2011 NBA Free Agents: The Top 10 Free Agents at Every Position

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The 2011 NBA free-agent class is packed with talent that is certain to fly under the radar.

Although there is a great deal of financial uncertainty surrounding the league as it prepares for a lockout, players will still be signing with new clubs once the labor negotiations conclude and the new collective bargaining agreement is constructed.

With names like Marc Gasol and Tyson Chandler looking to cash in after prolific seasons, let's take a look at the top 10 options at each position entering the offseason.

No. 10 PG: Earl Watson

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Although Watson's numbers aren't particularly sexy, he is a veteran point guard capable of filling a starting role in a pinch off of the bench.

Watson averaged better than six assists per game in 13 contests as a starter this season, so it's clear that he's still got plenty left in the tank at age 31.

He would make for a solid addition within the second unit of a competitor that needs help at the point guard position, and it wouldn't be surprising to potentially see him surface in Miami.

No. 9 PG: Patrick Mills

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Mills flashed some brief potential during limited playing time with the Blazers, but he's probably going to have to head elsewhere if he wants increased action.

He's not much of a facilitator in terms of creating shots for his teammates, and a foot injury seemed to really hamper him when he was first getting his career under way.

He'll have the ability to head elsewhere considering that Portland just traded for PG Raymond Felton, but it's to be determined as to whether or not he'll drum up much interest on the market.

No. 8 PG: Ronnie Price

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Like Watson, Price hasn't been the most touted name in seasons past, but he's a scrappy player who can definitely help out a team that needs intensity in the second unit.

Durability is a major concern for the point guard, as he has yet to play in all 82 games throughout a single season, but his role hasn't always been defined over the course of his career.

If nothing else, Price should provide both youth and energy to a team that is looking to fill its hole at reserve point guard by shopping in the bargain bin.

No. 7 PG: Sebastian Telfair

Telfair has bounced around the league quite a bit over recent seasons, but he's still got something to prove as he looks to leave his mark.

The veteran can still capably run an offense, penetrate to the basket and has no trouble dishing the rock to the open man on the perimeter.

He'd be an excellent fit on a competitive club that is looking for a change at the point guard position (Lakers?) without going overboard via trade or free agency.

No. 6 PG: Acie Law

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Although Law has never quite lived up to the hype that he received as the No. 11 overall selection back in 2007, he can still ball at the NBA level as a legitimate backup point guard.

He has yet to find his niche in the league as he's already played for five clubs, but the persistent Law isn't ready to let anything stand in his way of achieving success at the highest level.

He's definitely nothing more than a backup at best, but he should come rather inexpensively to a club that has a lot of financial commitments outstanding and could prove to provide a nice yield on investment.

No. 5 PG: Delonte West

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West has a lot of off-court baggage tied to him, but his impact on the court can be felt with every minute that he spends on the hardwood.

As someone who has started in the past, West can immediately anchor the second unit for any competitive club and adequately stretch the floor at the point guard position.

Any team thinking of signing West shouldn't bank on his presence in the lineup considering the issues that he's faced in the past, but he represents a low-risk, high-reward scenario to a team that needs help on the bench.

No. 4 PG: T.J. Ford

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Ford is the definition of a young veteran at the point position considering that he's just 28 years old, and he should have plenty left in the tank after barely playing for the Pacers.

He's got the skills to really run an offense, and although he's not much of an offensive threat from the perimeter, he doesn't have to be with his ability to penetrate to the rack and dish the rock.

There's no doubt that he can really help a competitor, but it's still to be seen as to how rusty he will be after a substantive layoff while rotting on the Indiana bench last year.

No. 3 PG: Mario Chalmers

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Chalmers was relegated to the bench at season's beginning behind Carlos Arroyo, but by the end of the campaign he was firmly entrenched as the team's starting point guard.

Although he was fairly successful in his stint as the club's starter, it's imperative that Miami doesn't overpay to retain his services considering that he's nothing special in terms of running the offense.

