Walking into the offseason, I can’t help but feel a certain déjà vu—the kind of anticipation that reminds me of stepping into Araneta Coliseum for the first time last year, coaching a fresh roster, learning names, tendencies, and building chemistry from scratch. That feeling of everything being bago, as they say, is exactly what teams are experiencing right now as they scan the market for unsigned talent. It’s a mix of uncertainty and opportunity, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of the NBA calendar. While the big names have mostly found homes, there are still impact players out there—guys who can shift a team’s trajectory if given the right role and system.

Let’s start with the obvious one: DeMarcus Cousins. I know, I know—he’s bounced around a bit, and injuries have taken their toll. But I watched him closely last season, and when he’s healthy and motivated, he’s still a walking double-double. In limited minutes with Denver, he averaged around 9 points and 5 rebounds in just 13 minutes per game. That’s per-36 production of nearly 25 and 14—elite numbers, even in today’s pace-and-space league. Sure, his lateral mobility isn’t what it used to be, but as a backup big who can stretch the floor and bang inside? He’s a steal. I’d slot him into a contender like Golden State or Miami in a heartbeat. They need that interior presence off the bench, and Boogie brings an edge that’s hard to find.

Then there’s Dennis Schröder. Look, I get why some teams are hesitant—his fit isn’t always seamless, and his shot selection can be… adventurous. But let’s not forget he dropped 15.4 points and 5.8 assists per game last season. He’s a spark plug, a guy who can create his own shot and put pressure on the rim. For a team like the Lakers or even the Celtics—squads that need backcourt depth—he’s a low-risk, high-reward option. I’ve always believed that in the right system, Dennis can be a sixth man of the year candidate. He just needs the right coach and a defined role, something he didn’t always have in Houston.

Another name that keeps popping up in my conversations is LaMarcus Aldridge. At 37, he’s not the All-Star he once was, but he’s still a crafty scorer who can get you a bucket in the mid-post. Last season, in Brooklyn, he put up 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in just 22 minutes a night. That’s efficiency. For a playoff team looking for veteran leadership and scoring off the bench—think Phoenix or Milwaukee—he’s a perfect fit. I’ve seen him work in practice, and his footwork is still sublime. He’s a pro’s pro, and in the right situation, he could be the difference in a tight playoff series.

But it’s not just the veterans. Younger guys like Collin Sexton are still floating out there, and honestly, it baffles me. Sexton is only 23 and averaged over 20 points per game just two seasons ago. Yeah, he’s coming off an injury, but his scoring ability is undeniable. I’d take a flyer on him if I were a team like the Knicks or Pistons—squads that need a dynamic guard to build around. He’s a restricted free agent, so Cleveland holds the cards, but if they don’t match an offer, someone’s getting a steal.

And let’s not overlook the role players. Blake Griffin, for instance, reinvented himself last year in Brooklyn. He’s not the high-flyer he once was, but he shot 38% from three in the playoffs and brought energy every night. For a contender like the Warriors or even the Clippers, he’s a perfect glue guy. Then there’s Carmelo Anthony—still one of the best pure scorers in the league. He put up 13.3 points per game last season and can get hot in a hurry. I’d love to see him on a team like the Lakers or Heat, where his offense could be maximized in limited minutes.

What strikes me, though, is how much this part of the offseason mirrors that feeling of newness I experienced last year—the bago phase. Teams are figuring things out on the fly, just like I did walking into Araneta Coliseum for the first time. It’s messy, unpredictable, but full of potential. These free agents aren’t just leftovers; they’re opportunities. A signing like Cousins or Schröder could be the move that turns a good team into a great one, or a rebuilding squad into a playoff dark horse.

In the end, it’s about fit and opportunity. Some of these guys will find the right home and thrive; others might fade away. But as someone who’s been on both sides—coaching and analyzing—I can tell you that the gems are still out there. It’s just a matter of who’s willing to look beyond the surface and take a chance. And honestly, that’s what makes this time of year so exciting. You never know which signing will be the one that changes everything.