NBA Free Agents 2011: 5 Players Who Could Be Piece to Contenders' Championship

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Free agency kicks off in a few days, lockout willing, and a number of teams will look to improve their rosters with some signings.

This year's free-agent group is not that strong, especially compared to last year's, but there are some players out there who could help push some franchises into championship territory.

Here's a list of free agents who could help teams win it all next year.

Michael Redd

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Michael Redd has all but fallen off the radar in NBA news. He has been limited to just 61 games the past three seasons due to the multiple tears of both his ACL and MCL in his left in that time span.

Even though he hasn't been around full time recently, the Chicago Bulls should consider giving him a chance.

The Bulls lacked a second guy opposite to Derrick Rose who can handle the ball and score at a high rate.

Redd could be that guy. He may not be at the level he was a few years back, but even a shell of his former self could be enough to improve Chicago's title chances for next year.

Samuel Dalembert

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All season long, the Miami Heat have lacked a true starting center. Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilguaskas, Erick Dampier and Jamaal Magloire do not fit that description.

Not having a man in the middle to really protect the rim and rebound at a high rate was one of the main reasons they faced trouble at certain points of the season. Signing Samuel Dalembert would undoubtedly improve the 5-spot in Miami.

Dalembert has been one of the elite shot blockers in the league during his career. He's also excelled cleaning the glass as well, and most of his scoring comes from put backs. These qualities make him a perfect fit with the Heat, should he join them.

Tyson Chandler would be the best free agent option for the Heat, but it is highly expected that he will re-sign with Dallas.

David West

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David West is one of the more talented players in the league that you don't hear too much about. He's a crafty scoring power forward, who is good in the pick and roll.

He went down with a torn ACL back in March. Once he heals up, he could be a great addition to the San Antonio Spurs as he is expected to opt out of his contract.

West in a black and white jersey would help take pressure off of Tim Duncan in the frontcourt, and he would give them a second scorer in the paint.

Overall his addition would reload the championship chances of  the Spurs, whose window seems to be closing quickly at the moment.

T.J. Ford

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T.J. Ford has not played up to his talents the last two seasons in Indiana. Injuries have been a large part of that. A fresh start could help him out as he still has a lot to offer, and the Los Angeles Lakers should definitely try to sign him.

Ford is no where near the head of the class when it comes to modern point guards in the NBA, but he is an improvement from Derek Fisher at this point of his career. Fisher has had very low production in the last few years as he moves deeper into his 30s.

Ford will give a fresh breath to the point guard position in Los Angeles and perhaps thrust them back into competing in June.

Tayshaun Prince

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What's left in the tank for Tayshaun Prince has been wasted away in dysfunctional seasons for the Detroit Pistons. He still has something left to offer, and it's dissipating playing for a Detroit team that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Luckily Prince is a free agent this summer, and the Boston Celtics could use his help.

Prince would give the C's the stout wing defender that Jeff Green failed to be when they brought him in. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James reeked havoc on them in the playoffs. Prince could certainly help slow them down when they meet them, and that would help brighten their path to a championship.