NBA Free Agency 2012: Most Pressing Need for All 30 Teams
It's never too early to begin discussing NBA free agency.
Though the Association has yet to crown a champion, even the title hopefuls have one eye fixated toward the summer and the plethora of options it will hold.
The free-agency period is a time when every team looks to upgrade their roster, in hopes of taking the next step toward becoming, or solidifying their status as, a contender.
Most importantly, though, it shapes the path and shifts the balance of power for next season, before it even begins.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30Most Pressing Need: Small forward
Marvin Williams isn't too happy in Atlanta, and to be quite honest, the Hawks should be even less happy with him.
Atlanta has spent most of its season implementing the small method, playing Joe Johnson and Tracy McGrady at small forward, when both are better suited at shooting guard.
Hawks need to target a true small forward, one that adds size and allows Johnson to shift back to his natural position. And perhaps, then, they'll also be able to convince Josh Smith to stay along the way.
Potential Targets: Nicolas Batum, Matt Barnes and Chase Budinger
Boston Celtics
2 of 30Most Pressing Need: Center
It's time for the Celtics to move on from Kevin Garnett.
Luckily, Boston has a power forward on the rise in Brandon Bass—there's even a replacement for Ray Allen in Avery Bradley—but there's a gaping hole at center.
Rajon Rondo is undeniably a player the Celtics can build around, but he's at his best when there's a solid big man down low. A strong offensive center opens the floor, allowing him to not only get in the paint, but create for others as well.
Potential Targets: Chris Kaman, Brook Lopez and Spencer Hawes
Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30Most Pressing Need: Small forward
Oh, where do we begin with the Bobcats?
Charlotte has more needs than LeBron James has rings. Oh, wait...
The Bobcats should have a promising front line in Bismack Biyombo and Anthony Davis, Gerald Henderson is underrated and it's too early to give up on Kemba Walker.
That leaves the 3, where Corey Maggette and Derrick Brown are underwhelming to say the least.
Potential Targets: Jeff Green, Steve Novak and Nicolas Batum
Chicago Bulls
4 of 30Most Pressing Need: Shooting guard
Richard Hamilton was a great pickup this season, but the Bulls need some insurance.
Hamilton provides a scoring punch and has picked up his effort on the defensive end substantially, but that means very little when he's on the bench.
Derrick Rose's injury woes are an issue, but you have to believe someone that young will rebound. So, for now, Chicago needs an affordable, yet reliable addition at the 2-guard slot.
Potential Targets: C.J. Miles, Shannon Brown, Tracy McGrady and Danny Green
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30Most Pressing Need: Power forward
Antawn Jamison is likely out the door in Cleveland, leaving the Cavaliers with a hole to fill alongside Tristan Thompson.
Jamison's scoring was invaluable, but this time around, the Cavs need to go with someone who can rebound and defend as well.
Though Cleveland could look toward the draft to plug this hole, it never hurts to have an established player on the docket.
Potential Targets: Kris Humphries, Carl Landry and Kenyon Martin
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30Most Pressing Need: Combo-guard
With both Jason Kidd and Jason Terry set to hit free agency, the Mavericks have some work to do in the backcourt.
Bringing either back is still an option, though Terry seems likely to command money Dallas isn't willing to commit.
Subsequently, a combo guard who could help plug either hole would fit best, although a prolific point guard would also suffice.
Potential Targets: Deron Williams, Eric Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Raymond Felton
Denver Nuggets
7 of 30Most Pressing Need: Backup point guard
The Nuggets are not title contenders as is, but there is a lot of talent readily available on their roster to be developed.
Danilo Gallinari, Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, Timofey Mozgov and Wilson Chandler all have serious potential. And retaining JaVale McGee at a reasonable price is something Denver should explore as well.
That leaves Ty Lawson's backup. Andre Miller is a starting-caliber point guard, so he is more than likely to take his talents elsewhere, and the Nuggets cannot afford to just relinquish his two-way impact.
