2011 NBA Free Agency: One Player Each Team Can't Afford To Lose This Summer
The NBA season is in full force right now, and with the playoffs fast approaching, teams are making their final roster adjustments in order to prepare for the postseason.
While certain teams' rosters look to be in good shape right now, that might change come next season.
While it won't be anything like this past offseason, there are a number of talented players ready to hit the free-agent market. Guys like David West, Tyson Chandler and Zach Randolph might all be wearing a different uniform at this time next year.
But which of these highly touted free agents mean the most to their current NBA teams right now?
Let's dive into this and take a look at one free-agent player that each NBA team can't afford to lose this summer.
Jamal Crawford, SG, Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Atlanta Hawks have been on the verge of being a serious contender in the East for some time now. But with the consistency of Boston and Orlando, and the recent surges by Miami and Chicago, the Hawks have found themselves on the outside looking in.
Jamal Crawford has been part of this team's success, but losing him to free agency would just make this team take another step backwards. Crawford is one of the top sixth men in the league, so there will be teams that will be interested in his service.
If the Hawks ever want to have a chance at overtaking the beasts of the East, Crawford has to stay in Atlanta.
Ray Allen, SG, Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Player Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
Ray Allen has a player option on his contract, and all signs point to the Boston Celtics doing whatever is needed in order to keep Allen in Beantown.
Allen has been a crucial part of the Celtics success over the past couple of years. He came in with Kevin Garnett to make "The Big Three," which has now transformed into "The Big Four" with the outstanding play of Rajon Rondo.
While this group has been great together, the truth is that they are all getting old, outside of Rondo. The gap is closing for how much longer this group can perform at a high level.
It looks like they have maybe two years left to contend for a title, but that will end immediately if Allen moves on to another team.
Boris Diaw, PF, Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Player Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
The Charlotte Bobcats are a team filled with young players that don't have a ton of experience in the NBA. Boris Diaw is one of the few players that is a true NBA veteran who provides leadership to this group.
Diaw has a player option on his contract, which means he can opt out if he chooses to. Right now, Diaw is one of two players on Charlotte's roster that has started every game this season. He averages 11 points and five rebounds per game, which are solid numbers.
If Michael Jordan wants to get his team over the hump and into the playoffs in the near future, he needs to keep Diaw in Charlotte. He is a guy that has playoff experience during his time with Phoenix, which is crucial when leading a young group of players like the Bobcats have.
Kurt Thomas, PF, Chicago Bulls
4 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Bulls are in a great position, where they don't have any impact players hitting free agency in 2011. But, if you had to pick one guy that Chicago probably doesn't want to part ways with, it would have to be Kurt Thomas.
The reserve forward isn't a player who is going to score 20 points in a game, but he is a great role player that brings leadership to a team that is on the verge of greatness.
Thomas is a guy that gives 20-plus minutes every game and is a good rebounder. He is the type of player that any playoff team would want on its roster.
Anthony Parker, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the laughingstock of the NBA this season. But on a team that fails to show any form of consistency, Anthony Parker has been the closest to a consistent thing that this organization has left.
Parker has started 53 of the team's 60 games, while averaging nine points, three rebounds and three assists in just under 30 minutes per game. But Parker's best asset is his defense. He is a very good defender who often draws the assignment of guarding the opposing teams' best players.
For a team that has hit rock-bottom and needs to rebuild for the future, the worst thing for the Cavaliers would be to let their most consistent player walk away via free agency.
Tyson Chandler, C, Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
There isn't a team in the league that has more free agents to look after than the Dallas Mavericks.
Caron Butler and Peja Stojakovic are key players as well that will be hitting free agency, but the most important piece that this team needs to re-sign is Tyson Chandler.
For years now, the Mavericks have struggled with landing a top-notch center that could bang down low with the likes of Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan. Now that the Mavs have Chandler, they have that one guy, and they should do everything in their power to make sure he doesn't leave.
Nene, C, Denver Nuggets
7 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Early-Termination Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
The Nuggets have a lot of free agents to deal with once this season is over. In fact, five of the eight players in Denver's everyday rotation will be up for free agency this summer.
Guys like Arron Afflalo, Wilson Chandler, Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith are all free agents, but the most important one that the Nuggets can't afford to lose would have to be Nene. He has an early-termination option, and chances are he will take a look at some other clubs.
