NBA Free Agency: Which Veterans Make the Best Free Agent Targets?

Even though the NBA is currently facing what could be a prolonged lockout period, it's still never too early to start talking free agency.

I’m operating under the assumption that the lockout will eventually be settled, as we all hope, and as soon as the market opens back up I can all but guarantee free agents are going to be a big point of discussion.

Your favorite team undoubtedly has needs that have to be filled and who better to fill them with than veteran free agents.

Veterans are still going to bring in a ton of value, but can be had at a much cheaper price than some of the big names that we so often discuss.

Let’s take a look at the best veteran unrestricted free agents that will be on the market:

7. Caron Butler

The problem with Butler is that he missed most of the 2011 season rehabbing an injury that he suffered in January.

There have to be questions regarding his ability to bounce back and how much he would be worth because of the injury.

Butler can be an effective scorer though when healthy. He is not a starting option, but a good veteran presence to come off your bench and contribute a scoring run here or there.

He will also be a cheaper alternative because of the injury.

6. Shane Battier

Battier has always been known for his stellar defense and clutch shooting.

He is always a threat to hit big three-point shots, and he brings more than just his play on the court.

Battier is one of the good guys in the league and has always been known as a great leader.

A team looking for a veteran glue guy to put them over the top would find great value in Battier.

5. J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith is as explosive as they come, and if you are a team looking for a quick boost of energy off your bench, Smith has got to be the target to go after.

He can score at will in spurts and he's also a good defensive player.

Overall, he would be a good free agent pickup that won't be too expensive.

4. Yao Ming

Why not take a chance on Yao Ming?

Sure, he's been hurt far too often to the point of questioning his abilities, but he's still Yao Ming.

He is still an interior force and he can still contribute at least something.

Ming's worth a cheap contract with very little time on it.

3. Tayshaun Prince

Prince might demand a little bit more money than some of these guys, but in my opinion he is worth it.

Prince has been a borderline all-star for his whole career with Detroit, and if a contender picks him up he could end up being the final piece of the puzzle.

He's a tremendous defender and has shown spurts of offensive dominance.

He may be a quite personality, but he knows how to play big.

2. Tyson Chandler

Chandler is an incredibly interesting prospect.

He was a major contributor to Dallas’ championship run and undoubtedly that alone will allow him a fairly high asking price.

His good healthy and proven status as a defensive enforcer and stellar rebounder will also make him a hot commodity.

At this point in his career any team would be lucky to have him.

1. Jamal Crawford

Crawford is the best player on this list and he’s definitely going to be quite a snag for a lucky team.

Atlanta certainly doesn’t want to lose Crawford, but they’ve got bigger fish to fry as far as contracts are concerned.

He can be a huge piece off the bench for a contending team, and a starter for a team looking for a big boost in the starting lineup.

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