1 Free Agent Each NBA Team Should Be Courting

The 2012 period of free agency has officially begun. With the clock striking 12:01 a.m. on July 11th, every NBA franchise is now eligible to have its targets sign the dotted line. The question is, who will they pursue?

While deals have been reported and speculation confirmed, there are some diamonds in the rough. Not every team will aim for the top names but will instead address their top needs.

So who fits where? What expected or unexpected deals should be made? Those questions and more will be answered in the following slides as we evaluate the players that each individual NBA team should be courting.

Atlanta Hawks

Ideal Target: Gerald Green

Position: Small Forward

Age: 26

Experience: 5 Years

Why It Works

Upon trading Marvin Williams to the Utah Jazz, the Atlanta Hawks officially admitted their mistake in believing he was the answer at the 3. After trading Joe Johnson, the Hawks made it clear that they're ready to build for the future.

A perfect start to the process would be to land Gerald Green. He's an outstanding athlete whose skill set is as well-rounded as any player around. He tore up the D-League All-Star Game and then came to the NBA and did the same.

On a roster filled with outstanding athletes and jump shooters, Gerald Green would fit as well as anyone on the market.

2012 Season Averages

15.88 PER, 25.2 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.9 SPG

Boston Celtics

Ideal Target: Greg Oden

Position: Center

Age: 24

Experience: 2 Years

Why It Works

The Boston Celtics added serious depth through the draft and free agency. They're a well-built team that could make a serious run through the postseason with their current unit. What they lack, however, is a future at the 5.

Sorry, Fab Melo fans, but there's no reason to bank on his learning the fundamentals any time soon.

To cure this woe, why not take a risk on Greg Oden? A one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum could be in order, and the Celtics would have a low risk, high reward scenario on their hands. The former first overall draft choice could be something special after all.

2010 Season Averages

23.14 PER, 23.9 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.3 BPG

Brooklyn Nets

Ideal Target: Kris Humphries

 Position: Power Forward

Age: 27

Experience: 8 Years

Why It Works

Upon withdrawing from the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, the Brooklyn Nets remain in need of a dominant rebounding presence. Considering Kris Humphries was one of the top 5 rebounders in the league in each of the past two seasons, it's not hard to imagine who could fill that void.

Between Humphries and new acquisition Reggie Evans, the Nets would have one of the better interior tandems on the glass. While Brook Lopez certainly leaves room for improvement in that department, Humphries is the best player available to make up for his shortcomings.

2012 Season Averages

17.98 PER, 13.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 0.8 SPG

Charlotte Bobcats

Ideal Target: Antawn Jamison

Position: Power Forward

Age: 36

Experience: 14 Years

Why It Works

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, former North Carolina Tar Heels standout Antawn Jamison could finish his career in the same state that it began. Jamison reportedly has interest in finishing his career with the Charlotte Bobcats, playing the role of mentor to a young team.

This should be music to the Bobcats' ears, as there is no greater need on their roster than the presence of a low-post scorer. Jamison can be just that, coming off of a season in which he tallied 17.2 points per game.

While Jamison won't lift the Bobcats out of the basement, he will offer a valuable presence down low. He'll also help tutor the young, offensively raw players currently on the Bobcats' roster.

2012 Season Averages

16.17 PER, 17.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG

Chicago Bulls

Ideal Target: Brendan Haywood

Position: Center

Age: 32

Experience: 11 Years

Why It Works

Brendan Haywood was incredibly overpaid and the furthest thing from deserving of the money. This was an unfortunately circumstance, as Haywood is actually one of the better pure centers the game has to offer.

For that reason, he may just fall outside of the Chicago Bulls' price range. Just don't expect Haywood to pass up on a chance to win a second ring.

Brendan Haywood is not the energy player that Omer Asik may have been, but he's a big body presence that the Bulls would certainly lack if Asik ended up in Houston.

If nothing else, Haywood's rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, as well as his championship pedigree, would be valuable additions to an occasionally bullied front court.

2012 Season Averages

12.95 PER, 21.2 MPG, 5.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 BPG

Cleveland Cavaliers

Ideal Target: Carl Landry

Position: Power Forward

Age: 28

Experience: 5 Years

Why It Works

Tristan Thompson will be trusted with the starting duties during the 2012 NBA season. Behind him, however, will be uncertainty and the lack of a interior scoring presence. To cure said woes, the best and most affordable option is Carl Landry.

