NBA Free Agency 2012: One Perfect Fit for Every Non-Playoff Team

It's a phrase that every fan fears and loathes. A phrase that causes the hair on the back of your neck to stick up and your body to cringe. It's the dreaded "rebuilding phase."

Every year, 14 teams go through the process as they wonder what went wrong. They gut their roster, blow out the bank in free agency and put it all on the line come draft night. Sometimes it works out well, while other times, it proves to be disastrous.

Fortunately for those 14 teams who missed out on the playoffs, I've outlined the first step to recovery. Here is the perfect free-agency fit for each team going home unhappy.

Charlotte Bobcats

Assuming the Charlotte Bobcats land Anthony Davis, their target should not be at the 4. Assuming they don't, their target should not be at the 4. Instead, it should be at their weakest position: the 3.

Corey Maggette has played admirably, but let's be honest. For a rebuilding team that has nothing to lose and everything to gain, wouldn't it behoove the Bobcats to put a young player at what has become the NBA's most talented position?

The perfect man for the job is New Jersey's Gerald Green.

Green is a highlight-reel machine, throwing down crowd-igniting dunk after crowd-igniting dunk. For those who feel he's limited to that type of play, however, you're horribly mistaken. His 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 49 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from distance is evidence of such.

Green is a potential franchise player. The Bobcats would be foolish to let him slip away.

Season Averages: 25.1 MPG - 16.50 PER - 13.2 PPG - 3.3 RPG - 1.1 APG - 0.9 SPG

Cleveland Cavaliers

Ideally, the Cleveland Cavaliers would land Bradley Beal in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft and their shooting guard woes would disappear. The fact of the matter is, those chances hinge on percentile chances. Signing O.J. Mayo and creating your back court of the future is a realistic dream.

Kyrie Irving has been spectacular. LeBron James was a two-time MVP. Somehow, the Cleveland Cavaliers have never put a solid 2 alongside either man. By solid, of course, I mean the fact that they have an aging Anthony Parker who has never averaged double-digit scoring since joining the Cavaliers and an undersized point guard Daniel Gibson attempting to play out of position.

By bringing in O.J. Mayo, you not only add an adequately sized 2, but a player with two years of playoff experience. More importantly, a player who has made the playoffs and played a major role in a historic upset.

A needed target for the Cavaliers.

Season Averages: 26.8 MPG - 14.41 PER - 12.6 PPG - 3.1 RPG - 2.5 APG - 1.1 SPG

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have quite a few holes in their roster, but none more glaring than that of their undersized and underperforming 4's. In order to take the pressure off of soon-to-be All-Star Greg Monroe, they must fill the void.

The ideal target for Detroit would have to be Kris Humphries of the New Jersey Nets. He is one of the NBA's best rebounders, a physical defender and is rapidly improving in every aspect of his offensive game. He's also one of the more efficient players in the NBA.

Alongside Monroe, Humphries could help the Pistons form one of the better defending and rebounding duos in the league. They'd team up with Tayshaun Prince, a crafty veteran at the 3, to create one of the more well-rounded front courts in the NBA.

Add in rookie point guard Brandon Knight and threat-for-30 Rodney Stuckey, and the Pistons have a pretty good lineup.

Season Averages: 17.87 PER - 13.8 PPG - 11.0 RPG - 1.2 BPG - 48% FG

Golden State Warriors

This won't be easy to orchestrate, but with the proper funding and dedication, the Warriors could transform the 3 from a weakness to a strength in a matter of moments. They could also have one of the best young perimeters in the NBA should they land one Nicolas Batum.

Batum is one of the most heralded young players in the NBA, combining his endless length with sharpshooting and excellent defending. He's also just 23 years old.

For Golden State, landing Batum would give Klay Thompson a perimeter partner capable of the same spectacles. Not only can Batum shoot and penetrate as well as Thompson, though, but he is a much better defender. Between him on the perimeter and Andrew Bogut in the paint, the Warriors could potentially become one of the better defensive teams in the NBA while still scoring big.