Potential Targets: Derek Fisher, Baron Davis and Jonny Flynn
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30Most Pressing Need: Power forward
The power forward position has been a sore spot in Detroit for quite some time, and while Jonas Jerebko is underrated, neither he nor Jason Maxiell is overwhelming.
The Pistons sorely need some scoring out of that slot in their lineup, preferably proven scoring, as the draft may not solve this problem immediately.
Potential Targets: Antawn Jamison, Ryan Anderson and Marreese Speights
Golden State Warriors
9 of 30Most Pressing Need: Sixth man
The Warriors bet big on the Andrew Bogut trade, a risk that has the potential to pay huge dividends.
Stephen Curry's ankle issues are somewhat alarming, but you have to believe in him as a franchise player—it's too expensive not too.
Like it or not, Golden State's starting lineup is sound. Throw David Lee, Klay Thompson and Dorell Wright into the aforementioned mix, and you have a solid rotation.
Keeping Nate Robinson is an option and most definitely a necessity, but the Warriors need someone with a little more size as a sixth man. That somebody is not Richard Jefferson.
Potential Targets: Boris Diaw, Steve Novak, Ray Allen and O.J. Mayo
Houston Rockets
10 of 30Most Pressing Need: Power forward/Center
While the Rockets have some free agents to retain in the backcourt, their most pressing need is up front.
They could re-sign Marcus Camby, but need even more insurance as Samuel Dalembert doesn't cut it, Marcus Morris is still raw and Luis Scola could enter a decline at any time.
Potential Targets: J.J. Hickson, Roy Hibbert and Chris Kaman
Indiana Pacers
11 of 30Most Pressing Need: Point guard/Combo-guard
The Pacers are a much deeper team than people give them credit for, but I'm not completely sold on Darren Collison or George Hill, nor should Larry Bird be.
Indiana's best option would be to bring in a veteran point man to start and help show them the ropes, or obtain a little more insurance on the perimeter in the form of a high-scoring combo-guard.
Come the offseason, it will definitely be time to revisit the Eric Gordon option.
Potential Targets: Eric Gordon, Steve Nash, Andre Miller and Chauncey Billups
Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30Most Pressing Need: Backcourt sidekick for Chris Paul
Point guard, shooting guard—it doesn't matter, the Clippers just need a proven player to start alongside Chris Paul.
Mo Williams, Randy Foye and Nick Young all have potential, but just aren't the answer. Both Williams—should he return—and Foye are best served in backup roles, and Young—should he return—is a sound option behind Caron Butler thanks to his size.
But Los Angeles needs a proven starter or overall performer. Bringing back Chauncey Billups remains a possibility, but the Clippers must keep their options open.
Potential Targets: Ray Allen, O.J. Mayo, Jason Terry and J.R. Smith
Los Angeles Lakers
13 of 30Most Pressing Need: Versatile forward
Early prediction: Ramon Sessions will be back, so it's time to turn to the Lakers' situation at small forward, which is a mess.
Kobe Bryant and company need someone who can start or come off the bench and spend some time at the power forward spot, or even in the backcourt, if needed.
We keep talking about a Metta World Peace resurrection or the coming-out parties of Devin Ebanks and Matt Barnes, but the Lakers need more.
Potential Targets: Lamar Odom, Anthony Randolph, Michael Beasley and Bill Walker
Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30Most Pressing Need: Starting shooting guard
Spoiler alert: The Grizzlies have found a backup point guard in Gilbert Arenas. So, naturally, it's time to shift to the 2-guard spot.
Both Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo—should he return—are best served as energizers off the bench.
What Memphis needs is a veteran who is used to starting, has extensive postseason experience and can knock down the three-ball.
The catch? Affordability.
Potential Targets: Ray Allen, Jamal Crawford, Tracy McGrady and Marquis Daniels
Miami Heat
15 of 30Most Pressing Need: Mobile center
No surprise here, as the Heat have lacked a true inside presence all season long.
Joel Anthony is retained for his defense, but Miami needs someone who is willing to play, and potentially excel, on offense.
