NBA Free Agency 2012: Ranking This Year's Best Options at Guard

While the NBA Playoffs 2012 are in full-swing, less fortunate fans around the league are instead turning their attention to free agency, hoping this year's pool of guns-for-hire will provide the push they need to stay relevant in May and June.

A somewhat light pool of talent is available this offseason in regards to the guard position, but there remain several prospective backcourt members that could have a big impact for whichever team they choose to lend their services to next season.

With a mix containing both prodigious young talent and veterans looking to find a contender, how this year's crop of guards choose to distribute themselves throughout the league will be one of the most intriguing storylines to this offseason.

So which point and shooting guards are most worth targeting this offseason? Read on to find out.

8. Goran Dragic

After a career year in 2012, PG Goran Dragic has put himself on the radar of several frontoffices as a potential steal this summer.

Dragic put together an impressive season in his second with the Rockets, reaching career highs in nearly every major statistical category, including 11.7 points and 5.3 assists per game.

Dragic only got his shot at starting due to a bacterial infection that afflicted Kyle Lowry, but made the most of the opportunity and impressed coaches and other players in Houston with his consistent strong play, averaging 18 points and 8.4 assists as a starter. 

An unrestricted free agent, where Dragic will end up is anyone's guess, but with Kyle Lowry asking for a move, it appears that the Rockets believe their future lies with Dragic. However, an attractive salary offer could pull Dragic away from Houston.

7. Nick Young

One of the more enticing young players available in this year's pool, Nick Young should be an intriguing target for GMs this offseason despite a slight dip in production.

Young saw his numbers slip since he joined the Clippers midseason as a result of better surrounding talent, but the flashes of potential he showed throughout the year should more than make up for it.

He was the catalyst for the Clippers' Game 1 comeback against Memphis, scoring a team-high 19 points in one of the best moments in the other team from LA's brief playoff history.

Young also seems to have shed the attitude issues which were to said to exist in Washington, and has become a strong option off the bench for rising Clippers squad.

While Young is an unrestricted free agent, early signs point to him resigning with the Clippers this summer. If Young doesn't sign with his current team, he may very well end up on their crosstown rival Lakers.

6. O.J. Mayo

A talented but inconsistent scorer, O.J. Mayo's final destination will be one of the more intriguing stories during the offseason.

Mayo had an off year with the Grizzlies this season, averaging only 12.6 points per game in a season marred by inconsistency.

While Mayo managed to have a less tumultuous 2012 as opposed to his controversy-filled 2011, he didn't do a tremendous amount to improve his free agent stock heading into this offseason. However, he is still an effective and explosive scorer when he wants to be, and will benefit from a weak pool of shooting guards this free agency period.

Mayo is a restricted free agent, but the "general consensus" seems to be that he'll move on from Memphis this summer. He has expressed an interest in playing point guard next season, so where he'll end up may have much to do with which teams will allow him to do so.

5. Lou Williams

One of the highlights of Philly's unexpected run in this season's playoffs, Lou William's stellar play at point should give the young guard a nice set of options heading into this year's free agency period.

Williams was one of the best sixth men in the league this season, averaging 14.9 points and 3.5 assists off the bench for the Sixers in 2012. William's play for Philadelphia holds the distinction of being the first time since 1994 that a player lead his team in scoring without making a single start.

He also impressed with his play during the playoffs, including a 20 point, 6 assist Game 4 against the Celtics.

Williams' future with the Sixers is murky at this point, as indications and rumors pointing both to his return and departure this offseason. However, It is safe to say that whoever is able to sign Williams will receive one of the better young point guards in the league.

4. Aaron Brooks

After a brief hiatus from the US in 2012, Aaron Brooks returns to a very attractive free agent market for the former Phoenix Sun.

Brooks spent last season playing with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the CBA after signing on to play in China a week before the lockout ended. Brooks' unusual situation this season makes his options for free agency difficult to gauge, with teams forced to judge off of his '10-11 season (his worst since his rookie season).

The Suns opted to allow Brooks to become a restricted free agent instead of resigning this April, making the talented point guard's situation uncertain heading into the offseason.

The Suns have expressed interest in resigning Brooks due to Steve Nash's age and potential departure, but Brooks remains uncertain as to where he will be playing next season. 

3. Eric Gordon

Gordon had to sit much of last season on the sideline after his trade to New Orleans due to a knee injury, but that hasn't stopped him from being one of the most attractive free agents available this offseason.

An explosive athlete and scorer, Gordon previewed his impressive potential well in 2011, averaging 22.3 points for the pre-Chris Paul Clippers. Even during his brief, injury-shortened season, Gordon managed to average 20 points per game for the anemic Hornets in his seven appearances. 

With a new owner in place and multiple picks in this year's NBA draft including the No. 1 over all pick, the Hornets are in position for a quick turnaround in 2013, and resigning Gordon will be imperative to that goal.

If New Orleans opts not to keep the restricted free agent, Gordon will likely be the most sought after shooting guard available this summer. 

2. Steve Nash

Still miraculously productive even in his old age, who Steve Nash will lend his tremendous talents to will be a very intriguing storyline this offseason.

At the ripe age of 38, Nash still manages to be one of the best point guards in the game today, averaging a double-double in points and assists (12.5 PPG, 10.7 APG) for the third consecutive year, and he is shooting 53.2 percent from the field.

Nash's stellar play went largely unnoticed on a mediocre Suns team this season, and their failure to make the playoffs two years running is the likeliest reason Nash would leave his long-time team.

Possibly the biggest reason for the Suns' success since 2005, whether or not Nash decides to remain with Phoenix could impact the franchise's future immensely. 

If Nash doesn't want to stick around in Phoenix there are several speculated options that could come to fruition, including the Heat.

Whoever Nash chooses to run with next season will likely already be a contender, and will only be made better by the future Hall of Fame candidate leading the offense.

1. Deron Williams

The undisputed crown jewel of this year's crop of talent, who will win the Deron Williams sweepstakes will likely be the most discussed story this offseason. 

The 2011-2012 season was another impressive year for Williams, with the three time All-Star averaging 21 points and 8.7 assists for the New Jersey Nets this season.

Williams arrived to the Nets two seasons ago and has toiled in the cellar with New Jersey, failing to secure a strong supporting cast for the young guard and falling into the lottery for the third straight year. The Nets move to a higher profile market in Brooklyn next season, which could entice Williams enough to stay with the team, but its unlikely unless they manage to bring in another All-Star to play alongside him.

If Williams doesn't remain with the Nets his potential landing spots are wide open.

Nearly every team with the cap space available will be looking to sign one of the top point guards in the league, but the Mavericks appear to be an early favorite for the Dallas native.