Season Averages: 17.34 PER - 13.9 PPG - 4.6 RPG - 1.4 APG - 1.0 BPG - 1.0 SPG

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are one of the most interesting case studies in the NBA, as they had a firm grip on a playoff spot with just about two weeks remaining in the season. Suddenly, they lost control of the wheel and are now a full game-and-a-half out of eighth place in the West with one game left on their schedule.

Who could have seen that coming?

As for how the Rockets can prevent yet another meteoric fall, defense might be a good place to start. While the Rockets are scoring a respectable 98.3 points per game, they're allowing 98.2. This outweighs any need of an upgrade at the 5, a position the Rockets can find in the draft.

On the perimeter, the Rockets currently play defensively-inept and constantly disgruntled Kevin Martin. To make a serious playoff push, young Landy Fields could be the perfect replacement. He's a much better defender than Martin, all while possessing similar physical tools and a responsible shot selection.

Season Averages: 12.16 PER - 8.8 PPG - 4.2 RPG - 2.5 APG - 1.2 SPG

Milwaukee Bucks

Upon bringing in Monta Ellis and trading away Andrew Bogut, the Bucks formed an offensively dominant but defensively-inept perimeter. The only way to change their fortune would be to bring in a dominant defender on the wing.

Enter Gerald Wallace.

Wallace is athletic enough to run with Ellis and Brandon Jennings in transition, but also strong enough to defend in the low-post. He's also quick enough to defend anyone from the point to the 3. In other words, he's the full package on defense that the Bucks so desperately need.

As for their need of a center, the draft will offer the Bucks plenty of opportunities to draft their 5 of their future.

Season Averages: 16.20 PER - 13.8 PPG - 6.7 RPG - 2.8 APG - 1.5 SPG

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves' biggest weakness at the moment is inconsistent play at the 2. While Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster and Wayne Ellington have filled in well from time to time, the production of their surrounding players outweighs their contributions by a long shot. Time to target a pure scorer.

With Ricky Rubio running the point, the Timberwolves need a spot-up shooter who can stretch the floor. Someone who's familiar with a pass-first point guard that can make a tricky pass within the blink of an eye. Someone who has played with Rajon Rondo.

Ray Allen.

Allen will likely be interested in winning another title, something Minnesota could potentially bring him. They have one of the best front courts in the NBA, pairing MVP candidate Kevin Love with the ultra-efficient Nikola Pekovic, and one of the league's premier point guards in Rubio. They also have a promising 3, Derrick Williams, who has shown the potential to dominate.

For Allen, he'd fit in perfectly and offer the Timberwolves the veteran presence that they so desperately need. He'd also thrive in a Rick Adelman-run system.

Season Averages: 14.84 PER - 14.2 PPG - 3.1 RPG - 2.4 APG - 45% 3PT

New Orleans Hornets

Where to start?

The New Orleans Hornets have very little to work with and could lose their best player, Eric Gordon, to free agency. After losing their franchise player, Chris Paul, just one year ago, it's not hard to see the route they must take. They must find their new point guard of the future.

Goran Dragic has been on Western Conference radars for years, dating back to his stellar performances as a part of the Phoenix Suns. Recently, however, he stepped up for the Houston Rockets and led them in Kyle Lowry's absence. His play has been equally as impressive, making him one of the hottest names on the free agent market.

In New Orleans, Dragic may not have much to work with at first. The Hornets do, however, possess two lottery picks and could end up with their franchise trio upon landing Dragic. Something to watch.

Season Averages: 26.4 MPG - 18.04 PER - 11.8 PPG - 5.2 APG - 2.5 RPG - 1.3 SPG

New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams is likely to depart. Gerald Wallace isn't a sure-thing to stay. Brook Lopez is as much of an enigma as any heading into free agency. Even Gerald Green could be leaving town.

Basically, the New Jersey Nets have nothing left. Time to re-build.

The Nets are headed to a new home in Brooklyn and need to find the face of their franchise sooner rather than later. With a high-octane, full-throttle scoring machine hitting free agency, it's hard to imagine the Nets passing up on New Orleans' Eric Gordon. After all, who doesn't want a rim-rattling 2 who can stretch the floor with his shooting?

Gordon has the talent to be a franchise player and the explosiveness to keep ticket sales up. While he may not lead the Nets on his own, putting the proper talent around him could take the Nets a long way towards the playoffs in the weak East.