The ability to run the floor and thrive in transition is also a must, as is defensive competence.
And Pat Riley must land all this on a beggar's dime.
Potential Targets: Chris Kaman (has to take huge pay cut), Marcus Camby and Nazr Mohammed
Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30Most Pressing Need: Center
Andrew Bogut hardly saw the court this season, but his permanent absence has created a hole that neither Larry Sanders or Kwame Brown will fill.
If Milwaukee wishes to sell Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis on staying long term, it will need a relevant big man to anchor both of them in.
And while Ersan Ilyasova and Drew Gooden are big, they're not big enough.
Potential Targets: Chris Kaman, Brook Lopez, JaVale McGee and Roy Hibbert
Minnesota Timberwolves
17 of 30Most Pressing Need: Shooting guard
The Timberwolves have a solid core in place with Kevin Love, Rick Rubio and Derrick Williams, but desperately need a strong outside presence to further their cause.
Wesley Johnson and Martell Webster are too erratic, and Minnesota is going to have some money to burn—provided they cut ties with Anthony Randolph and Webster.
While the Timberwolves are in a favorable situation, they are now tasked with convincing established perimeter scorers that they are the real deal.
Potential Targets: Ray Allen, Nicolas Batum, Jamal Crawford, Nick Young and J.R. Smith
New Jersey Nets
18 of 30Most Pressing Need: Center
The Nets need to obtain—or in Brook Lopez's case, re-sign—a center in the worst way.
Not only does a sound big man increase the team's odds at retaining Deron Williams, but it keeps the Brooklyn-bound Nets in the running for the ever-unsatisfied Dwight Howard.
Howard or no Howard, Williams or no Williams, though, the Nets sorely need a body in the middle.
Potential Targets: Kevin Garnett, Roy Hibbert and Chris Kaman
New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30Most Pressing Need: A cornerstone/Power forward
After failing to extend Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman seemingly poised to bolt for greener pastures, the Hornets must explore bringing in a primary pillar.
If they can retain Gordon, the most pressing need becomes a power forward, as Carl Landry is also as good as gone and Jason Smith is as enigmatic a forward as there is.
A power forward is also the more feasible option, as outside Gordon, there aren't many cornerstones-in-the-making available in this year's pool.
Potential Targets: Ryan Anderson, Kris Humphries, Jason Thompson and J.J. Hickson
New York Knicks
20 of 30Most Pressing Need: A mentor for Jeremy Lin
The Knicks have their point guard of the future in Jeremy Lin. There, I said it.
Lin has all the essentials—court vision, dribble penetration, shooting touch, defensive willingness—to build upon.
What New York needs is someone outside of a coach to help him hone his skills, even if it means relegating Lin to a backup role for a year (hint: It's not Baron Davis).
Finances are officially an issue, but as disappointing as they've been, the Knicks' big three are still a big three and could entice a championship-hungry veteran floor general to take a pay cut.
Potential Targets: Steve Nash, Jason Terry (yes, Jason Terry), Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30Most Pressing Need: Backup point guard
Criticize Russell Westbrook all you want, the point guard position is supposed to generate points, and that's what he does.
If the Thunder have any desire to boast a traditional floor general, they must take to free agency and the backup point guard role to actualize it.
Derek Fisher is experienced, but there are a wealth of other options that better fit Oklahoma City's needs.
Potential Targets: Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups and Baron Davis
Orlando Magic
22 of 30Most Pressing Need: Point guard
Whether Jameer Nelson stays or goes, the Magic have an opening in the backcourt.
Nelson desperately needs a competent backup if he is to remain. However, if Orlando is lucky enough, it could use a more consistent option that sends Nelson to the second unit or replaces him completely.
Unfortunately, unless the Magic find a way to unload their dearth of bloated contracts, their options hinge on veterans who believe in their cause and are willing to take a pay cut and unproven youngsters with any kind of upside.
Potential Targets: Steve Nash, Aaron Brooks, Jason Kidd and D.J. Augustin
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30Most Pressing Need: A healthy big man
Elton Brand's potential impact is wavering; he's not going to terminate his deal, and both he and Spencer Hawes are walking injury risks.
