NBA Free Agency 2012: Power Ranking the Best Available Stars

With the 2012 NBA regular season coming to a close, professional basketball is one step closer to a potential facelift that could end an era. With veteran players who we never thought would hit free agency reaching that juncture in their careers, the association is evolving right before our eyes.

While nostalgia is always an option, I would rather look forward. In doing so, I would like to evaluate the biggest names on the free-agent market. More so than studying and determining value, it's important to compare each player's individual value with their fellow free-agent stars.

Key word here: stars.

10. O.J. Mayo, Restricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Shooting Guard - Age 24 - 6'4'' - 210 lbs.

Season Averages: 14.76 PER - 12.6 PPG - 3.2 RPG - 2.5 APG - 1.1 SPG

In evaluating O.J. Mayo, it's important that you evaluate ability rather than production. The reason behind this is that Mayo's role is unlike that of any other prolific scorer at the NBA level.

In Memphis, Mayo is expected to split time with Tony Allen. His 26.8 minutes per game are evidence of the timeshare. Nevertheless, Mayo is averaging 12.6 points per game and has really come into his own since the All-Star break. Not bad for a guy who has spent most of his career in the Grizzlies' dog house.

9. Brook Lopez, Restricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Center - Age 24 - 7'0" - 265 lbs.

Season Averages: 5 GP - 22.00 PER - 19.2 PPG - 3.6 RPG - 1.2 APG

If we're talking talent alone, Brook Lopez is an offensive force that deserves higher placement. The fact is, Lopez is coming off of two injuries that have kept him out for virtually the entire season.

Nevertheless, Lopez's talent demands consideration from any team looking to improve their frontcourt. Lopez has a reliable mid-range game and has shown flashes of being able to dominate in the post.

As long as the Stanford product is able to add some muscle to his frame, there's no reason to pass on him should the price be low enough.

8. Tim Duncan, Unrestricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Center - Age 35 - 6'11" - 255 lbs.

Season Averages: 21.78 PER - 15.2 PPG - 9.1 RPG - 2.3 APG - 1.5 BPG

Tim Duncan has become synonymous with the San Antonio Spurs franchise. After 2012, I don't expect that to change.

Nevertheless, the four-time NBA champion will be on the market. 

Duncan may not be the athlete he once was, but that tenacious defense and signature bank shot haven't disappeared. Neither have Duncan's leadership qualities, as he has shown a great deal of wisdom in leading the Spurs to a shockingly successful season.

Wherever he goes, Timmy will make an impact.

7. Jeremy Lin, Restricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Point Guard - Age 23 - 6'3" - 200 lbs.

Season Averages: 19.96 PER - 14.6 PPG - 6.2 APG - 3.1 RPG - 1.6 SPG

If you argue that his talent isn't star-caliber, you would have a valid point. But if you even began to claim that Lin's namesake alone wouldn't bring in serious revenue, you would be dead wrong. 

With all of this being noted, it's important to remember that Lin is also extremely talented. He can score the basketball in a variety of ways, is a menace in transition and always seems to force turnovers. While he must cut down on the turnovers that he commits, his pairing of big-time scoring and team-building facilitating is undeniable.

Don't be surprised if the team Jeremy Lin goes to has playoff expectations the day after his contract is finalized.

6. Kevin Garnett, Unrestricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Power Forward - Age 35 - 6'11" - 253 lbs. 

Season Averages: 20.46 PER - 15.9 PPG - 8.3 RPG - 2.9 APG - 1.0 BPG

Kevin Garnett was instrumental to the Boston Celtics dismantling the Miami Heat earlier this month. While his display of dominance from the perimeter was notable, I believe something more important was evident in South Beach.

KG still has life in those aging legs.

Despite the fact that the average NBA fan and analyst has written Garnett off, he remains one of the league's most efficient players. He's also a dominant defender who has shown a capability to play both the 4 and the 5. He's also an incredible leader.

If you don't think Ganett can help your team win, you better think again. 

5. Ray Allen, Unrestricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Shooting Guard - Age 36 - 6'5" - 205 lbs. 

Season Averages: 14.81 PER - 14.1 PPG - 3.1 RPG - 2.4 APG - 1.1 SPG - 45.3% 3PT

Ray Allen's historic tenure with the Boston Celtics could very well be over. But regardless of where he ends up, Allen will make a major impact on the team that acquires him through free agency.

Allen remains one of the more efficient scorers in the NBA, shooting 46 percent from the field, and he continues to display signs of being an elite three-point shooter.

While Allen can't take over a game like he was once capable of doing, he is a veteran leader with a mature but not eroding skill set. More likely than not, the acquisition of Allen will elevate a good team to legitimate title contention.

4. Eric Gordon, Restricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Shooting Guard - Age 23 - 6'3" - 215 lbs. 

2011 Season Averages: 18.56 PER - 22.3 PPG - 4.4 APG - 2.3 RPG - 1.3 SPG

While there might be players who are better than Eric Gordon, very few players on this list have the ability to contribute for the long-term like Gordon can. After all, Gordon is in his fourth year in the league and is only 23 years of age.

When Gordon has managed to stay healthy, he has shown signs of being an elite scorer. He can drive the lane, shoot from the perimeter and has even shown a tendency to take over in the fourth quarter. While I believe it's a stretch to call Gordon a franchise player, he is the type of primary scorer that could take a team like the Orlando Magic over the top.

3. Steve Nash, Unrestricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Point Guard - Age 38 - 6'3" - 178 lbs. 

Season Averages: 12.8 PPG - 11.1 APG - 3.1 RPG - 54% FG

Steve Nash has not gotten any MVP consideration despite keeping a subpar Phoenix Suns squad in the playoff race all season long. Should Phoenix end up in the postseason, I'm not sure you could argue against his MVP credentials.

There's no reason to believe Nash can't keep up the productiom we've seen this year. Many expected a drop-off coming out of the lockout, but the 38-year-old is shooting as well as anyone in the NBA and ranks second behind Rajon Rondo for the league lead in assists.

Given that they are already a contender, any team that signs Steve Nash will have a great chance at a title.

2. Roy Hibbert, Restricted Free Agent

Player Traits: Center - Age 25 - 7'2" - 260 lbs.

Season Averages: 18.93 PER - 12.8 PPG - 8.8 RPG - 1.7 APG - 2.0 BPG

Roy Hibbert is a colossal center who is capable of just about anything when he's on the floor. With his crisp passes and surprising quickness, the 7'2" Hibbert catches many a defender by surprise.

Since he came into the league back in 2008, Hibbert has become a better rebounder, shot-blocker and low-post defender. 

Hibbert's improvements have not gone unnoticed, as the former Georgetown Hoya was selected to his first career All-Star Game in 2012. In the following seasons, it's not unlikely that Hibbert will repeat the feat, as his towering stature and bullying weight make him nearly impossible to defend. 

1. Deron Williams, Player Option

Player Traits: Point Guard - Age 27 - 6'3" - 209 lbs. 

Season Averages: 20.74 PER - 21.3 PPG - 8.6 APG - 3.4 RPG - 1.2 SPG

There is very little question as to who is the most coveted free agent in this year's class. After Dwight Howard signed a waiver to decline his early termination option, any questions that remained disappeared.

When Deron Williams went off for 57 points against the Bobcats, he let the world know that he's not just an elite facilitator, but also an elite scorer. He has impressed everyone with his three-point shooting, but Williams can also drive the lane and dominate from mid-range—qualities that any team would be thrilled to have on their roster.

Deron Williams is the best available player and second place isn't even close.