The Denver big man has been patrolling the paint for this team as of late and is key for this team if the Nuggets plan to make any more deep playoff runs.
He is the team's best rebounder, and he has taken on more of the scoring load since Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups got shipped in the deal to New York.
Rodney Stuckey, PG, Detroit Pistons
8 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Pistons are one of the biggest messes in all of basketball right now. They have a roster filled with players that are overpaid and underachieving.
Fans in Detroit have made it clear that they want guys like Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton out of town, but the one guy who Detroit fans seem to like is point guard Rodney Stuckey.
Through all the turmoil, Stuckey has been a guy who has at least played decently this season, something that not many other members of this team can say for themselves.
Al Thornton, PF, Golden State Warriors
9 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Al Thornton is the top bench player on this young Warriors team. The former Florida State star averages eight points and three rebounds while playing right around 20 minutes per game for this team.
For a team that is filled with guards, Thornton provides good size and good scoring off the bench. The Warriors have the scoring in their backcourt; they just don't have many big bodies that can play any defense.
If the Warriors want to return to NBA relevancy, they should do their best to keep Thornton in that jersey.
Yao Ming, C, Houston Rockets
10 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Yao needs to stay in Houston because, at this point, the Rockets really aren't going to get anything in return for him. His value has plummeted with this recent spate of injuries, and if there is any chance that he plays another NBA game, Houston should make sure it's in a Rockets jersey.
Who knows if Yao will ever play again? Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't.
But Yao was one of the top big men in the league before these injuries began to plague his career. If the asking price is too high, then drop him, but if not, bring him back and hope for the best, Houston.
Mike Dunleavey, SF, Indiana Pacers
11 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
With how bad the East has been, the Pacers are in the midst of a playoff race, despite having a below-.500 record.
One of the key pieces on their roster throughout the years has been Mike Dunleavy. He averages 11 points and five rebounds per game for this team.
If the Pacers want to take that next step and become a consistent playoff team in the East, they are going to have to make sure that they hold onto their key players.
Dunleavy is certainly one of those key players.
DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Jordan may be raw, but he has had a really nice season in Los Angeles. He began getting more minutes this year and has answered in a big way, averaging seven points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game.
The Clippers would love to have Jordan, Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon be the faces of this franchise. Those three are young, and with them in the lineup, the Clippers could develop into a very good basketball team down the road.
The key is re-signing Jordan because every team needs a skilled big man in order to compete in the West.
Shannon Brown, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
13 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Player Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
Shannon Brown has been one of the most underrated role players in all of the NBA during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This is a guy that could probably start on a lot of other teams, but he fits the perfect reserve role with the Lakers. Brown comes off the bench and can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions. He is one of the most electrifying players in the league, often throwing down highlight-reel dunks that bring the LA crowd to its feet.
If the Lakers want to continue being the cream of the crop in the West, they should set their sights on re-signing this guy. He has a player option, which means that chances are probably pretty good that he will return to the city where he has developed into a true fan favorite.
Zach Randolph, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
There isn't a free agent in all of basketball that will be coveted more than Zach Randolph this offseason.
He might have some character flaws, but Randolph is as talented as they come when talking about NBA power forwards. He consistently puts up 20 points and 10 boards a game, and still always seems to fly under the radar.
When you take a look at the Grizzlies' roster, you see that Marc Gasol is also going to hit free agency this summer. That means that Memphis will most likely have to choose one of the two to stay on board. Gasol is a good player, but this is a no-brainer if you ask me.
Randolph is a top-20 NBA player that just doesn't receive the recognition that he should be getting.
Mario Chalmers, PG, Miami Heat
15 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
We have all heard how the Miami Heat are made up of three great players and then a bunch of no-names. Well, one of those so-called no-names is Mario Chalmers, and he has slowly been developing into a solid NBA point guard.
Remember when Rajon Rondo came into the league—he took a few years to develop. But then, when the Celtics added Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, Rondo began to get better, and now he is an NBA superstar.
Now, let's not go ahead and tag Chalmers as an NBA superstar, but he does have the tools to become a very good point guard down the road.
The Heat don't have a lot of money because they are paying their big three so much. Chalmers is a guy that comes cheap, and he is developing into a nice player. Miami should do whatever it can to keep this guy in the red and black.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, PF, Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the most underachieving teams in the NBA this season.