Nikola Vucevic has some major upside, but is still too raw for a team still hoping to contend for the playoffs.
The Sixers are likely to retain at least two out of Evan Turner, Louis Williams and Jrue Holiday, rendering money an issue. It remains doable, as a cheap, durable option who spreads the floor is not unreasonable.
Potential Targets: Nazr Mohammed, Daniel Orton and Robin Lopez
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30Most Pressing Need: Shooting guard/Small forward
Steve Nash will leave the Suns this offseason, write it down.
That said, Aaron Brooks would return with open arms if they offered him the starting job and veterans like Andre Miller and Raymond Felton would also welcome the opportunity to start.
No, Phoenix needs perimeter shooters who can create for themselves. They're set down low with Marcin Gortat, Channing Frye and Markieff Morris, but Jared Dudley, Josh Childress and even Shannon Brown—should they re-sign him—are not especially adept at creating their own opportunities.
Potential Targets: Jeff Green, C.J. Miles, Courtney Lee, Louis Williams, Nick Young and J.R. Smith
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30Most Pressing Need: Point guard
Retaining Nicolas Batum is priority number one, but his impact, along with that of LaMarcus Aldridge's, will be limited without a floor general.
The Blazers were poised for dominance when they obtained Raymond Felton last summer, but after his experience in Portland, it would come as no surprise if he decides to bolt.
For the Blazers' tide to turn, they'll need to fasten themselves a point man.
Potential Targets: Jameer Nelson, D.J. Augustin, Jason Kidd, Chauncey Billups and Goran Dragic
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30Most Pressing Need: New owners
Most Feasible Pressing Need: Small forward
The Kings are in disarray, and while the Maloof family is a bigger joke than James Dolan, their deficiencies at the 3 aren't helping.
Sacramento has money to spend—actually, scratch that, it has cap space, but no money to spend.
That limits the Kings' options substantially.
Potential Targets: Rasual Butler, Matt Barnes and Derrick Brown
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30Most Pressing Need: A shot-blocker
The Spurs are perhaps the most complete team in the NBA.
San Antonio boasts a healthy helping of veteran leadership, a sound dose of youth and an ample amount of efficiency, amounting to a short to-do list.
If Tim Duncan wishes to continue on, re-signing him is a must, but regardless, the Spurs could use a consistent shot-blocker or shot-changer; San Antonio was 25th in the league in blocks per game, one of their few deficiencies.
Potential Targets: Marcus Camby, Kevin Garnett, Kenyon Martin and Jared Jeffries
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30Most Pressing Need: Power forward
When your center isn't equipped to handle his responsibilities down low, you lean on power forward.
The Raptors currently boast a wealth of uncertainty at the 4, and heading into the offseason could really use a defensive and rebounding upgrade, or at the very least, some additional options.
That's easier said than done, though, as it will prove extremely difficult to convince players to make a home in Toronto.
Potential Targets: Kris Humphries, Ronny Turiaf, Boris Diaw and Chris Wilcox
Utah Jazz
29 of 30Most Pressing Need: Point guard
Devin Harris has had a tumultuous season to say the least and the Jazz would be wise to cover themselves at the point guard position this summer.
Harris has begun to regain some flair, but Utah is at the very least in the market for a capable backup or potential starter.
Jamaal Tinsley and Earl Watson have been solid, but are climbing in the age department.
Potential Options: D.J. Augustin, Sundiata Gaines, Jonny Flynn and Jannero Pargo
Washington Wizards
30 of 30Most Pressing Need: Combo-guard
The Wizards are in need of an impressive sidekick for John Wall on the perimeter.
Jordan Crawford showed some serious promise this season, but Washington needs a volume scorer who can also stand to spend time at the point.
Nick Young's offense sorely needs to be replaced and Wall has needed a competent player to split point guard duties with since he entered the league.
Potential Targets: Jamal Crawford, Randy Foye and Courtney Lee
