5 NBA Players Who Would Most Benefit from a Lockout

Recently, all NBA talk has revolved around one subject: the lockout.

The work stoppage has annoyed players and fans alike. The league knows that not only will it lose money next year, but if there is no season, the outlook is pretty grim. Coming off such a successful season, if fans lose interest, it is very bad financially

However, a very small portion of players might be happy with the disagreement over the CBA. For many issues, to young, too old, too injured, or too one-dimensional, some players are hoping for an extended off-season.

Last time a season was cut short, a team led by a past-his-prime veteran, David Robinson and a before-his-prime youngster, Tim Duncan rose above the rest and won a title. Now, a new batch of players are hoping to do the same.

Without further ado, here are the top five players that may be hoping for a lockout.

5. Kawhi Leonard

Leonard, who was recently acquired via trade by the San Antonio Spurs, is in the same boat as many other rookies in the class of 2011. In this relatively weak class, many of the rookies are projects, with no immediate impact on their teams.

Leonard, who was drafted no. 15 fits that description perfectly. He is tremendously athletic, as well as being a great shot-blocker and rebounder for his size. On the other hand, his offensive game needs a good amount of tuning. His jump shot is straight up bad, and his post up game is nearly at that level.

However, the Spurs' need him to produce in order for them to succeed as a team. They have some pieces that could help work out Leonard. Richard Jefferson still has a good jumper and Tim Duncan is great in the post.

With the an extra-long off-season, the Spurs will have not only found their small forward for the future, but a player that can help them win a ring now.

4. Deron Williams

D-Will recently announced his plans to play in Turkey if the owners and players have yet to agree on the new CBA. This move makes a lot of sense in many ways.

1. Williams', and eventually other stars' decisions to leave the States gives them some leverage. He can tell the owners that they have other options even if they are locked out.

2. Even if the lockout continues, and D-Will's Turkey move doesn't budge the owners one bit, his still gains something. Instead of playing another year for a lowly team in Newark, he can wait it out, burn the final year of his deal and wait. If the move to Brooklyn does enough to persuade Dwight Howard to join forces, he re-signs. If Howard spurns to Nets, and instead goes to New York, or LA, Williams can move on as well (New York, Dallas, LA and Charlotte are possible suitors).

If the lockout goes through, Williams has options. He forces New Jersey to make moves. And he can shed a year off an NBA contract, all while still playing professional basketball.

3. Gilbert Arenas

Ever since Arenas first went down with in knee injury in late 2007, his career went into a complete downward spiral.

From then on, it was problem after problem, whether it was due to injuries, guns, or simply not producing on the court. Finally, last December, the Washington Wizards decided that they had enough, and traded away Arenas to Orlando in exchange for Rashard Lewis.  

When he got to Orlando, his game dropped to levels almost unimaginable for a player of his quality. However, his knee is still an issue.

If he can get an entire off-season to train his knee back to full health, he will once again be a factor. With heavy rumors that he and Dwight Howard will be in LA next season, a rejuvenated Gil, back in his hometown could turn them in to title contenders. 

First, however, he needs extensive work on his knee, so that players need to at least be a little afraid of his driving ability.

2. Kobe Bryant

This one is a no-brainer in my opinion. For a few seasons now, Kobe has been dealing with some injuries. I think he is still an elite player, however.

A few weeks ago, Bryant decided to undergo minor knee surgery, which for a warrior like him, is a big deal.

Every season, he seems to play every game, and carry his team far into the playoffs. So, instead of the 15 years he has truly played in the NBA, it seems more like 22. He needs an extended rest period, something he hasn't had since after the 2006-07 season.

He might be even happier if their is a super extended off-season, and when the league resumes in, say, January, his Lakers should be considered one of the favorites to win the championship.

His fragile body might not be able to hold up for an entire season, so not only does the long off-season help him, a 50-game season might be perfect for a final title run.

1. Kevin Durant

Although KD doesn't fit the description of too young, too old or too injury-prone, a longer break makes the Thunder perhaps the best Western Conference team. Although Durant is already a supreme scorer, something vital seems to be lacking from his game: a post game.

As Dirk Nowitzki proved last June, a great post game from your superstar could prove vital in a team's run for the ring. Another key thing about Durant's game: He is not very strong and can't out-muscle his opponents like fellow great players such as LeBron James or Dwight Howard can.

With a year working in the post and in the gym, as well as just another year of maturing for he and point guard Russell Westbrook, not only will the Thunder be the team to beat, but mark my word, Kevin Durant will be the best player in the world.