Coming into the year, many expected this team to compete in the East, but the Bucks have been nothing short of awful. With that said, this team may be looking at cutting loose a good amount of its roster, but if the Bucks had to pick a guy that should stay, they might look at Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
The Bucks power forward has been one of the few consistent players out of this group. He has been asked to start on many occasions and has held his own for the most part.
This isn't a guy that will excite you with his numbers, but he does all the little things right, which is something that coaches always love to see in a player like Mbah a Moute.
Minnesota Timberwolves: None
17 of 30
The only player on the Timberwolves roster who will be up for free agency this summer will be reserve point guard Sebastian Telfair.
When talking about players that a team can't afford to lose, well, Telfair doesn't exactly make the cut to be on that list.
The Timberwolves will have some work to do the following summer, when Kevin Love and Michael Beasley become unrestricted free agents.
Kris Humphries, PF, New Jersey Nets
18 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Kris Humphries is one of—if not the—most improved players in the entire NBA this season.
After years of being nothing short of irrelevant, Humphries has developed into a double-double machine for the New Jersey Nets. He is averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds while playing just about 28 minutes per game.
The Nets aren't a good basketball team, as we all know. But with the addition of Deron Williams, the development of Brook Lopez and the sudden emergence of Humphries, this is a team that has some nice pieces in place and can continue to build for the future.
It would hurt the Nets to let Humphries walk away into free agency because he is still a hidden gem in this league. They don't have to pay him huge money, but if he keeps playing like this, he will be worth any type of small investment at this point.
And he's dating Kim Kardashian. That has to be worth something...
David West, PF, New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Early-Termination Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
If Zach Randolph isn't the top free agent in the 2011 class, then David West certainly is.
West has been an absolute force for the Hornets over the past couple of years and has probably been the team's most consistent player throughout this season. He averages a team-high 19 points per game to go along with eight rebounds.
West has an early-termination option, but letting him go would be a huge mistake for this team and something that they can not afford to do. If this happens, Chris Paul will be sure to follow the next season and the Hornets would go from a solid NBA team to one of the most depleted units in the entire league.
If New Orleans wants Chris Paul to stay, re-signing West is mandatory. The Hornets need to make sure this happens.
Ronny Turiaf, C, New York Knicks
20 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Player Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
The Knicks look to be in pretty good shape if Ronny Turiaf is their top free-agent to re-sign this offseason. But then again, outside of Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups, this team is pretty much made up of a bunch of no-name guys trying to find a niche playing in the Big Apple.
Turiaf isn't a guy who is going to lead your team in scoring every night, but he is a high-energy guy that brings a ton of excitement to the game. He is one of those players that every team loves to have in the locker room.
Outside of that, he is also this team's starting center right now.
Turiaf has a player option, so one would think that he would want to play in New York. He is a good player, but his role should be as a guy who comes off the bench and provides your team with a spark that way.
Daequan Cook, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Cook is the only player on the Thunder roster to be hitting free agency this summer.
And in all reality, he probably doesn't need to stay, but he is a nice player that this organization probably doesn't want to just let walk away.
Cook is only averaging about six points per game off the bench for the Thunder, but he is deadly from the outside when left open. He is shooting just about 40 percent from beyond the arc, which is far better than his career average.
Again, they don't need to resign Cook, but they might want to look into it. His value isn't high and he is a solid player that will give the Thunder 15-20 hard-fought minutes per game off the bench.
Jason Richardson, SG, Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Orlando Magic were able to pull the trigger on a huge trade early on this season, and Jason Richardson has been the best part of the deal thus far.
The highlight-reel guard has averaged 16 points per game since coming over from Phoenix in that deal. He has helped keep Orlando near the top of the East, and now, as the playoffs approach, Richardson will be looked at as a key player to help the Magic advance deep into the postseason.
In the next year or two, the Magic have some major choices to make. Dwight Howard has an early-termination option in 2012 and Jameer Nelson hits the open market as well. If this team is going to stay competitive in the East and contend for more NBA titles, the Magic need these guys to stay in town.
It all starts with re-signing J-Rich.
Thaddeus Young, SF, Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Thaddeus Young has developed into one of the best sixth men in the NBA. Young comes off the bench and averages 12.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in 26 minutes per game for the 76ers. This is one of those guys that is known for his instant offense every time he enters the game.
Young is still very young in age and has a lot of room to grow and improve in this league. His best basketball may very well be ahead of him, which is one main reason that the 76ers should not let this guy walk away.