He will be highly sought-after on the open market after he showed decent improvement this season, and there's little doubt that some team will be desperate enough to overpay him.

No. 2 PG: Aaron Brooks

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When the Suns acquired Brooks at last season's trade deadline from Houston, it's clear that they envisioned him as the point guard of post-Steve Nash era.

Now that he's a restricted free agent in a very weak crop of point guards, there will be a distinct interest in Brooks' services and the Suns will have to compete financially in order to keep him.

He'll be in line for a major pay increase as there is still a ton of potential to be scraped from his surface, and he's not that far removed from looking absolutely dominant in Houston.

No. 1 PG: Rodney Stuckey

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The Pistons are looking toward life after Stuckey with the drafting of Brandon Knight out of Kentucky, and it's possible that they are growing tired of the combo guard.

While they could certainly play the two guards together, Stuckey's best position is at the point, and the Pistons are firmly in the middle of a massive youth movement.

It should be interesting to see where he could possibly land and what type of payday he will receive, as a number of clubs could certainly use his services.

No. 10 SG: Shannon Brown

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Brown has a player option to return to the Lakers next season, but team GM Mitch Kupchak recently indicated that the athletic guard is leaning toward opting out.

If he does hit the open market, some team will become enamored with his explosive athleticism enough to the point where they overpay him for his services as a shooting guard.

He is a hit-or-miss option off of the bench, and although he can jump anyone right out of the gym, he's got a lot to learn about being a consistent contributor on the perimeter for an NBA team looking to win.

No. 9 SG: Michael Redd

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After two straight ACL tears in the same knee, selling himself to an NBA team is going to be no easy task for former All-Star Michael Redd.

He's going to have to settle for a one-year contract in order to "prove it," but we're talking about a guy who was a perennial 20-point scorer on a nightly basis.

There are worse gambles for clubs to take than Redd, who could serve as a legitimate scoring option within the second unit and potentially even more than that.

No. 8 SG: Tracy McGrady

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McGrady proved that he's got plenty left to offer after turning in a successful season with the Pistons, and his versatility will undoubtedly appeal to at least a couple of clubs.

He appears to be past his chronic knee soreness following microfracture surgery several seasons ago, and he could really anchor a second unit at a variety of positions.

It's been rumored in the past that T-Mac has always held a strong interest in playing for the Lakers, and the former champs could definitely use an upgrade off of the bench.

No. 7 SG: J.J. Barea

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J.J. Barea might not be an inch taller than 5'6", but the man is going to be a highly coveted commodity once free agency kicks off.

After assuming an integral role in the Mavericks' first championship, Barea is set to cash in on a major payday and will be looking toward an increased role with whichever team he lands on.

He's already stated that he would re-sign with the Mavs or give it a go with the Lakers or Heat, so it's clear that he's looking to remain on a roster that's going to be competitive in the future.

No. 6 SG: J.R. Smith

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While it's fairly obvious that J.R. Smith's tenure has run its course with the Nuggets, he would be an excellent addition to any team that needs perimeter help.

He's a little hot-and-cold, but Smith has the ability to score buckets in large volumes when he gets hot from beyond the three-point line.

With his explosive athleticism and proven ability to contribute, the only thing that will hold him back as an attractive option is his history of off-court issues.

No. 5 SG: Marcus Thornton

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If the Sacramento Kings are serious about retaining Marcus Thornton moving forward, the team should get ready to pay the man handsomely.

After coming over from the Hornets in a deadline deal, Thornton lit the net on fire with his insane shooting skills from deep and really provided a great offensive weapon for the team.

He's going to be extraordinarily attractive on the open market given his youth and upside, so the Kings may find themselves in a greater bidding war than they anticipated.

No. 4 SG: Nick Young

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Before a knee injury sapped the remainder of the regular season from under him, Young's breakout campaign was the real deal and on display for the world to see.

