Victor Oladipo wants an NBA general manager to give him another chance, and he's not the only former NBA All-Star still looking for work as the start of training camp approaches.
Unlike the other veterans that are still free agents trying to latch on with a team, Oladipo is now making his pitch in the public domain. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft recently published an open letter through The Players Tribune and insisted he's ready to return to the league after several major injuries derailed his professional career.
"I believe my body is finally right," Oladipo wrote. "I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly WINNING) basketball in front of me. I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I'm
asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it."
Oladipo's path back to the NBA remains difficult. He hasn't played in the NBA since tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee in April 2023 during a playoff game with the Miami Heat. He hasn't played more than 42 games in a season after suffering a ruptured quadriceps above his right knee in 2019.
But roster spots remain available, and several notable players are unsigned heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Here's a breakdown of the best NBA free agents still available:
F Jalen Duren
The Pistons' 22-year-old restricted free agent has until Oct. 1 to accept a one-year qualifying offer from Detroit or agree to a multi-year extension if he wants to play in the NBA this season.
F Ben Simmons
The former No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft announced earlier this offseason that he's attempting to make a comeback after spending last season out of the league. He last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 campaign.
F Kevin Love
The 37-year-old spent last season mostly as a mentor on the bench after being traded to the rebuilding Utah Jazz in July 2025. Love could still potentially help a contender in a part-time role as a floor-spacing big man and there should be suitors if/when he decides to play this season.
G Bruce Brown
Brown's return to Denver didn't go as well as when he played for the franchise during its 2023 NBA championship run, and the do-everything, undersized role player has yet to find a new home this offseason. He shot a career-best 38.5% from 3-point range last season.
F Nicolas Batum
Though there has been offseason speculation Batum could go overseas to finish his professional career, the 37-year-old forward indicated in a recent overseas interview he'd like to remain in the NBA if possible.
G Seth Curry
The 36-year-old veteran got to play alongside his older brother, Stephen Curry, last season after the Golden State Warriors released him before the campaign began then re-signed him on Dec. 1, 2025.
F Ochai Agbaji
The former Kansas star is only one season removed from averaging more than 10 points and shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range as a two-way wing who started a majority of Toronto's games. He didn't catch on in Brooklyn after a mid-season trade last year.
G Gabe Vincent
The 30-year-old point guard has struggled to stay healthy since a breakthrough NBA Finals run with the Heat in 2023, and he's coming off his least productive season since his rookie year.
F/C Dwight Powell
The 35-year-old Canadian could be an attractive option for teams still looking to add depth inside late. The Los Angeles Lakers (and a reunion with former Dallas Mavericks teammate Luka Dončić) have been mentioned as a potential landing spot.
F/C Kelly Olynyk
The 35-year-old was a member of the San Antonio Spurs during their run to the NBA Finals last year, though he averaged a career-low 8.6 minutes per game playing behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best NBA free agents still available before start of 2026-27 season