The former Purdue Boilermaker is familiar with the Ohio area from his days in the Big Ten. He's also comfortable with playing 20-25 minutes a night coming off of the bench. With Kyrie Irving in need of a pick-and-pop partner, Landry could be the perfect fit.

Carl Landry should be at the top of the list for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2012 Season Averages

18.31 PER, 24.4 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 50.3% FG

Dallas Mavericks

Ideal Target: O.J. Mayo

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

When the Dallas Mavericks lost Jason Terry to the Boston Celtics, they became a team with very few weapons on the perimeter. While Shawn Marion is always a threat, he has taken on an even stronger defensive-minded approach to the game since entering Dallas.

To fill this gaping void, the Dallas Mavericks must take a chance on O.J. Mayo.

Over his first two seasons in the league, Mayo averaged 18.5 and 17.5 points per game in each respective season. The ability has not been lost, only the opportunity and mindset, as Memphis thrust him into the role of secondary ball handler.

In Dallas, Mayo could play the same manner as Jason Terry. He could also emerge as a star of the franchise and exact some unmentioned revenge on the division rival that benched him.

2012 Season Averages

14.76 PER, 24.4 MPG, 12.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG

Denver Nuggets

Ideal Target: JaVale McGee

Position: Center

Age: 24

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

For the first time in his career, JaVale McGee found a way to contribute consistently to an NBA franchise. The reason behind this was major upgrade was the coaching of George Karl and point guard play of Andre Miller—both of whom will return to the Denver Nuggets.

This beckons the question: Why wouldn't JaVale McGee re-sign with the Denver Nuggets? More importantly, why would the Nuggets hesitate to bring McGee back?

2012 Season Averages

19.90 PER, 25.2 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG

Detroit Pistons

Ideal Target: Courtney Lee

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

After trading Ben Gordon, the Detroit Pistons opened up a hole that hadn't been adequately been filled to begin with. The team lacks a consistent perimeter scorer and could certainly add some athleticism on the defensive front.

Enter Courtney Lee.

Lee shot 40.1 percent from distance, swiped 1.2 steals per game and maintained his reputation as a top-tier perimeter defender in 2012. His footwork is on par with the best of them, and he is rarely beaten on any assignment.

Lee's ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting are intriguing enough to pursue the former Western Kentucky star.

2012 Season Averages

12.61 PER, 11.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG

Golden State Warriors

Ideal Target: Ivan Johnson

Position: Power Forward

Age: 28

Experience: 1 Year

Why It Works

The Golden State Warriors have had a very successful offseason. From drafting appropriately to adding depth and security with their trades, the Warriors are building for a legitimate run in 2013. The next step, of course, would be to polish off what has already been set.

Time to solidify the front court.

The Warriors have long needed an athletic and physical 4. Ivan Johnson offers just that, as the second-year player made a name for himself as a defensive enforcer and offensive explosion in Atlanta. His presence behind David Lee could offer the stability that the Warriors have always needed.

2012 Season Averages

14.37 PER, 16.7 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG

Houston Rockets

Ideal Target: D.J. Augustin

Position: Point Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

The Houston Rockets lost both Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic this offseason. They're also likely to miss out on Jeremy Lin. While one might suggest they fall back on either Raymond Felton or Ramon Sessions, the best possible signing would be a former Texas Longhorn.

D.J. Augustin is a young but rapidly improving point guard who could grow with the Rockets' youthful core. He's a very talented facilitator whose always made the best out of his Charlotte Bobcats teammates.

And that's saying a lot.

2012 Season Averages

14.17 PER, 11.1 PPG, 6.4 APG, 2.3 RPG, 0.8 SPG

Indiana Pacers

Ideal Target: C.J. Miles

Position: Small Forward

Age: 25

Experience: 7 Years

Why It Works

The Indiana Pacers' perimeter is built around jump shooters who haven't come into their own and a borderline star in Danny Granger. What they lack, however, is a player who can slash, attack the basket and get to the line.

C.J. Miles does just that.

Miles is long, athletic and excellent off of the dribble. He attacks the basket with a purpose and finishes well in the paint. He's also a very good mid-range jump shooter and a potentially elite perimeter defender due to his length and athleticism.

2012 Season Averages

12.46 PER, 20.4 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG

Los Angeles Clippers

Ideal Target: Brendan Haywood

Position: Center

Age: 32

Experience: 11 Years

Why It Works

DeAndre Jordan has exceptional upside and an excellent stat line. Unfortunately, he's very weak in the fundamentals and has yet to have a true mentor in Los Angeles.