Despite the team and Young both expressing a mutual desire to reunite, the Wizards already have Jordan Crawford in the backcourt and just drafted Jan Vesely which may leave little room for Young on the roster.

There's no doubt that he's in for a serious pay raise given how well he performed last season, and this USC product will likely find a bigger offer than Washington is willing to give him.

No. 3 SG: Arron Afflalo

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Similarly to Nick Young, Afflalo really enjoyed his coming-out party during the 2010-11 season when he thrived in a starting role.

He proved to be an excellent defender on the perimeter as well as a threat on the offensive end, so there should be no shortage of interest in the young gunner league-wide.

Afflalo has the skills to pay the bills and plays with a chip on his shoulder after being drafted later than he thought he should've gone, so his signing should pay dividends to whatever club ponies up.

No. 2 SG: Jason Richardson

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Jason Richardson might be the most underrated free-agent prospect available in the 2011 crop, and although he's a veteran, J-Rich has plenty left to offer.

He's not going to make as much as he did last season when he was severely overpaid, but he's still going to reel in a nice check and establish himself as a serious offensive contributor for another club.

With the Magic drafting DeAndre Liggins and already committed to J.J. Redick, it's a virtual certainty that Richardson is headed for yet another new team next year.

No. 1 SG: Jamal Crawford

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Jamal Crawford has always been a capable scoring option regardless of whether he's starting or serving as the sixth man, and that trend shouldn't buck anytime soon.

Although he doesn't do much besides score, he does it with enough frequency that the shortcomings in his game can be largely ignored.

Teams interested in the veteran should know exactly what they're getting as he's usually either ice-cold or piping-hot, but he still manages to score regardless.

No. 10 SF: Mike Dunleavy, Jr.

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Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been more of a problem than a solution in recent seasons, and he might be one player that is scouring the market looking for a job.

He's proven to be a solid scorer when he's healthy, but he's rarely avoided the injury bug and simply has not delivered on his potential.

The veteran swingman should probably get some nibbles on the open market, but he shouldn't be expecting much more than the veteran's minimum at the most.

No. 9 SF: Reggie Williams

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Reggie Williams seems to be a favorite among the masses, and it's easy to see why when he's been given an opportunity to play.

Williams stepped up in a Warriors lineup when nobody else could and delivered a presence from beyond the three-point line and a solid game on the glass to boot.

He's going to get a substantial raise from what he was previously making, and it wouldn't be surprising whatsoever to see him land on a team willing to give him a bigger role.

No. 8 SF: Shane Battier

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Shane Battier might be one of the most popular men in Memphis, but that doesn't mean that he's a sure-fire lock to be back with a youthful Grizzlies team.

After he was dealt from Houston to the Grizz at the deadline, Battier's second stay with the team could be a short-lived one as he'll attempt to earn his market value through free agency.

A plus-defender with a perimeter game, Battier should have no trouble attracting attention from competitive teams with cap space and playing time available.

No. 7 SF: Grant Hill

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The grizzly veteran would be a lot higher on this list if it wasn't so widely expected that he's going to return to Phoenix, as it would be a serious shock not to see the two sides hammer out a deal.

After battling injuries in the middle of his career, Hill has reclaimed his game in what are supposedly his twilight years and really delivered a consistent threat on a rebuilding Phoenix team.

He and Steve Nash are going to be heavily relied upon to provide a stable force in the locker room, and Hill is able to lead with both his on and off-court actions.

No. 6 SF: Tayshaun Prince

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Tayshaun Prince has largely been an afterthought of many after spending so many seasons in Detroit, but his versatility is almost certain to be rewarded by an interested club.

He's got the ability to contribute in every facet of the game, and although his contributions may not be as substantial when compared to Lamar Odom's, Prince has plenty to provide to a competitive team.

His role for the Pistons may have been overlooked, but his attractiveness to teams looking to upgrade on the wing will not be, and he should have a new home very soon.

No. 5 SF: Wilson Chandler

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Wilson Chandler was an integral part of the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York, but he simply wasn't the same player in the second half as he showed in the first.

