NBA Free Agency 2012: Top 5 Targets for the Los Angeles Clippers

While Los Angeles Clippers fans are certainly thrilled about their team's first potential playoff berth since Elton Brand was in town, it's hard to imagine that a single year of success will suffice. After all, the worst-case scenario is often the most likely scenario in Lob City.

In order to secure the Clippers' status as a potential dynasty, they must bring in the necessary pieces to properly build around their core of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. If they're unable to do so, their dreams of consistent playoff berths may never come to fruition.

Fortunately for Clipper Nation, I have the list of who they should target right here.

5. Omer Asik, Center, UFA

If the Clippers are lucky enough to convince Omer Asik to head out West, they will bolster one of their weakest positions: the 5.

While DeAndre Jordan is a star waiting to maximize his potential, Asik is a hard-worker with a developing offensive game. Paired with a relentless attack of the boards and an improving D, Asik has become quite the valuable asset for the Chicago Bulls.

In Los Angeles, his value would be even more significant.

Season Averages: 3.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG

4. Kris Humphries, Power Forward, UFA

One of the best rebounders and low-post defenders in the NBA, Kris Humphries would add a grittiness to the Clippers that they'd be losing with Kenyon Martin's exit. More importantly, they'd become of the most dominant rebounding teams in the NBA.

Considering that their in-city rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, are built around two dominant frontcourt players, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add depth in the same area. Also, considering Humphries is a better defender and rebounder than Blake Griffin, this could be a need, not just a desire.

Season Averages: 13.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.3 BPG

3. Gerald Wallace, Small Forward, Player Option

The Clippers are in dire need of an upgrade at the 3, with Caron Butler underperforming as the potential third member of a Big Three. With Gerald Wallace, you know what to expect: physical defense, board crashing and dominance in transition.

While Butler is the much better scorer of the two, Wallace's value on the defensive end cannot be understated. He is physical enough to guard bigs, athletic enough to defend the perimeter and intelligent enough to handle the occasional switch onto a quicker player.

With all of this being said, his availability is dependent upon his potential acceptance or denial of a player option.

2012 Season Averages: 13.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG

2. Ray Allen, Shooting Guard, UFA

Not only is Ray Allen the greatest three-point shooter of all-time, but he's a proven winner with the one thing all active Clippers currently lack: a championship pedigree.

Ray Allen's success in the playoffs is well-documented, and in 2012, it wouldn't be surprising to see him make one last run at the title with Boston. Heading into the 2013 NBA season, however, it is essential that the Clippers give him another run at the title in one of their own uniforms.

Allen would be the final piece to the puzzle, giving the Clippers an elite perimeter shooter, a sound defender and a locker room leader. All in one person.

Sign Ray Allen.

2012 Season Averages: 14.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 46% 3PT

1. Nick Young, Shooting Guard, UFA

This may seem counterproductive with the acquisition of Ray Allen, but hear me out.

While Ray Allen's one year of service would offer the Clippers the championship pedigree that they currently lack, Nick Young's youth and potential would offer them what they need: long-term stability at the 2.

Though he has been plagued by poor decision-making in his young career, what cannot be lost is Young's ability to flat-out score the basketball. He can shoot, penetrate and dominate in transition, making him the monster 2 that Randy Foye just isn't capable of being.

If the Clippers want long-term success, they must lock him up for the long-term.

2012 Season Averages: 16.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.1 APG