While Brendan Haywood is far from a superstar mentor, he's one of the most fundamentally sound players at his position. For this reason alone, the Clippers must do what they can to orchestrate the signing of the former North Carolina Tar Heel.

Haywood will offer what some might consider to be the only fundamentally sound player in the Clippers' front court. Regardless of how your bias and beliefs may sway you, Haywood is a solid acquisition for a team in need of size and consistency.

2012 Season Averages

12.95 PER, 21.2 MPG, 5.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 BPG

Los Angeles Lakers

Ideal Target: Anthony Randolph

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

At this point, it's nearly impossible to speculate how much money Anthony Randolph will receive. Due to this level of uncertainty, the Los Angeles Lakers should act soon and offer the upside-ridden 22-year-old a chance to maximize his potential in L.A.

With Steve Nash running point and the fundamentally sound Pau Gasol at the 4, the situation couldn't be better for Randolph. Rather than sitting behind other young players with very little insight to offer, he'd be coached and mentored by players who could lead him into his prime.

The best case scenario might even be that Randolph shows the world what some have speculated: He's already good god enough to be warrant the hype.

2012 Season Averages

17.60 PER, 15.2 MPG, 7.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.0 BPG

Memphis Grizzlies

Ideal Target: Jodie Meeks

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 3 Years

Why It Works

In losing O.J. Mayo, the Memphis Grizzlies are without much more than just their secondary ball handler. They also lose their best spot-up shooter. With the acquisition of Jodie Meeks, the lack of a perimeter threat would be a thought of the past.

Meeks is as lights out as they come from distance. While he shot a career-worst 36.5 percent from distance in 2012, he shot 39.7 percent in 2011. Judging by his picture perfect form and long history of top-tier three-point shooting, Meeks is going to bounce back.

Having a guy like Meeks to spread the floor for Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol would be key to the Grizzlies' future success.

2012 Season Averages

11.50 PER, 24.9 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 36.5% 3PT

Miami Heat

Ideal Target: Joel Przybilla

Position: Center

Age: 32

Experience: 12 Years

Why It Works

The Miami Heat have had quite the successful offseason. They've added the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history. They've added a second sharpshooter whose size alone would have been helpful to a rather undersized Heat rotation.

The only logical move here would be to sign a cost-efficient big man. The best player available would be the 7'1" center who Miami nearly signed this past February: Joel Przybilla.

Przybilla is a big-bodied center who is not afraid to bang in the paint. He rebounds exceptionally well and has always made his mark as a shot blocker. These qualities fit the Heat's needs to perfection.

2012 Season Averages

6.03 PER, 16.6 MPG, 2.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 0.6 BPG

Milwaukee Bucks

Ideal Target: Gerald Green

Position: Small Forward

Age: 26

Experience: 5 Years

Why It Works

The Milwaukee Bucks have begun to shape their roster into one built on athleticism and explosiveness in the open court. From combo guards Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis to spot-up threat Doron Lamb, the lineup is filled with guards to slice and dice opposing defenses.

Throw in the awe-inspiring athleticism of John Henson, and the Bucks have themselves a viable front court scorer in transition as well. The issue is that the team lacks any form of stability at the 3.

The best and most realistic player available to fill that void is Gerald Green.

Many know Green for his gravity-defying dunks. What they don't know, however, is that Green is as fundamentally sound as any player at his position. He's spent years in the D-League honing his skills and has perfected his timing on both ends of the floor.

Green would fly high with Jennings and Ellis. He'd also open eyes with his well-rounded performances.

2012 Season Averages

15.88 PER, 25.2 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 39.1% 3PT

Minnesota Timberwolves

Ideal Target: Courtney Lee

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

Most fans in the Twin Cities are hoping for Nicolas Batum. While the talent may be there, the asking price might be too steep due to the fact that Batum is a restricted free agent. This opens up one fundamental need to be addressed in a financially reasonable way: the T-Wolves' lack of a perimeter shooter.

Courtney Lee is not only an outstanding defender, but he hit 40.1 percent of his three-point attempts. This makes Lee what the Timberwolves have needed, as Brandon Roy is coming out of an injury-forced retirement and Chase Budinger is a better fit for the 3.

Courtney Lee is a diamond in the rough, and the T-Wolves need to find him before anyone else.

2012 Season Averages

12.61 PER, 11.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG

New Orleans Hornets

Ideal Target: Raymond Felton

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Experience: 7 Years

Why It Works

Once the New Orleans Hornets traded Jarrett Jack to the Golden State Warriors, they placed themselves into a situation in which they lack a true point guard. Greivis Vasquez has always been more of a combo guard, while Austin Rivers is a player who lacks a position.

