2012 NBA Free Agency: Top 10 Free Agents Still Available

Although many of the top free agents have found new homes, a lot of solid players are still available on the free agent market. Plenty of them can be valuable contributors to teams around the league. 

Sometimes role players make the difference in a championship winning team, and all of the players on this list could easily transform a team that is on the bubble of greatness into a true title contender.

None of the players on this list are stars, but were valuable contributors to their teams last season. Expect many of these players to receive big contracts based on this and their potentials to do the same on another team.

1. Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson had a breakthrough season last year with the Orlando Magic, and is the top remaining free agent. Although the Magic are likely to match any offer—as he is a restricted free agent—it is still possible to outbid the Magic. 

Anderson, a power forward, led the league in three pointers made last season and shot nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. He averaged 16 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game last year for the Magic, and finished the year with a 21.25 player efficiency rating.

2. JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee shined in his first playoff appearance in 2012. He is a super athletic center, who has the potential to be one of the top players in his position in this league. McGee is only 24 years of age, so he has a lot of room to improve.

Good centers in the NBA are hard to find, which is why McGee is the number two remaining free agent.

During McGee's time in Washington last year, he averaged nearly 12 points and 9 rebounds per game for the Wizards. He also added 2.5 blocks per game, and finished the year with a 19.5 player efficiency rating. 

3. Lou Williams

The Philadelphia 76ers have decided to go in a different direction and not re-sign longtime 76er Lou Williams, according to his twitter:

"

Philly, I appreciate you all. Unfortunately I will not be coming back, as an organization they decided to move in a different direction.

— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) July 6, 2012

"

Lou finished second in sixth man of the year voting, and actually led the Sixers in scoring—even though he did not start a single game. Lou can step right into a team and be either a very good scorer off the bench, or a solid starting point guard. 

Williams averaged 14 points and 3 assists last season. 

4. Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions stepped right into the starting point guard role for the Lakers and excelled during his time in LA. However, with the addition of Steve Nash, there is no room for Sessions in LA.

Sessions is a solid starting point guard, or a very good back up point guard. Look for him to go to a team that needs someone to step in and start, such as the Mavericks.

Sessions averaged 12 points and 6 assists during his time in LA, and posted a 18.38 player efficiency rating.

5. O.J. Mayo

O.J. Mayo is an enigma that many people simply do not understand. Mayo has the talent to be a 20-point scorer in this league, but his attitude often keeps him back.

During his first rookie season, he averaged 18.5 points per game and during his second season he averaged 17.5 points per game. However, during his last two seasons he has only averaged 12 points per game. 

This drop off has been due to less playing time, but many people wonder how he struggled to start for the Memphis Grizzlies. However, a change of scenery could bring out the old O.J. Mayo.

6. Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova had a breakout season for the Bucks last season, and is commanding serious interest from several teams around the NBA. Ilyasova is a very skilled power forward, who can shoot the three with ease. In fact, he shot 45 percent from three point range last season. 

Ilyasova can also rebound the ball exceptionally well, as he averaged almost 9 rebounds per game last season. Ilyasova had by far what will likely be a career-best 20.31 player efficiency rating last season.

7. Chris Kaman

Chris Kaman is a solid center in the NBA, which is hard to find these days. Kaman was traded to New Orleans from the Clippers in the deal that brought Chris Paul to LA. Kaman played pretty well when he was healthy for the Hornets. 

Kaman averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds last season for the Hornets, and should command decent interest around the league. 

8. Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries is far better known for his marriage to Kim Kardashian than for his basketball abilities, but Humphries is a very good NBA player. Humphries signed a one-year deal with the Nets last season, and set himself up to get a lot of money this offseason.

Humphries is an elite rebounder, who can get you 10-15 points per game. Last season he averaged almost 14 points and 11 rebounds per game, accumulating a 17.47 player efficiency rating.

9. J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith had a productive half of a season with the Knicks after coming back from China. Smith is a very good scorer, though he can't do much else consistently. However, he is a great player to have on a team's bench, as he can come in and provide instant offense. 

Smith is a great shooter who has great athleticism, but can overshoot at times. Smith has averaged around 12 points per game almost every year in his career. 

10. Marcus Camby

Although Marcus Camby is near the end of his career, he can still be a contributor to an NBA team. As I stated earlier, solid centers are hard to come by. Camby is a very good rebounder and can still defend the center position very well. 

Camby does not have much of an offensive game left in the tank, but he makes up for it on the glass and on the defensive end. According to reports, the Heat and Knicks are targeting Camby, so he will likely play for one of those two teams.