NBA Free Agency 2012: Ranking the Best Scorers on the Open Market

With the conclusion of the 2012 NBA draft, the offseason has officially begun. General managers are preparing their pitches to players, and scouts are evaluating their respective rosters, as well as the prospective players who could improve them.

While teams will be evaluating their options on a number of fronts, every team's top priority is clear:

It needs to sign a scorer.

While defense may win championships, the Toronto Raptors showed us all what a lack of offense can do to alter that statement. Despite ranking ninth in the NBA in terms of scoring defense, the Raptors' record sat at 23-43. Let's be real, folks—without a scorer, you don't have points. Without points, you don't win the game.

So who is the top scorer on the market? From crafty guards to versatile big men, a search won't take long to find these gentlemen. The question is, who is the best of the best?

Honorable Mention: Ersan Ilyasova, UFA

Position: Power Forward

Age: 25

Height & Weight: 6'10", 235 pounds

Ersan Ilyasova came on in a major way during the 2012 NBA season, going from a player known for his upside to a power forward that had begun putting it all together.

Ilyasova finished the season with an average of 13.0 points per game on 49.2 percent shooting from the floor and 45.5 percent shooting from distance, all career bests.

While Ilyasova's season average won't suggest he's one of the best scorers, the fact that a 6'10" power forward can be that lethal from distance deserves recognition.

The Turkish big man improved heavily from the 2011 season, developing one of the best pick-and-pop games in the NBA with point guards Brandon Jennings and Beno Udrih. Ilyasova has found one of the better step-back moves amongst big men as well, which enables him to create distance between him and a defender.

At just 25, Ilyasova still has room to improve. Don't be surprised if his play begins to draw comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki as soon as next season.

Season Averages: 20.55 PER, 13.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 45.5 3PT%

10. Jamal Crawford, Player Option

Position: Guard

Age: 32

Height & Weight: 6'5", 200 pounds

Jamal Crawford has never been the most efficient scorer. Regardless of the shooting percentages, however, the quintessential combo guard can light it up on any given occasion.

While Crawford's 13.9 points per game in 2012 were the lowest he's posted since 2003, the former Michigan Wolverine is hardly to blame. Crawford played on a system-less Trail Blazers team that struggled to find a rhythm at any point in the season, thus leaving him to take a great deal of last-second shots as the shot clock wound down.

While some may have lost faith in Crawford's abilities, the 32-year-old is far from done. Expect a 2013 campaign that mirrors his 2010 production, as Crawford gets back to the basics and contributes serious points and minutes to a team more fitting than Portland.

Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 15.80 PER, 13.9 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.0 RPG, 0.9 SPG

9. Ray Allen, UFA

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 36

Height & Weight: 6'5", 205 pounds

Ray Allen may be 36 years old, but if you're looking for a weapon from the perimeter, it gets no better than the all-time-leading three-point shooter.

Allen is coming off a postseason in which he battled bone spurs in his ankle, thus limiting his ability to rise on his jump shot. As a result, Allen posted the worst string of games of his career and, in the eyes of some, took steps towards the end of his career.

Considering the former UConn Husky shot 45.3 percent from distance during the regular season, however, it would behoove fans and general managers to clear their heads of any and every form of the notion Allen is done.

Season Averages: 14.83 PER, 14.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 45.3 3PT%

8. Antawn Jamison, UFA

Position: Power Forward

Age: 36

Height & Weight: 6'9", 235 pounds

Say what you will about the 36-year-old Antawn Jamison. Just remember to say what the truth is: The former North Carolina Tar Heel can flat-out score.

Jamison is far from the athlete that he once was. In response to this decrease in athletic ability, the 14-year veteran has crafted himself into one of the more intelligent scorers at his position.

Jamison has a strong shot fake and a very quick release. He's also learned to cut down the dribbling, as he truly trusted Kyrie Irving in 2012 to give him looks when he was in position to receive them.

Although Jamison posted a career-worst 48.1 true shooting percentage in 2012, his scoring skills have become more responsible as his career has progressed. While he ended up attempting a greater volume of shots due to the quality of his team, he has improved his form and decision-making and will be a great asset to any team that signs him.

Out of the Washington Wizards' original Big Three, Antawn Jamison ended up with the most productive career. Between him and Vince Carter, the two prized North Carolina alums from the 1998 draft, the same can be said. Who would have thought that?

Season Averages: 16.17 PER, 17.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

7. J.R. Smith, UFA

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Height & Weight: 6'6", 220 pounds

Many refer to J.R. Smith as a player who is detrimental to his team's success. A major reason for this frustration is the fact that Smith is one of the most inconsistent shooters in the NBA, which never seems to slow down his number of shot attempts.

Regardless of his struggles, the talent is there.

When on his game, Smith plays at a level that most players only dream of reaching. While it's become a rarity that he actually reaches such a strong caliber of performance, Smith is only 26 and had the most well-rounded season of his career in 2012.

With Smith's newfound effort on the defensive end of things, his value is undeniable. With the potential to go off for 30 on any given evening, Smith's status as an elite free-agent scoring option is equally as binding.