Chandler's level of play really tailed off toward the back end of the season, and one has to wonder if the fatigue of a full-time role began to take a toll on the swingman.

He's capable of playing both shooting guard and small forward, and it wouldn't be illogical to predict that he could wind up playing for a different club next year despite Denver stating they'd like to retain him.

No. 4 SF: Andrei Kirilenko

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Andrei Kirilenko's star has really begun to fade over recent seasons, but he rebounded slightly last year when his level of play improved from what it had been.

He's got the skills to contribute across the board and at both ends of the floor, and his nickname of AK-47 represents far more than just his name and number.

With the club adding serious size down low at last season's trade deadline and through the draft, it could spell the end of the bad-hair era in Utah.

No. 3 SF: Caron Butler

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Caron Butler had to sit and watch his Mavericks teammates win the NBA championship without him, and that should make him even hungrier for next season.

Although he lost most of the season to a devastating knee injury, Butler was already performing on-court drills when the NBA Finals were upon us and will undoubtedly be ready to roll when the 2011-12 campaign gets underway.

He's probably going to come cheaper than he would if he had stayed healthy throughout the season, and his signing for a discount price could be a major victory for a team looking for help at small forward.

No. 2 SF: Jeff Green

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The Boston Celtics traded for Jeff Green at the deadline without the assurance that he'd be in the fold long-term, and that was a risky move to take given the lack of depth in this season's free-agent crop.

Green's qualifying contract offer will be just about $6 million, and given his relative youth and extraordinary upside, he could very well garner a lot more than that through a multi-year deal.

Boston would be foolish to sacrifice the chance to win now in an effort to lock up a piece of the future, so although Danny Ainge said that he'd match any offer for Green, it's hard to imagine him doing so if he signs a major deal with a team that overpays him.

No. 1 SF: Thaddeus Young

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It's tough to find a youthful veteran that has as much proven production and upside remaining at just 23 years old as Young does, and that's exactly why he's at the top of the small forward rankings.

He's got game from both the inside and out, and with the ability to post a double-double with regularity, he's going to have incredible appeal when he hits the open market.

I wouldn't expect him to land with a new team as the Sixers would be foolish to let him escape their youthful core, and it wouldn't shock me to see Young net a four-to-five year deal from the club.

No. 10 PF: Yi Jianlian

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Yi has not enjoyed the same success that Yao did when he arrived stateside to play in the NBA, and at this point, it's questionable as to whether he'll be able to undertake a solid role.

Although he's got both size and skill, Yi has been unable to craft his niche against the highest level of competition and has bounced around between clubs.

There's enough intrigue and upside left in him for a team with cap space to express interest on a flyer contract, but he's not going to garner much more than that.

No. 9 PF: Craig Smith

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Craig Smith is one of the more undervalued reserve big men in the league, and it's about time that he gets some recognition for doing the dirty work around the rim.

He's unafraid to bang down low with guys that are bigger than he is, and Smith brings instant energy off of the bench and can really provide solid minutes to a team.

Smith should be able to net a two-year deal, but he may have to settle for one if the labor negotiations place tougher restrictions on the team's financial situations, and they're almost certain to do so.

No. 8 PF: Reggie Evans

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Reggie Evans is definitely a one-trick pony, but at least he performs his lone trick with incredible efficiency in any role that a team asks of him.

Evans relies on his rebounding abilities to make a career, and although he's proven to be a productive source of them in the past, there will be questions about how the injury to his foot may have had an inverse impact on his game.

He has definite appeal to a team that's looking to shore up its rebounding attack in the second unit, and the Knicks should think about making a serious run at the veteran.

No. 7 PF: Josh McRoberts

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After splitting time with Tyler Hansbrough last season, McRoberts is hoping to make a name for himself with a team that's willing to give him a bigger role.

The Pacers might make a run at a bigger target, and that would mean that McRoberts would have to look elsewhere for employment in the upcoming campaign.

