2012 NBA Free Agents: Deron Williams and Studs Teams Must Target

It's nearly that time of year when NBA teams spend boatloads of money in hopes of boosting their chances for a title the next season.

That's right, NBA free agency kicks off on July 1, and there are plenty of intriguing players on the market.

Whether it be a pure scorer, a dominant center or an All-Star point guard, you can bet this year's crop will be pursued by many teams.

Here's a look at five studs teams must target this offseason.

5. Eric Gordon, SG

Eric Gordon played in just nine games this season due to a back injury, but when healthy, he's one of the game's best pure shooters. He has averaged 18.2 points on 45 percent shooting for his career, and he's been relatively consistent. Any team would love his shooting ability, whether it be a bottom-feeder or a contender.

4. JaVale McGee, C

We've always known JaVale McGee is an elite shot-blocker, but he's simply changed the Nuggets-Lakers opening-round playoff series. He has 16 blocks in five games, and he's coming off a 21-point, 14-rebound performance. Sure, there are concerns about his inconsistency and propensity to throw a bone-headed play in there every once in a while, but an elite shot-blocker is always welcome.

3. Andrew Bynum, C

Andrew Bynum has had a tremendous season. He averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds in the regular season, and has followed that up by averaging 18.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks in the postseason. There are questions about Bynum's maturity, but he's been simply dominant this season.

2. Steve Nash, PG

Steve Nash may be 37 years old, but he still averaged 12.5 points and 10.7 assists while shooting 53 percent from the floor this season. Keep in mind, he was still able to be among the league leaders in assists despite not having a lot of talent on his team. He still makes everyone around him better, and he's incredibly efficient from the field.

1. Deron Williams, PG

Deron Williams will be the big name in free agency this season, and it's no wonder why. When he's in the zone he can be nearly unstoppable, whether he's scoring or finding his teammates. He averaged 21.0 points and 8.8 assists this season despite being on the talent-deprived New Jersey Nets. He's set to make a lot of money this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

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