NBA Free Agents 2011: One Glaring Weakness of Top 15 Free Agents

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A minor weakness in any player's game may prove to be the difference in millions of dollars. 

The 2011 NBA Free Agent class is no different when it comes to the detrimental nature of their weaknesses. 

While this year's Free Agent market is certainly loaded with talent, there are still a great deal of alarming deficiencies for even the top-tier players. 

Here is one glaring weakness for each of the top 15 Free Agents of 2011. 

Kenyon Martin

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The former No.1 overall pick’s one glaring weakness is his lack of discipline on the boards. 

For a power forward, Kenyon Martin’s 6.2 rebounds per game in 2010-2011 were strikingly alarming, especially when you consider he was coming off a season in which he grabbed 9.4 RPG.  

Last season was the first of K-Mart’s career in which he failed to record double figures in either rebounds or points per game. 

Glen Davis

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“Big Baby” Davis has exhibited quite a few weaknesses throughout his professional career.

However, Glen Davis’ major Achilles heel has been his lack of physical presence in the low post.  At 6’9” and 235 lbs, one would expect Davis to get rough and tough down low, but he’s done nothing to that effect thus far in his NBA career.

In fact, for his career Davis has averaged just 4.1 rebounds per game and an underwhelming 0.3 blocked shots per game. 

Kris Humphries

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Mr. Kardashian, if you will, was an outstanding fit in New Jersey last season.  He averaged a double-double and brought a great deal of intensity to a team that at times seemed lifeless.

However, Humphries’ most glaring blemish was his penchant for turning the ball over.  

His 11.2 turnover ratio ranked in the bottom half of NBA power forwards, a weakness that must be addressed if he wishes to cash in on a payday this summer. 

Shane Battier

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What Shane Battier lacks in flash, he makes up for in consistency. He works well within any offense and doesn’t do too much by himself.

On the defensive side of the ball, Battier is one of the best man-to-man defenders in the NBA and also provides a presence in the low post when needed.

If there were to be one knock on Battier’s game, it would be his lack of athleticism.  He rarely beats his man one-on-one and is overly predictable off the dribble.  

Greg Oden

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Health, health and health. 

That, of course, is Greg Oden’s biggest weakness. 

Since being drafted first overall in 2007, Oden has played just 82 games; the equivalent of one NBA season.

After his latest knee surgery, Oden has been rumored to be making great progress in his rehab, and should be ready for training camp (here’s to hoping there is one).

If Oden can stay healthy for an extended period of time, he’ll be one of the premier big men in the NBA— there’s no question about it. 

Caron Butler

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There aren’t too many glaring weaknesses in Caron Butler’s game—when he’s healthy. 

Unfortunately for Butler, he’s played in just 56 games over the past two seasons. 

He’ll need to show teams that he’s fully healed from his recent knee injury if he wishes to sign a long-term deal.  A one-year “show me” contract is likely in his future. 

Jeff Green

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Jeff Green brought the Celtics some much needed youth after he was acquired in February.

However, as great of a scorer as he is, he lacks the ability to rebound the basketball.  Green recorded just 4.8 rebounds in 23 minutes per game with the Celtics this past season. 

He’ll most likely return to Boston, as he’s a restricted free agent.  However, he’ll need to improve his game on the boards if the Celtics wish to keep him in their long-term plans. 

Jamal Crawford

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Crawford possesses an uncanny ability to put the ball in the hoop almost at will.

However, his defense is an area of concern for interested teams.   It seems at times like Crawford plays one-way basketball while giving his all on the offensive end and taking a breather on the defensive side.

It’s been the knock against him since he first entered the league, and despite the constant criticism, it remains an area of detriment to his game.  

Samuel Dalembert

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As athletic as Samuel Dalembert is, his main strength comes on the defensive side of the ball. 

Offensively, he’ll occasionally finish around the rim, but his most glaring weakness is his inability to make strong passes.

Dalembert’s a black hole offensively, as he’ll either put up a shot or turn the ball over. 

He doesn’t set his teammates up for shots on the wing, and has never averaged even one assist per game throughout his career.  

Yao Ming

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Like Greg Oden and Caron Butler, Yao’s game depends on his health.  

When he’s healthy, he’s one of the most dominant big men in the NBA.

However, Yao played just five games in 2010-2011 after suffering a strained tendon in his left leg.  If he wants to return to his former level of prominence, he’ll have to stay on the court and prove his injuries are behind him. 

Andrei Kirilenko

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Andrei Kirilenko is one of the best shut-down defenders in the NBA. 

However, his weakness comes on the offensive side of the ball, where his inability to create shots off the dribble is a glaring concern.

Kirilenko will create most of his shots with spot-up jumpers or coming off of screens.  If he wishes to remain a focal point on any team, he’ll have to find a way to become more effective with a defender playing him tightly. 

Tyson Chandler

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One of the heroes of the Dallas Mavericks’ championship run, Tyson Chandler seems to have put most of his weaknesses behind him.  He had a career year for the Mavs, but he still lacked an offensive presence in the low post. 

Chandler struggles in a half court game offensively and doesn’t possess a great repertoire of moves to create his own shot down low. 

Marc Gasol

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For anyone who’s watched Marc Gasol play over the past few years, his weakness has been quite obvious.

His tendency to get into foul trouble is his biggest flaw, and it may prove to be the difference between signing a lucrative contract or not. 

Nene Hilario

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Nene is a freakish athletic talent.  At any given time during a game, he has the ability to turn in a highlight reel dunk. 

However, his greatest fault is his lack of a half-court, back-to-the-basket game.  

Most of his points come in transition or from driving the lane.  

David West

Probably the top player in this year’s free agent class, West’s most glaring weakness is quite an anomaly, really. 

David West is an outstanding NBA scorer, but for anyone who’s seen him play, they’ll quickly take note of his subpar jump shot.

West’s perimeter shooting is wildly inconsistent, and is easily the only chink in his tool set’s armor.