NBA Free Agents: 3 best shooting guards still available on the open market

The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, and much of the league conducted their business during the opening weeks of free agency. Nevertheless, with just a month to go until opening night, several notable free agents remain without teams.

The pool of available shooting guards is particularly strong, and there are a number of teams that have open roster spots ahead of the new campaign. As the season gets underway, injuries and a lack of form could also force teams to turn towards new additions, and free agents are a viable alternative to trades.

So, as we near the 2019-20 NBA season, here are the best three shooting guards remaining on the open market.

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#3 Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert split the 2018-19 season with the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets

Iman Shumpert declined an offer to return to the Houston Rockets earlier this month after impressing during the final months of the regular season. In over 20 appearances, Shumpert averaged 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, and the shooting guard also featured 13 times during the postseason. However, Shumpert is reportedly looking to play a bigger role this season, and he wasn't the best long-term fit for Mike D'Antoni's system.

Shumpert only turned 29 earlier this summer and before his trade to the Rockets, the guard had enjoyed the best form of his career during 42 outings for the Sacramento Kings.

Admittedly, there are still concerns over Shumpert's fitness as he has played more than 60 times just three times during his eight-year career - although there is no doubting his quality when fully fit. A return to the Kings makes sense, although Shumpert is likely to attract plenty of interest in the coming weeks.

#2 J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith played an important role in the Cavs' title-winning season in 2016

J.R. Smith's name remains controversial around the NBA, and the shooting guard's spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended on less than ideal terms. The veteran was released earlier this summer after sitting out much of the 2018-19 season after publicly questioning the direction of the team.

While the Cavs failed to move Smith ahead of the trade deadline, the 34-year-old has since been waived, and interested teams will no longer have to take on Smith's former substantial salary.

While he hasn't played since November, Smith continued to put up solid numbers during his final full season with the Cavs, averaging 8.3 points and 2.9 rebounds. His ability to play as either a starter or reserve is also a plus, and the New Jersey native could be a huge addition for a team looking to add quality depth to their backcourt.

#1 Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford continued to play well despite playing for a struggling Phoenix Suns team

Jamal Crawford is quickly approaching his 40th birthday, although it is surprising that the veteran has yet to be snapped up ahead of the new season. In addition to the wealth of experience that Crawford brings to the locker room, the 3-time Sixth Man of the Year continues to make a substantial impact on the court.

During the 18-19 season, Crawford averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in just 18.9 minutes per contest. Crawford managed to record these numbers on an incredibly underwhelming Phoenix Suns team, and his continued quality was on show as he dropped 51 points during the final game of the season.

Ultimately, there is little doubt that Crawford can add solid production to a contender's bench for at least one more year, and the 39-year-old shouldn't have to wait too long before being signed.