NBA Rumors: Vince Carter and 10 Veterans Looking for Their First Ring

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Vince Carter is a 13-year veteran who is still looking for his first NBA Championship ring. He enters the 2011 season as a free agent and could be looking to join a team that can contend for a title in 2011.

It took Jason Kidd 17 years and Dirk Nowitzki 13 years to win their first title after the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.

Carter, who is one of the most electrifying players of the past 10 years, has plenty to offer teams looking to add a veteran and win a championship. He's won Gold Medals, Slam Dunk Titles, and has made runs deep into the playoffs, but is lacking an NBA Championship. 

Carter is not the only veteran free agent who is hoping to win their first title in 2012. Let's take a look at 10 free agents who want their first ring next season. 

Shane Battier

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Shane Battier enjoyed great success in college and won a title for Duke, but since coming to the NBA, he has yet to win a title. 

Battier is a solid defender and has hit 979 three-pointers in his career. After 10 seasons in the NBA, Battier is ready to win a title.

Teams like the Celtics, Magic, Lakers, Bulls and Heat should take a hard look at Battier if they plan on making another title run.  

Yao Ming

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Yao Ming is an eight-year veteran who is still looking for his first title. Yao is the biggest NBA star out of China and is set to become a free agent in 2011. 

Retirement could be a possibility for Ming due to injuries. The Rockets would like to have him back if he is healthy, but it would make a lot of sense for the big man to look at other options.

Yao could provide a contending team with much-needed size in the middle. He may not be able to play a full season, but he could come in big during the playoffs.

If he doesn't retire or sign with the Rockets, the Celtics would make a lot of sense. They are in need of a big man after trading Kendrick Perkins and losing Shaq to retirement. Nenad Krstic and Glen Davis are free agents as well, and they may only be able to keep one of them.

Adding Yao would give them a veteran with size and shooting ability and allow them to make one more run at a title. 

Grant Hill

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Grant Hill is a 16-year pro who is still looking for his first ring. Hill is a class act who has had many ups and downs in his career.

Most of the downs in his career have been due to injuries, but he has overcome those injuries and is still playing at a high level.

Hill is a free agent in 2011 and will be looking for a new home. He has the ability to score and defend very well. He may have to join a team at a discount if he wants to win a title, but it would be worth it.

Hill could give teams like the Knicks and Heat a guy who can still produce on the court and be a positive influence in the locker room.

Look for Hill to join a team that is championship ready in 2011.

Andre Miller

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Andre Miller is an 11-year pro who can still play the point guard position and score points. He is still looking for his first ring and could give a playoff team a solid option off the bench or as a starter.

Teams like the Magic and Knicks could use a veteran point guard. Miller provides scoring and leadership when he is on the court.

It would be interesting to see him in Mike D'Antoni's offense in New York along with Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. 

Kenyon Martin

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Kenyon Martin will be an unrestricted free agent in 2011. He has yet to win a title in his 11-year NBA career.

Martin should provide a playoff team with an aggressive defender who can clean up the boards. Teams that want to add size and strength on the inside should take a look at Martin.

The Celtics, Heat and Magic could use a power forward like K-Mart. It will be interesting to see what Martin decides to do this off season, but winning a title should be his priority.  

J.R. Smith

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J.R. Smith may not be able to lead a team to a title all on his own, but in the right situation, he can become a major scoring threat.

The seven-year veteran could be looking for a new home in 2011, and the Orlando Magic make a lot of sense for Smith.

The Magic are in need of more scoring and have tried to get it from the wrong guys. Smith is young and athletic enough to fit in with Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson. 

Michael Redd

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Michael Redd has suffered injuries in the last couple of years that have limited his playing time and have caused him to miss the majority of the last two seasons.

Despite that, Redd is still averaging over 20 points per game and could give a team a solid scoring threat off the bench.

Redd could fit in with the Lakers or Magic if they are looking for a proven veteran to help them reach the NBA Finals.

Redd is a former All-Star who is entering the later stages of his career, but he can still help a team get over the hump.

Tracy McGrady

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Tracy McGrady is about to enter his 15th year in the NBA. The former All Star is still searching for a ring and he could be looking to join a contender in 2011.

He can no longer lead a team on his own, but he can still provide much-needed offense. 

The Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls could use an offensive weapon, and McGrady could provide that spark for either team.

Jason Richardson

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Jason Richardson will be an unrestricted free agent in 2011 and may be looking for a new team. Orlando may not be willing to bring him after their poor performance in the playoffs.

Richardson would be a great fit in New York and could give a team like the Heat a viable scoring option off the bench.

Richardson has been in the league for 10 years and might have to make some financial sacrifices if he wants to win a title. 

David West

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David West knows that Chris Paul could be on his way out of New Orleans next season. As one of the better free agents in 2011, he could be in for a big pay day or he could take less money and play for a title contender.

At 6'9", West gives a team size and scoring ability. The Orlando Magic would be a great fit for West.

Putting him with Dwight Howard in the paint would give the Magic a great combination of offense and defense.

The New Jersey Nets could also be an option for West. Pairing him with Brooke Lopez and Deron Williams would turn the Nets into an instant playoff team.