NBA Free Agency 2012: Top Power Forwards Available and Where They Might Land

In the early days of the 2012 NBA free agency period, the majority of the focus and hype has been centered around point guards. With elite point guards such as Deron Williams, Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin headlining this year's free-agency class, teams have been scrambling to lock up new floor generals to long-term contracts. 

In such a point guard frenzy, this year's group of free-agent big men has been largely overlooked.

Although there are no frontcourt superstars to be found in this year's class, there are a number of quality power forwards who could provide major boosts to teams in need.

This article ranks the top 10 power forwards still available. 

Not Included: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett

Let's be honest—these guys aren't going anywhere. 

Honorable Mention: Brian Scalabrine

2011-12 Season Stats: No Comment

All jokes aside, The White Mamba seems like a good guy to have in the locker room.

Although he won’t contribute much on the court, Scalabrine’s personality and popularity could make him a good fit for a playoff team looking to fill out cheap roster spots.

10. Anthony Randolph

2011-12 Stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG in 15.2 MPG

Anthony Randolph is an enigma. A former lottery pick who received high praise for his athleticism, versatility and supposed superstar potential, Randolph has yet to find his niche in the NBA. 

Randolph certainly has talent, but his inconsistency and lack of focus have kept him on the bench for most of his career. Still, at only 22 years of age, Randolph could be a good fit for teams willing to gamble on his potential. 

9. Jeff Green

2011-12 Stats: N/A 

Jeff Green missed the entire 2011-12 season after undergoing heart surgery in response to an aortic aneurysm.

It’s difficult to predict how the injury will affect Green’s career going forward, but there is no denying that Green was an athletic beast during the first few years of his career.

Green lacks a defined position but can play as a stretch-4 for a team able to cope with his rebounding deficiencies and relative lack of size. A return to Boston seems likely for Green, who may be viewed as too big of a risk just a year after surgery. 

8. Jordan Hill

2011-12 Stats: 5.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG in 14.1 MPG

Although inconsistent, Jordan Hill is a great athlete with a developing mid-range game who displayed his rebounding prowess and tenacity during the Lakers' playoff run this year. 

Hill may be at his best when serving as a post scorer off the bench and could fit in well on a contending team that struggles to find points from its big men. 

Hill could provide a number of teams with a great boost, provided he doesn't end up in jail. 

7. Kris Humphries

2011-12 Stats: 13.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG in 34.9 MPG

Although not the most popular player in the league, Kris Humphries has proven he belongs in the NBA after averaging a double-double for the past two seasons.  

Humphries is incapable of creating his own offense and struggles as a defender, but his top-tier rebounding ensures his value for whichever team chooses to sign him. 

As an added bonus, he brings all kinds of off-court drama wherever he goes! 

6. Ivan Johnson

2011-12 Stats: 6.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.3 BPG in 16.7 MPG

Ivan Johnson, nicknamed "Ivan the Terrible," is an absolute beast.

Fearless, aggressive and powerful, Johnson came out of nowhere to be the leader of Atlanta’s second unit last season. Although limited offensively, Johnson brings back memories of Dennis Rodman with his hard-nosed defense and relentless rebounding. 

As a restricted free agent, Johnson may be difficult to pry away from the Hawks but could serve as a huge boost to teams in need of toughness and tenacity in the frontcourt.

5. J.J. Hickson

2011-12 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.6 BPG in 23.0 MPG

Just two years ago, J.J. Hickson was viewed as the heir apparent to LeBron James in Cleveland. Well, we all know how that turned out. 

Hickson certainly has potential—he’s an outstanding finisher and rebounder who runs the floor well and plays with great energy. However, he’s struggled to contribute on a consistent basis due to his horrendous basketball IQ.

After months of mediocrity in Sacramento, Hickson finished the season well with the Portland Trailblazers, averaging over 15 points and eight rebounds per game. Now an unrestricted free agent, Hickson would be wise to look for a free-flowing system in which he can play to his strengths.  

The Golden State Warriors fit the bill (from the Contra Costa Times).

4. Antawn Jamison

2011-12 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.7 BPG in 33.1 MPG

Despite his age, Antawn Jamison remains an effective and versatile scorer. Jamison’s rebounding abilities have diminished, as has his defense, but his shooting range and creativity on the offensive end make him a good fit for a contender in need of a skilled backup power forward at a discounted price. 

The Lakers don't exactly have a lot of cash to spare, but Fox Sports' Sam Amico tweeted that they are interested. 

3. Carl Landry

2011-12 Stats: 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.3 BPG in 24.4 MPG

Carl Landry has been somewhat of a journeyman thus far in his NBA career, having already played for three teams in just five seasons.

However, his frequent movement isn’t due to a lack of talent. Landry’s numbers may not convey it, but he is one of the best low-post scorers in the league.

Landry can be effective either as a starter or as a go-to option in the second unit. 

2. Ryan Anderson

2011-12 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 0.4 BPG in 32.2 MPG

Ryan Anderson is a lights-out three-point shooter who served as the perfect complement to Dwight Howard last season.

However, with Howard’s imminent departure all but set in stone, the Magic must consider how effective Anderson can be without a dominant center like Howard to draw double-teams in the paint.

The Sacramento Kings are considering Anderson as a player to pair with DeMarcus Cousins, according to the Sacramento Bee.

1. Ersan Ilyasova

2011-12 Stats: 13.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG in 27.6 MPG

Ersan Ilyasova really caught fire for the Bucks after the All-Star break, averaging 16.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while earning league-wide recognition for an incredible 29-point, 25-rebound performance against the New Jersey Nets. 

He is an excellent shooter from mid-range and beyond the arc and a ferocious rebounder, particularly on the offensive end. Although undervalued, Ilyasova is easily the best power forward available. 

Any ideas on where these players might land? Feel free to comment below.