It looks like Philadelphia might go into rebuilding mode sooner rather than later. If that does happen, the 76ers should make sure to lock up their young talent, and that all starts with Thaddeus Young.
Grant Hill, SF, Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
The Phoenix Suns should do whatever they can in order to make sure that Grant Hill stays with the Suns or retires with the Suns.
This is a team that is a complete wild card right now because no one really understands what type of direction it is going in. The Suns' three best players—Steve Nash, Vince Carter and Hill—are all getting up there in age and only have two–five years left in the league.
With that said, Carter is expendable, but Hill and Nash are two guys who have been with this team through the good and the bad, and need to ride it out in Phoenix.
Greg Oden, C, Portland Trailblazers
25 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
This is the image of Greg Oden that fans in Portland have become accustomed to seeing. The guy has been a walking, non-stop injury since he came into the league.
With that said, Oden is scheduled to hit free agency this year and the Blazers have an important decision to make as to whether or not they are willing to let their former first overall pick walk away.
It doesn't seem like there is much of a market for this guy anyway. No one really wants to take a chance on a guy who just instantly gets injured every time he takes the basketball court. So therefore, the Blazers should just focus on restructuring his contract and keeping him in Portland.
Portland already dealt away Joel Przybilla, and Marcus Camby is either looking to get traded or probably retire soon. Therefore, the options are limited here at the center position.
If the Blazers can re-sign him for less money, why not? Maybe he will shock us all.
Marcus Thornton, SG, Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
Marcus Thornton came on the scene in a big way last season, but this year he has elevated his game to a whole new level.
Thornton has been the best player on the Kings since coming over in a deal from New Orleans. He is averaging a team-high 22 points per game in his last 10 games and has provided some much-needed scoring with the absence of Tyreke Evans.
With Thornton, Evans and DeMarcus Cousins, this Kings team has some nice, young pieces in place. If the Kings plan to continue building and getting more competitive down the road, they need to keep these young pieces all intact.
That means keeping Thornton in a Kings jersey for as long as possible.
Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Early-Termination Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
Because Tim Duncan has been the face of this franchise from the second he first put on a San Antonio Spurs uniform, it would be impossible to imagine him playing anywhere else.
As long as Tim Duncan can still get up and down the floor, one would have to believe that he will be a Spur. Duncan is the cornerstone of this franchise, and if the Spurs want to keep their title as the best in the West, they are going to need Duncan to stay in town.
Duncan has that early-termination option, but all signs point to him staying. It just wouldn't be right to see him wearing any jersey other than that of the San Antonio Spurs.
Leandro Barbosa, PG, Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent (Player Option)
Why He Needs To Stay
The Raptors are traditionally one of the worst teams in basketball every year they take the floor. But this year, despite a losing record, they do have some solid, young players on their roster. One of those guys is reserve point guard Leandro Barbosa.
Despite coming off the bench, Barbosa is still averaging a solid 13 points per game, which is the third-highest mark on the team. He provides Toronto with about 24 minutes per game and always seems to provide a scoring spark when he comes off the bench.
If the Raptors have any hope of being relevant in the NBA, they have to keep their best players intact and build from the bottom up. Therefore, Barbosa, along with Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan, have to stay on this roster.
Andrei Kirilenko, SF, Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Unrestricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
There just aren't many forwards in the NBA today that can defend the ball one-on-one like Andrei Kirilenko can. He is one of those guys who gives it his all every time he takes the court and seems to do all the little things right.
With that said, it is going to be very difficult to keep this guy in Utah. All signs point to the New Jersey Nets going after him hard in the offseason.
If the Jazz can prevent Kirilenko from leaving in any way, they should do so. With him gone, this team will just continue to slide in the West.
Nick Young, SG, Washington Wizards
30 of 30
Free-Agency Status
Restricted Free Agent
Why He Needs To Stay
It will be a darn shame if Nick Young does not take home the award for the most improved player in the NBA this season—that is how good he has been for the Washington Wizards this year.
Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, Young is averaging a team-high 17.7 points per game. He has been Washington's go-to guy on offense and has developed a nice chemistry with rookie point guard John Wall.
If the Wizards want to continue to build this youth movement, they need to re-sign Nick Young. Combine him with Wall and a lottery pick that the team should get in this year's draft, and this has the chance to be a very good team in a few years.
If they don't re-sign Young and continue to build around him, someone else will. That's a guarantee.
