As the NBA offseason progresses and training camps approach, there are still notable free agents waiting to be signed. Among them are two former San Antonio Spurs sharpshooters, Bryn Forbes and Marco Belinelli, who have yet to find homes for the upcoming season. Both players, known for their shooting abilities, have carved out respectable careers in the NBA but remain unsigned heading into the new season.
### Bryn Forbes: A Consistent Outside Threat
Bryn Forbes, a 6-foot-2 guard who has made a name for himself with his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, is one of the notable players still on the market. Forbes entered the NBA in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State and quickly found a role with the San Antonio Spurs. Over his five seasons with the Spurs, Forbes established himself as a reliable three-point shooter, boasting a career average of 41.0% from downtown. His ability to stretch the floor and provide instant offense off the bench made him a valuable asset, particularly in the modern NBA, where three-point shooting is a premium skill.
After his initial stint with the Spurs, Forbes signed with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2020-2021 season, where he continued his hot shooting and played a pivotal role in the team’s championship run. He returned to the Spurs for the 2021-2022 season before being traded to the Denver Nuggets midway through the year. His journey continued with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2022-2023 season, but his role diminished, and he struggled to find consistent playing time. Forbes averaged 3.6 points per game in limited minutes with the Timberwolves last season, a far cry from his career-high 11.6 points per game with the Spurs during the 2019-2020 season.
Despite his recent struggles, Forbes remains an intriguing option for teams in need of shooting depth. At 30 years old, he still has the capability to provide valuable minutes as a sharpshooter off the bench. His ability to come in and knock down three-pointers could be beneficial for teams looking to add firepower to their second unit or for contending teams needing to bolster their shooting percentages.
### Marco Belinelli: The Veteran Marksman
Marco Belinelli, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is another former Spurs player who remains unsigned. Known for his crafty shooting and veteran leadership, Belinelli has been a respected figure in the league since being drafted 18th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2007. Over his career, Belinelli has played for several NBA teams, including the Spurs, where he won an NBA Championship in 2014. His experience, coupled with his ability to hit big shots in crucial moments, has made him a valued player throughout his career.
Belinelli’s time with the Spurs was marked by his role as a key rotation player, providing floor spacing and scoring off the bench. His stint with the Spurs from 2013 to 2015 and a second run from 2018 to 2020 saw him become a fan favorite, especially for his knack for hitting clutch shots and his charismatic playing style. Over his 13 seasons in the NBA, Belinelli has averaged 9.7 points per game while shooting 37.6% from three-point range.
After leaving the NBA, Belinelli returned to Italy to play for Virtus Bologna in 2020, where he continues to compete. While his NBA days might seem behind him, there is always a possibility of a return, especially for a veteran who understands his role and can provide a spark off the bench. Teams looking for a seasoned sharpshooter with playoff experience might consider giving Belinelli another chance, especially if they are seeking to add a steadying veteran presence.
### Why Are They Still Unsigned?
There are several reasons why Bryn Forbes and Marco Belinelli remain unsigned at this point in the offseason. For Forbes, his limited defensive abilities and recent decline in production could be a concern for teams. The NBA has increasingly emphasized two-way players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Forbes’ size also limits his effectiveness defensively, often making him a target for opposing teams. As for Belinelli, his age and the fact that he has been out of the NBA for a few seasons might make teams hesitant to bring him back. At 38 years old, his best days are likely behind him, and while he can still shoot, his athleticism and defensive abilities have declined.
Moreover, the current trend in the NBA is moving toward younger, more versatile players. Teams may prefer to invest in developing younger talent rather than signing veterans whose production may be in decline. Additionally, there could be a waiting game as teams evaluate their rosters during training camp, waiting to see if they need additional shooting before making any final roster decisions.
### Potential Landing Spots
Forbes and Belinelli could still find themselves on an NBA roster by the start of the season, particularly if injuries occur or if teams feel they need to address shooting deficiencies. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, or Philadelphia 76ers, all of whom could use some added shooting depth, might consider bringing in a player like Forbes or Belinelli on a veteran minimum deal.
Forbes’ age and more recent NBA experience may make him the more likely of the two to get another opportunity. Still, Belinelli’s leadership and experience could appeal to a team looking for a veteran presence. As the NBA season draws closer, it will be interesting to see if either of these former Spurs sharpshooters can find a new home.
Leave a Reply