If the New Orleans Hornets are hoping to protect themselves from an 82-game disaster, they must attempt to sign a player who can pull the ship in the right direction.

While Raymond Felton may have had a down season in Portland, we cannot ignore the fact that he had clashed with head coach Nate McMillan on multiple occasions. Once McMillan was fired, Felton proved that he could in fact be a starting NBA point guard.

2012 Season Averages

13.46 PER, 11.4 PPG, 6.5 APG, 2.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG

New York Knicks

Ideal Target: Shannon Brown

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 26

Experience: 6 Years

Why It Works

The New York Knicks may have to orchestrate a sign-and-trade to get this done. Regardless of how it transpires, however, Shannon Brown would be the perfect fit in the Knicks' lineup.

Consider Shannon Brown to be a more athletic Landry Fields. He's a stout defender when focused, a solid but inconsistent jump shooter and an absolute menace in transition. The major difference between Brown and Fields, however,  is that Shannon Brown has postseason experience.

For a team with terrible postseason results, that should serve as a key factor in the Knicks' potential deliberation.

2012 Season Averages

13.68 PER, 23.7 MPG, 11.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.7 SPG

Oklahoma City Thunder

Ideal Target: Greg Oden

Position: Center

Age: 24

Experience: 2 Years

Why It Works

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a young team that is built to win a title. From their superstar-laden offense to their often impenetrable defense, they have virtually everything you could look for in an NBA champion.

Unfortunately, there is still a major question mark in the department of a low-post scorer.

Rookie Perry Jones III could go a long way towards solving those issues. The question is, how soon will he contribute? To hold themselves over for a year, the Thunder must consider another option. They must consider Greg Oden.

At best, Oden realizes his potential, stays healthy and makes Kendrick Perkins a high-value trade piece. At worst, he's a low-cost player who is thrilled to have had the opportunity to compete. The Thunder cannot take many risks right now, and this potentially weak contract is as low-risk, high reward as you'll find.

2010 Season Averages

23.14 PER, 23.9 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.3 BPG

Orlando Magic

Ideal Target: Jonny Flynn

Position: Point Guard

Age: 23

Experience: 3 Years

Why It Works

Chris Duhon is overpaid and likely to be on the way out before season's end. Jameer Nelson is solid but just hit 30. To pass up on the opportunity to sign a 23-year-old point guard to a low-cost deal while building depth would be foolish.

It would also go against the most glaring need on the Magic's roster.

Point guard play has always been questionable in Orlando. While Jameer Nelson has contributed quality minutes every time he's hit the floor, the depth beyond him has been shaky at best. Nelson, meanwhile, may be better fit for a role as sixth man than starting point guard.

With the addition of Flynn, Chris Duhon officially becomes expendable, a big contract is lost and a young face is inserted. While Flynn hasn't produced well since his rookie season, he's hardly been around the type of talent that Dwight Howard is.

Even if D-12 leaves, Flynn will have some nice pieces around him to work with for the first time in his career.

2012 Season Averages

11.20 PER, 14.3 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 RPG

Philadelphia 76ers

Ideal Target: Kris Humphries

Position: Power Forward

Age: 27

Experience: 8 Years

Why It Works

The Philadelphia 76ers are in need of a toughness and grittiness in the paint. While Spencer Hawes and rookie Arnett Moultrie are respectable players, neither player offers those characteristics. This leaves one glaring fact: The 76ers have no one who will bang in the paint.

In signing once rival Kris Humphries, that would all change.

While the financials of the deal would have to be worked out, the 76ers cannot hesitate in approaching Humphries about a potential signing. He's the board crashing, in your face defender that they've long needed. The acquisition of the former Minnesota Golden Gopher might just push this Sixers team over the top.

2012 Season Averages

17.98 PER, 13.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 BPG

Phoenix Suns

Ideal Target: O.J. Mayo

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

According to John Reid of The Times Picayune, the New Orleans Hornets will match the Phoenix Suns' offer to Eric Gordon. This promptly eliminates the Suns from contention to sign Gordon, thus opening the door for the best available shooting guard on the market to enter the conversation.

Per a report via Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Phoenix will now target O.J. Mayo. Fortunately, Mayo is the best possible fit for the team.

