The first year in the NBA Facundo Campazzo invited optimism with the Argentine point guard. A more or less important role in the second unit and performing in a positive way when needed. Something that changed drastically in the 2021-2022 season in which her participation was significantly reduced, as well as her relevance in the Denver Nuggets.
Two months after the free agent market opened, Campazzo is still without a team A week before the start of pre-season, the prospects for the Argentine in the best league in the world are not very positive.
What are Cordoba’s options? And the most important, Which players in your position could be your competition or which teams have a gap? It’s time to break it down.
What bases are free in the NBA market?
The NBA market entered the month of September offers very few options for groups. With the sole exception of Dennis Schroder, who seemed to wait until the end of Eurobasket to decide his future, most of the figures have already decided their fate.
However, heading into the 2022-2023 season there are some notable exceptions, Facundo Campazzo among them.
These are the main free bases that remained on the market:
| Player | Last team | Statistics 2021-2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Eric Bledson | Portland Trail Blazers | 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists |
| Razon Rondo | Cleveland Cavaliers | 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists |
| Elfrid Peyton | Phoenix Sans | 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists |
| DJ Augustine | Los Angeles Lakers | 5.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists |
| Facundo Campazzo | Denver Nuggets | 5.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists |
| Frank Jackson | Detroit Pistons | 10.6 points, 1.0 assists, 1.6 rebounds |
| Isaiah Thomas | Charlotte Hornets | 8.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists |
Apart from Campazzo, the most interesting name is his Eric Bledson, who in the last two campaigns seems to have lost all his market value. The two-time All-Defensive was cut by the Blazers without playing for them after a trade in February, but no other franchise was interested enough to offer him a contract.
The former Bucks and Pelicans are joined by veteran playmakers like Rajon Rondo and DJ Augustin, who can play more of a role on the team than on the court. Meanwhile, others like Elfrid Payton or Isaiah Thomas seem to have already fallen off the league’s radar after different failed experiences.
Which teams still have room for a point guard?
The point guard position is one of the fastest trying to close General Managers in the NBA. Securing such an important position allows us to better understand what the group’s potential might be, which is why Facundo Campazzo’s NBA situation is so critical right now. As of mid-September, there is no franchise that has a vacancy within the 15-player standard contract limit.
However, in pre-season this means nothing as it is common for teams to sign players in out of season with the aim of making a decision on the department before the start of the course. In addition, we need to add its conventions training camp which can lead to a next link if he does it right.
With all that in mind, there some franchise where Facundo Campazzo could fit given the circumstances, either due to the absence of a point guard or the frame of the team.
Charlotte Hornets
The North Carolina franchise is in a bit of a weird situation. Although they only have three handlers with management ability (Ball, Rozier and Bouknight), everything points to that The Hornets are waiting for Kemba Walker to determine his future with the Detroit Pistons.
The team’s former star was traded to Michigan a few months ago and has yet to clear his contract, so all indications are that when he does, he will return home. Even so, nothing can be ruled out, especially considering Kemba’s past performances.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ situation is very similar, as they haven’t replaced the point guard position with a traditional figure since the departure of John Wall. The Texans are going to prioritize the duo Jalen Green-Kevin Porter Jr. but on the bench of substitutes they only have TyTy Washington Jr., Trey Burke and Daishen Nix, players who are anything but reliable point guards.
On a team looking to develop its youngsters, some of whom can’t yet create with the ball or require a high volume of direct blocks, Campazzo would be the ideal profile to be the backup point guard.
San Antonio Spurs
The other Texan team on this list is familiar to Argentine fans, and it just so happens to be has only one payroll basis: Tre Jones. Spurs have completely cleaned out their squad with the aim of reshaping their squad to build a project for the future.
Although San Antonio’s line seems focused on the build-up young talent, Gregg Popovich’s men will need the ball to get to their inexperienced shooters just like the Rockets.
Portland Trail Blazers
Those from Oregon were among the teams that moved the most in the market with transfers and big name signings. However, those of Chauncey Billups somewhat unprotected their second unit, which makes sense if you consider the presence of names like Lillard, Simons, Payton or Grant. Even sothe Blazers have only two names capable of leading the team with the ball, which will require a large load of minutes and which, at the same time, run the risk of injury.
Will Portland consider signing Campazzo to bolster the third baseman role? With the start of the preseason around the corner, it doesn’t seem possible.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent the NBA or its organizations.
