NBA Free Agents 2012: Open-Market Players Worth Gambling On

Wow.

That's really all there is to say about the 2012 NBA free agency period. Just wow.

Teams weren't allowed to negotiate with free agents until July 1, but we've already seen enough movement to dramatically shake up the pecking order of the league.

Despite most of the big-names already agreeing to new deals, there are still several quality players available. Although each one comes with a bit of risk, the following guys are worth a gamble in the waning days of the free agency period.

J.R. Smith

Smith comes with some baggage, but every team in the league could use an athletic 6'6" shooting guard who is capable of catching fire at any moment.

In 35 games for the Knicks last season, Smith scored 20 or more points on six occasions. He took New York out of a few games with poor shot selection, but he also powered them to a few wins with his white-hot shooting.

If Smith lands on a veteran team with some strong leadership, he will be a major asset.

Lou Williams

Another relentless gunner, Williams could add some serious firepower to somebody's bench.

The 25-year-old combo guard was very productive last season, scoring 14.9 points in just 26.3 minutes per game last season. However, the Philadelphia 76ers brought in Nick Young, so Williams may be lighting up scoreboards elsewhere next season.

Although he can't play defense, Williams would be the perfect addition to a bench in need of some scoring punch.

Marcus Camby

Camby is 38 years old, but he's still capable of helping a championship contender. 

Among players who appeared in at least 15 games last season, Camby led the league in rebounds per 40 minutes. He pulled down 9.2 boards in 24.1 minutes per game for the Houston Rockets, then grabbed 8.8 rebounds in 22.4 per game minutes with the Portland Trail Blazers.

He's not a threat offensively and he's not nearly as explosive as he used to be, but Camby is certainly worth a one- or two-year contract for a team that's close to winning the NBA title.