While re-signing Shannon Brown could certainly be an option, the Suns are moving forward with an entirely new perimeter. This includes Goran Dragic and Michael Beasley at the point and 3, leaving the Suns in need of a sharpshooter at the 2.

O.J. Mayo could be just that. He could also be the best player on the Suns when all is said and done.

2012 Season Averages

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

Portland Trail Blazers

Ideal Target: Nicolas Batum

Position: Small Forward

Age: 23

Experience: 4 Years

Why It Works

The Portland Trail Blazers have no other option here, as allowing their restricted free agent to walk away would be beyond disastrous—even if they do have a nice looking offer on the table.

Batum is as versatile as they come. He scores at an adequate level, rebounds well and has the length and quickness to become a truly dominant defender. He's also a solid three-point shooter with legitimate star potential.

Best of all, re-signing him would mean that any team interested in his services would assure a necessary trade for years to come. Never undervalue the power of time.

2012 Season Averages

17.32 PER, 13.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.0 SPG

Sacramento Kings

Ideal Target: Terrence Williams

Position: Small Forward

Age: 25

Experience: 3 Years

Why It Works

In 18 games with the Sacramento Kings, Terrence Williams posted a per of 16.50 with an average of 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 20.5 minutes of play. This was the most consistent playing time and the best production of Williams' underwhelming three-year career.

Should the Kings offer him the opportunity to build upon the success, they will be handsomely rewarded.

On a team with as many combo guards as any in the league, it's hard to argue against the logic of re-signing a player who has proven to be capable of handling the point forward duties. Williams has tremendous upside and finally began to realize that in Sacramento.

2012 Season Averages

13.10 PER, 18.3 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG

San Antonio Spurs

Ideal Target: Daniel Orton

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21

Experience: 1 Year

Why It Works

This is probably the last name that you expected to see. The fact is, the San Antonio Spurs have a solid roster all the way through and need just one thing: players to develop for the post-Duncan era.

Daniel Orton can be just that.

Orton is just 21 years old and has the talent to be something special. The issue is, Orton was learning from a player in Orlando who has yet to put it all together himself: Dwight Howard. Under players such as Boris Diaw and Tim Duncan, the former Kentucky standout could reach the level some scouts have expected of him.

Or he could simply be a low-cost acquisition who does nothing to harm the team.

2012 Season Averages

12.71 PER, 11.7 MPG, 2.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.6 BPG

Toronto Raptors

Ideal Target: Jodie Meeks

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Experience: 3 Years

Why It Works

The acquisition of Jodie Meeks would likely crowd a position in which DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross already reside. The fact of the matter is that the Raptors remain a team whose best offensive attack will be to dump the ball in low to their two seven footers.

The only way to make that offensive attack work is to spread the floor with elite three-point shooters—something Jodie Meeks most certainly is.

This deal would likely call for a player to be moved. Rather than moving organizations, however, this could open the door for Terrence Ross to start at the 2 while Meeks paroles as sixth man. DeMar Derozan, meanwhile, would shift to small forward.

2012 Season Averages

11.50 PER, 24.9 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 36.5% 3PT

Utah Jazz

Ideal Target: Delonte West

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Experience: 8 Years

Why It Works

When the Utah Jazz acquired Mo Williams, they instantly became more viable threat in the Western Conference. Williams is an elite three-point shooter who can run the point at a near All-Star level; in other words, Mo Williams fit the Jazz's two greatest needs.

Unfortunately, the Jazz have very little to offer beyond the score-first point guard.

With Delonte West on the roster, those woes would come to a close. West is an elite ball handler and tough on-ball defender. He excels in attacking the basket off of the dribble and could thrive in the pick-and-roll game with the Jazz's surplus of big men.

This signing would go a long way towards launching the Jazz up the Western Conference's leader board.

2012 Season Averages

15.35 PER, 24.1 MPG, 9.6 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG

Washington Wizards

Ideal Target: Derek Fisher

Position: Point Guard

Age: 37

Experience: 16 Years

Why It Works

Can the Washington Wizards offer Derek Fisher an opportunity to win a sixth NBA Title? There's hardly a rational chance. What they can offer him, however, is the opportunity to mentor one of the most promising young point guards in the NBA.

As for why this works for Washington, their greatest need has always been that of a veteran back court presence. With Fisher under contract, they'd have just that as a veteran can finally take the mentor-less John Wall under his wing.

At 37, it's hard to say if that offer can be denied.

2012 Season Averages

8.02 PER, 23.9 MPG, 5.6 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.9 RPG, 0.8 SPG