He finally flashed some of his potential when the Pacers were willing to give him a regular spot in the rotation, and it's very possible that several other teams took notice of that and are waiting to place a phone call.

No. 6 PF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

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Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has gone largely unnoticed because of inconsistent playing time, but he's an integral piece of the Bucks frontcourt alongside Andrew Bogut.

While the team has said that they're not going to let Mbah a Moute out of their grasp easily, it's possible that another club sees the potential within the forward and is ready to reward him.

As an excellent rebounder for his size and a high-energy guy capable of either starting or coming off of the bench, the demand for the UCLA product should be fairly high.

No. 5 PF: Kenyon Martin

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Kenyon Martin definitely didn't do much to live up to his bloated contract during his tenure with the Nuggets, and it's looking likely he'll be headed elsewhere next season.

The veteran will certainly have to take a substantial pay decrease in order to prove that he's still got game left in the tank, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him take less money in order to vie for a ring.

Championship hopefuls could do a lot worse for depth along the front line, and K-Mart should be just fine in a reserve role for 15-25 minutes per night.

No. 4 PF: Glen Davis

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Big Baby Davis wants the chance to create the "Glen" identity, but his nickname isn't exactly a moniker that one sheds quickly in the NBA ranks.

Whether it's fighting for a rebound down underneath the rim or stepping in front of a man on the fast break in order to take the charge, Davis' willingness to do whatever it takes is certain to appeal to a number of clubs.

The Celtics would be wise to maintain an interest in bringing him back into the fold, but it's imperative that they don't overpay for his services as another team will likely throw some solid money his way.

No. 3 PF: Carl Landry

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Carl Landry suffered through an inconsistent role with Sacramento before being traded to New Orleans, but he made his talents heard once he put on a Hornets uniform.

Despite being slightly undersized, Landry's aggressiveness and will to attack the basket allow him to be incredibly successful against larger defenders.

He would make for an excellent addition to any club that's looking to solidify the power forward spot as he's really been blessed with success in every stop throughout his NBA career.

No. 2 PF: Kris Humphries

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Although Humphries has received more notoriety of late for his engagement to Kim Kardashian than his accomplishments on the hardwood, this breakout double-double machine is looking to cash in.

The Nets have deemed it a priority to re-sign him, but they certainly won't be without competition after Humphries averaged a double-double last season, his first in a full-time starting role.

The veteran isn't afraid to play his style of game, and he really brings an incredible amount of energy on a nightly basis. There's no reason to think that his showing from 2010-11 can't be duplicated and/or improved upon moving forward.

No. 1 PF: David West

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David West surprisingly opted out of the final year of his deal with New Orleans, leaving $7.5 million guaranteed on the table despite coming off of reconstructive knee surgery.

With his knee still recovering and the collective bargaining agreement negotiations going nowhere quickly, many thought that this was curious timing on West's part to test free agency.

However, he recognizes that his name will stand out in an otherwise shallow class and will almost certainly make more money than he would've by exercising the final year of his deal.

No. 10 C: Kwame Brown

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Kwame Brown seemed to really find a home with the Bobcats last season, but after drafting Bismack Biyombo, the team has a surplus of big bodies down low.

Paul Silas showed confidence in him as the team's starting center, so it's possible that he remains with the club, but Brown is going to attempt to capitalize on his market value.

Should he land elsewhere, Brown would likely have to settle for a one-to-two year contract on a team like the New York Knicks that has a deficiency of size down low.

No. 9 C: Aaron Gray

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Following in the footsteps of teammate David West, Gray opted out of the final year of his deal in order to test the market.

Before sustaining an injury against the Lakers, Gray showed brief flashes of excellent potential in an increased role, capable of both scoring and rebounding the basketball near the rim.

For a team like the Miami Heat with limited cap flexibility and a big hole in the middle, Gray would be a substantial upgrade and would definitely be intrigued at the opportunity to win a championship.

