 of the San Antonio Spurs slam dunk against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center on March 31, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

5. Keita Bates-Drop, San Antonio Spurs

Keita Bates-Diop is not a major name and may even be quickly forgotten in San Antonio Spurs lore when Victor Wembanyama arrives. He could prove to be a solid rotation piece for a number of teams, though.

Bates-Diop has been toiling around the Western Conference for several years, a late bloomer by NBA standards, since he stayed in college for several years. He’ll turn 28 years old halfway through the coming season.

This past year was Bates-Diop’s first as a primary starter, perhaps a function of the bare bones roster being put on the court by the Spurs. Still, he took advantage, averaging 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while hitting an impressive 39.4 percent of threes (albeit on 2.1 attempts per game).

Bates-Diop doesn’t have a particularly high ceiling at this point of his career, but that shouldn’t deter some teams from trying to get him for a steal, as he also doesn’t have a particularly low floor.

The forward is an adequate defender and has versatility to his game, able to play either forward spot. That will entice at least one team to pick him up this summer.

There doesn’t appear to be room for Bates-Diop with the Spurs, who already have Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson at forward spots, not to mention its bevy of draft picks to play with. He was a better shooter than those two last season, though, which could make his return worthwhile to Gregg Popovich.

Again, Bates-Diop is in the upper tier of free agent power forwards, but he would be a good depth signing wherever he goes.

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