5 Sneaky HOME RUN Signings From The 2025 NBA Offseason…
The NBA offseason is a time of headline-grabbing trades and blockbuster signings—moves that shift the balance of power and dominate the news cycle. The summer of 2025 was no exception, with megadeals such as Kevin Durant’s trade and the high-profile signing of Miles Turner drawing attention from fans and analysts alike. But beneath the surface, a handful of quieter free agent moves have proven to be game-changers, delivering immense value and helping reshape the season’s narrative.
This feature spotlights five of the most impactful “sneaky home run” signings from the 2025 NBA offseason. These stories showcase the importance of smart roster construction, player development, and the ability of overlooked talents to thrive given the right opportunity.
1. Colin Gillespie: Phoenix Suns’ Unexpected Catalyst
Contract: 1 year, $2 million (minimum)
Colin Gillespie’s journey to NBA relevance is a testament to perseverance. Overlooked out of high school, Gillespie’s only Division I offer came late, but he seized his opportunity at Villanova, developing into a reliable floor general. Despite a decorated college career, he went undrafted and spent his first pro seasons bouncing between two-way contracts and G-League assignments.
Last season, as the Suns’ playoff hopes faded, Gillespie was given consistent minutes and responded with poise and production—averaging 11 points per game and shooting 45% from three over the final two weeks. Phoenix rewarded his progress with his first standard NBA contract, a minimum deal that few expected would pay dividends.
This season, Gillespie has emerged as one of the league’s breakout role players, earning the Suns’ starting point guard job. He’s averaging 14 points and 5 assists per game, shooting a scorching 43% from three on seven attempts per night. Over the last six weeks, his numbers have jumped to 17 points per game as his minutes have increased.
Gillespie’s impact goes beyond the box score. His steady presence, defensive effort, and leadership have helped keep Phoenix in the playoff mix after many wrote them off. As free agency approaches, Gillespie is set for a significant payday—but for now, the Suns are reaping the rewards of their faith in an overlooked talent.
2. Cam Spencer: Memphis Grizzlies’ Bench Dynamo
Contract: 4 years, $10 million
A champion at UConn in 2024, Cam Spencer entered the NBA as a late second-round pick (53rd overall), viewed as an older prospect lacking elite athleticism or size. His rookie year was quiet—just 25 appearances, mostly in garbage time, and modest stats.
Yet Memphis saw something others missed, locking Spencer up on a four-year deal at near-minimum salary. This season, he’s rewarded their investment by becoming one of the league’s premier sixth men. Spencer is averaging 12 points per game, shooting 50% from the field and 48% from three—the second-best mark in the NBA.
Spencer’s competitive spirit is palpable. He plays with toughness, talks confidently on the court, and backs it up with production. He’s a versatile scorer, moving well without the ball, shooting with precision, and finishing creatively in the paint. His ability to serve as a secondary ball handler and a reliable defensive presence has made him indispensable.
Memphis’s commitment to Spencer exemplifies the value of recognizing work ethic and potential beyond draft position. His emergence has provided the Grizzlies with a spark off the bench and a blueprint for maximizing undervalued assets.
3. Sandro Mamukelashvili: Toronto Raptors’ Stretch Big Revelation
Contract: 2 years, $5 million
Sandro Mamukelashvili’s path to a stable NBA role has been anything but smooth. After four years at Seton Hall, he was drafted by Milwaukee but struggled to find consistent minutes. A stint in San Antonio offered more playing time, but his production remained streaky, and his flashes of potential were just that—flashes.
Toronto, seeking floor spacing and depth at the big man spot, took a chance on Mamukelashvili with a modest two-year deal. From day one, he earned consistent minutes, and this season he’s responded with career-best numbers: 10 points and 5 rebounds per game, shooting 39% from three on over three attempts per night.
Mamukelashvili has finally found his niche as a stretch big. He’s confident in catch-and-shoot situations, attacks closeouts effectively, sets hard screens, and provides serviceable defense. His ability to adapt and embrace his role has made him a valuable contributor in Toronto’s rotation.
The Raptors’ investment in Mamukelashvili highlights the importance of patience and fit in player development. By providing opportunity and clarity of role, Toronto has unlocked an asset that is delivering far above his contract value.
4. Nick Smith Jr.: Lakers’ Two-Way Turnaround
Contract: Two-way contract
Nick Smith Jr. entered college as a top-five recruit, projected as a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. But after a challenging year at Arkansas, his draft stock slid, and he was selected 27th overall by Charlotte. His rookie season was uneven—39% shooting, strong three-point numbers, but struggles at the rim and on defense.
Smith’s sophomore campaign saw further regression, leading the Hornets to waive him before the 2025–26 season. The Lakers picked him up on a two-way deal, with expectations low. But injuries to Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, and Luka Dončić opened the door for Smith to play meaningful minutes.
Smith has seized the opportunity, averaging 8 points per game on 44% shooting and 40% from three. He’s rediscovered his deep shooting touch and shown growth as a secondary creator. His 25-point performance in a win over Portland—while Dončić, Reaves, and LeBron James were all out—demonstrated his ability to step up when needed. Another 21-point outing off the bench against Sacramento further solidified his case for a standard contract.
Smith’s resurgence is a testament to the value of patience and developmental environments. The Lakers’ willingness to invest in his potential may pay off in a long-term contributor with upside.
5. Dominick Barlow: Philadelphia 76ers’ Energy and Versatility
Contract: Two-way contract
Dominick Barlow’s journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by unconventional prospects. After going undrafted in 2021, Barlow spent time in the Overtime Elite League before joining the Spurs on a two-way deal. He bounced between the G-League and NBA, showing flashes but never securing a stable role.
After a stint with the Hawks, Barlow signed with Philadelphia—a team with limited cap space and a glaring need at power forward. Barlow impressed in training camp and preseason, earning the starting spot on opening night against Boston. His energy, defense, and rebounding have kept him in the rotation ever since.
This season, Barlow is averaging 9 points and 5 rebounds per game on 53% shooting. While not always a box score standout, his athleticism, hustle, and ability to complement Joel Embiid have made a tangible impact. He crashes the glass, runs the floor, and does the little things that help teams win.
Barlow’s rise suggests the Sixers may soon convert his contract to a standard deal, with a possible extension on the horizon. His story is a reminder of the importance of opportunity, fit, and perseverance in the NBA.
The Bigger Picture: Value Signings and the Modern NBA
These five signings exemplify the strategic importance of identifying undervalued talent, fostering development, and building depth. In a league where stars command headlines and salary cap flexibility is paramount, finding contributors on bargain contracts can be the difference between playoff contention and mediocrity.
Teams like Phoenix, Memphis, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia have shown that smart roster construction goes beyond splashy moves. By investing in players with upside, work ethic, and adaptability, franchises can unlock significant returns and build sustainable success.
Conclusion: The Power of Opportunity and Smart Team Building
The 2025–26 NBA season is a showcase for the impact of sneaky, under-the-radar free agent signings. Colin Gillespie, Cam Spencer, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Nick Smith Jr., and Dominick Barlow have all seized their moments, elevating their teams and redefining their careers.
Their journeys underscore the value of perseverance, fit, and organizational vision. As the season unfolds, these players will continue to shape the league’s narrative—not as headline superstars, but as indispensable contributors whose impact far exceeds their contracts.
For fans, analysts, and executives alike, the lesson is clear: in the NBA, opportunity and smart decision-making can turn overlooked assets into game-changers.