Season Averages: 9 GP - 19.22 PER - 20.6 PPG - 3.4 APG - 2.8 RPG - 1.4 SPG

Phoenix Suns

Fans of the Phoenix Suns may not want to hear this, but it's about time that they part ways with Steve Nash. He's still playing as well as any point guard in the NBA, but he's also the last thing holding Phoenix back from truly rebuilding a contender.

Upon allowing Nash to hit free agency, the Suns must find their point guard of the future. It's likely that they'll utilize the draft to find this player, though, so let's take a look at their biggest need outside of the point: a reliable scorer on the perimeter.

Looks like the Nets have some competition.

With the talent that the Suns possess down low, there is no better fit to stretch the floor than Eric Gordon. Gordon can shoot from distance, drive the lane and pull up for a mid-range jumper. He can also score in transition and pick up a few steals before the game is all said and done.

No better fit for the Suns than the high-scoring Gordon.

Season Averages: 9 GP - 19.22 PER - 20.6 PPG - 3.4 APG - 2.8 RPG - 1.4 SPG

Portland Trail Blazers

I was hoping to avoid any re-signings, but there really is no one more important to the Blazers than Nicolas Batum. Losing Batum would be equivalent to losing their long-term identtiy.

Batum has become a fan favorite in Portland, developing a great rhythm with All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge. He's a long, athletic wing who can score above the rim and beyond the arc. While he has room to grow, the Trail Blazers would love to continue to be the team who watches him do so.

This is a must re-sign.

Season Averages: 17.34 PER - 13.9 PPG - 4.6 RPG - 1.4 APG - 1.0 BPG - 1.0 SPG

Sacramento Kings

I'm well-aware of how unlikely it is for Kevin Garnett to choose Sacramento as his future destination. I'm also aware of how dangerous the Kings would be upon bringing him in and how much DeMarcus Cousins would benefit.

KG still has a lot left in the tank, evident in his 21-point, 12-rebound, two-steal and one-block performance against the Nets just over a week ago. More than one performance, however, are his consistent season averages. KG is still elite.

Beyond his talent, however, is his leadership. KG plays with the same chip on his shoulder as DeMarcus Cousins does; he just knows how to use it. In bringing Garnett in, the Kings would be able to give Cousins a mentor to help him do the same.

Considering Cousins has top-5 talent at his position already, this type of training and mentorship could make him the best in the league.

Season Averages: 20.52 PER - 16.0 PPG - 8.3 RPG - 2.9 APG - 1.0 BPG

Toronto Raptors

Why not?

Steve Nash is Canadian, looking for a ring and best at working with a versatile frontcourt. Considering the Raptors are stationed in Canada, play in a weaker conference and have one of the most versatile frontcourts in all of basketball, this seems like a match made in heaven.

Andrea Bargnani has long been an offensive force, while Jonas Valanciunas will give the Raptors their own version of the "Twin Towers." Jose Calderon has always been efficient, but he also has trade value. Something Toronto should utilize upon bringing in Nash to run the show.

Alongside Nash would also be one of the game's most dynamic players, James Johnson, and one of the most explosive players, DeMar DeRozan. Both would thrive with Nash's pass-first, yet scoring capable, style.

Season Averages: 20.39 PER - 12.5 PPG - 10.8 APG - 3.0 RPG

Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are a team in shambles. They're playing their players at the wrong positions, don't seem to have an end-goal on either end of the floor and often seem lost as John Wall struggles to keep his sanity. How about the Wizards bring in a scoring 5 and create a bit of a 20-20 tandem in Brook Lopez and Nene Hilario?

Most analysts are projecting the Wizards to target a 3 despite bringing in both Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton just a year ago. Nevertheless, it's what's expected and what must be built around. Lopez is an excellent building block, as he can score the ball from the low-post and thrives in the pick-and-roll.

This would open up the playbook for the Wizards, also offering them an intelligence at the 5 that they previously lacked. Unfortunately, it will leave a big hole in the rebounding category.

Season Averages: 5 GP - 21.93 PER - 19.2 PPG - 3.6 RPG - 0.8 BPG