No. 8 C: Spencer Hawes

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Spencer Hawes hasn't been able to live up to the hype that surrounded him as an incoming prospect out of Washington, but at a legitimate 7'1" with a solid skill set, he'll undoubtedly draw solid interest.

Although he started 81 of 82 games for the Sixers this season, he averaged just 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in the role without having much of a presence on the defensive end.

He needs to be involved offensively in order to really get his juices flowing, but he hasn't shown enough in order to be fully trusted and still has plenty to prove.

No. 7 C: Greg Oden

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It's fairly alarming that Oden is No. 7 in the top 10 considering that he didn't play at all last season and may not be ready for the start of the next one, but that speaks to how shallow the group of available big men is heading into the offseason.

Despite chronic knee woes that have really prevented him from doing much of anything on the court, Oden is still just 23 years old and has plenty of time left to prove that he belongs.

He'll never be able to live down the Kevin Durant comparisons, but Oden represents a gamble worth taking for any team looking to secure a potential center of the future.

No. 5 C: Chuck Hayes

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Chuck Hayes is as small as they come for men in the middle standing at just 6'6", but that lack of size didn't deter him for a single second last season.

In 63 games as a starter, Hayes averaged 8.6 points and 8.7 rebounds and provided a solid defensive presence at the center position for a Rockets team that was challenged in the height department.

With the club clearly looking to get bigger with the additions of Marcus Morris and Donatas Motiejunas through the draft, Hayes may be ticketed for a different team in 2011-12.

No. 5 C: Samuel Dalembert

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Samuel Dalembert didn't exactly do much to earn fans during his tenure in Sacramento, but that's because Paul Westphal did not give him a chance to consistently play his game.

He's an excellent defender with supreme shot-swatting skills, and his ability to contribute both offensively and on the glass adds to his already solid defensive repertoire.

The veteran will draw some very strong interest on the open market as a stopper in the lane, and it appears to be a virtual certainty that he's headed elsewhere for the next campaign.

No. 4 C: DeAndre Jordan

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The Los Angeles Clippers are going to do everything possible in order to retain the budding young center, but Jordan is going to be one of the most coveted players through free agency.

He's still incredibly young, and finally displayed his potential to be a dominant center in the league last season when starter Chris Kaman was injured.

Jordan still needs to hone his offensive attack, but he's already a plus-rebounder and excellent shot-blocker, and his insane athleticism allows him to do almost anything underneath the rim.

No. 3: Nene

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Nene made some folks in Denver uneasy when he decided to exercise his early termination option on his current deal and declare for free agency, but he was adamant about landing a multi-year pact.

While he hasn't yet shut the door on a return to the Nuggets, he's going to be looking for an unbelievably lucrative deal as one of the prized free agents on the market, and the competition for his services will be fierce.

There are a plethora of clubs that could use an upgrade along the front line, and that's exactly what Nene brings to the table for any team willing to dole out his desired pay day.

No. 2 C: Tyson Chandler

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Tyson Chandler was considered an injury risk before the season began, but now with a USA medal around his neck and a championship ring soon to be fitted around his finger, he's one hot name in the basketball world.

A center who is armed with both offensive and defensive game, Chandler represents a serious force in the middle and could improve a number of lineups around the league.

The Mavericks probably won't let him slip away after he was so instrumental in the club's first championship in franchise history, and if he can avoid injury there's no reason to think that he can't do it season in and season out.

No. 1 C: Marc Gasol

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Marc Gasol got off to a painfully slow start to the season which sparked a lot of debate as to whether or not he'll continue to grow as a player, but his performance in the postseason made that conversation a distant memory.

Gasol absolutely tore through the opposing front lines during the Grizzlies' stunning postseason run, and Pau's (not so little) brother showed exactly why Memphis had so much confidence in him.

The Grizzlies desperately want to bring him back, but after just handing out lucrative extensions to both PG Mike Conley and PF Zach Randolph, Gasol might be able to find a deal from another competitor that is more than his current club is willing to pay.