Season Averages: 27.6 MPG, 15.27 PER, 12.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.5 SPG

6. O.J. Mayo, UFA

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Height & Weight: 6'4", 210 pounds

Before O.J. Mayo was a player lost in the depth of the Memphis Grizzlies, he was an elite young scorer who posted 18.5 and 17.5 points per game in his first two seasons in the league respectively. He also shot better than 38 percent from distance in those two seasons, leading some to label him the NBA's next great shooting guard.

Then came a serious decline in minutes, a diminished role and indecision about which position Mayo truly fits.

Numbers aside, Mayo bounced back from such occurrences with a strong 2012 season. Mayo played the role of secondary facilitator in Memphis, handling the ball at any and all times when Mike Conley Jr. was on the bench. Mayo's scoring troubles continued, but his usage rate was respectable for a scoring guard.

In a new situation, Mayo should have plenty of scoring opportunities. As a result of this, his numbers should skyrocket, and respect for him should adjust accordingly.

Season Averages: 26.8 MPG, 14.76 PER, 12.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG

5. Jason Terry, UFA

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 34

Height & Weight: 6'2", 180 pounds

Jason Terry is one of the greatest three-point shooters of our time. Unlike the other players who fit that bill, Terry just so happens to be one of the more dangerous scorers from inside the three-point line as well.

Terry's bread and butter is clearly from distance, as he thrives in every facet of the jump-shooting game. The former Arizona Wildcat moves well without the basketball, is a master at utilizing screens and is as polished in the catch-and-shoot approach as you'll find.

He's also a solid ball-handler who can take any opponent off the dribble and finish in the paint or with his smooth rising J.

Due to this fact, Terry's age becomes a bit of a non-factor. He was the second-best player on a championship team in 2011, coming through in the clutch and pacing his team to victory whenever Dirk Nowitzki needed a sidekick.

Regardless of where Terry ends up, that trend is likely to continue.

Season Averages: 15.80 PER, 15.1 PPG, 3.6 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 37.8 3PT%

4. Michael Beasley, RFA

Position: Forward

Age: 23

Height & Weight: 6'10", 235 pounds

Before Michael Beasley was an underutilized weapon in the Minnesota Timberwolves' weak repertoire of perimeter options, he was an elite scoring prospect. His 19.2 points per game in 2011 displayed how soon that potential could be maximized.

Beasley is a tough lefty who loves his mid-range jump shot, and with good reason. Although he goes to the well too many times, his shot is reliable and keeps opponents off balance. This opens the door for his quick first step, which gets him to the basket more times than not.

What's forgotten about Beasley's game is just how powerful a player he can be. When entirely focused, which is a rarity, Beasley is a menace on the offensive glass and a beast in the paint. He can put up 20 to 25 points very quickly and will contribute to the scoreboard in a variety of ways.

All Beasley needs is to rediscover his comfort zone and sign in a more comfortable situation.

Season Averages: 23.1 MPG, 13.11 PER, 11.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 37.6 3PT%

3. Lou Williams, UFA

Position: Guard

Age: 25

Height & Weight: 6'1", 175 pounds

Combo guard Lou Williams was 2012's best sixth man outside of James Harden, leading a team that made the Eastern Conference semifinals in scoring and ranking third in assists. This came as a result of Williams' most efficient season to date.

Lou Williams posted a career-best Player Efficiency Rating of 20.22. A major reason for the number was Williams' best approach to the game since entering the league.

Williams is outstanding at getting into the paint and drawing fouls. He has one of the best shot fakes in the NBA, which even the best of defenders have been caught biting on. Williams also has deep three-point range, which certainly aids his true shooting percentage of 52.5.

Lou Williams can score in virtually every way. Regardless of where he ends up, that will not change.

Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 20.22 PER, 14.9 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.5 RPG, 0.8 SPG

2. Eric Gordon, RFA

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 23

Height & Weight: 6'3", 215 pounds

Eric Gordon might be as injury-prone a player as you'll find in the NBA. Nevertheless, he's one of the most dynamic scorers in the league due to his combination of penetration skills and solid jump shooting. Getting to the line as often as he does isn't too bad a trait to possess either.

Gordon plays a physical brand of basketball, as he's constantly attacking the basket and drawing contact. When he doesn't make it his mission to get to the rim, however, he's a good enough shooter that an opponent will take a step back and ponder which style of defense will actually slow the former Indiana Hoosier down.

Gordon has sky-high potential and a shaky history of injuries. One of those two traits is set to outweigh an early history of the other.

2011 Season Averages: 18.56 PER, 22.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.9 RPG, 1.3 SPG

1. Deron Williams, UFA

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Height & Weight: 6'3", 209 pounds

Deron Williams is a pass-first point guard who is constantly in search of new ways to involve his teammates. As his 57-point outburst against the Charlotte Bobcats shows, however, the points will come when they're needed.

Williams is an outstanding shooter who is virtually unstoppable once he's risen up for a jump shot. He thrives moving without the basketball and creating shots for himself off the dribble, which enables the former Illinois star to take any off-balance opponent off the dribble.

In the paint, Williams finishes very well in traffic. He's strong enough to take contact and has impeccable focus once the prize has been set. Williams may be an elite pass-first point guard, but he's as dangerous a threat as any player in the league to score in bunches.

Season Averages: 20.34 PER, 21.0 PPG, 8.7 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG