NBA Free Agency 2011: Players Each Playoff Team Should Sign To Ensure a Return

Scene Opens: The NBA Playoffs have just ended, and the Miami Heat have swept Dallas (haha, no this opening is not a prediction...or is it?). The teams are looking at the NBA Free Agency and what players they want back.

The teams that are hungry to make it back are looking to re-sign their most valuable pieces to get a shot at the shiny trophy.

Who are they going to take? Don't worry! I will do the brain work for you; all you have to do is sit back, relax and watch the perfected art of procrastination turning into a masterpiece!

Boston Celtics

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics and the fans react after he misses a three point shot in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 23, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Memphis Grizzlies defea

Players that need to come back: Ray Allen and Glen Davis

Alright, lets get the show on the road! My bedtime is coming up awfully quick.

Ray Allen has come into the season with some haters questioning whether or not he still has his stroke. Last season, he failed to be consistent, delivering one memorable game on the biggest stage of them all.

Well, he has silenced every single one of them—except for, maybe, the guy wearing the Kobe jersey who is sitting in the nosebleeds screaming: "You Suck!".

Nonetheless, he is always a presence out there on the court and gives the Cs a much better chance of winning.

Glen Davis is another great energizer off the bench that the Green Gang needs to keep if it wants to hold some postseason hope.

Chicago Bulls

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 11: Rasual Butler #45 of the Chicago Bulls gets his first playing time and basket as a member of the Bulls against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on March 11, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 94-76. NOTE

Players that need to come back: Rasual Butler(?)

As you can tell, the Bulls are not really losing anyone valuable to the free agency, so I just went with their three-point marksman (more by reputation than stats).

They can re-sign him, and maybe he'll contribute more...

Miami Heat

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MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 27: James Jones #22 of the Miami Heat takes a charge against Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks during a game at American Airlines Arena on February 27, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agre

Players that need to come back: James Jones(?)

Same story as the Bulls. The Cs will lose some PGs, but they should just try to get new ones from the free agency.

James Jones is a streaky shooter and helps the Heat stretch the floor.

Orlando Magic

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 03: Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a 3 pointer during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

Players that need to come back: Jason Richardson

Look at that beast! When I see that guy, I immediately think—inconsistency. His beast status is that respected.

However, I would like to see the Magic re-sign him because he can be a great scorer and very entertaining. This season was all very new to the Magic, so I can understand their troubles.

They added Richardson and the Legendary Gunslinger—Gilbert Arenas—and they also welcomed back Hedo!

Hedo got a huge ovation—for one whole game....

Atlanta Hawks

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 08: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading an

Players that need to come back: Jamal Crawford

Easy one, here. The Hawks are not exactly elite in the Eastern Conference, but they are not bad either. Their problem seems to come after game No. 82, but Crawford can help them.

Next year, I can't see the Hawks being a high seed without Crawford who, while not playing great, has given them a boost.

Re-signing him could yet again provide for some very exciting regular season games and some ugly games in the postseason. I feel bad for the Hawks fans that show up (what's that, like 10 of them).

Philadelphia 76ers

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 28: Thaddeus Young #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers puts up for a shot against Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 28, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Players that need to come back: Thaddeus Young

The Sixers have surprised many this season (myself included), but they have played great basketball after a terrible start to the season.

Next year, they will only improve as Young progresses and becomes a better scorer and all-around player. He is only 22 years old, so the ceiling is in no way set just yet.

I think that next year could really shed light as to how good a player Young can become and can also shed light Philadelphia's playoff hopes.

New York Knicks

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Track fencing is installed during preparations for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit on March 9, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. The Australian Formula One Grand Prix will become the first rou

Players that need to come back: Defense

They are not losing anyone important so they just need to read some Peter Pan and find where their defense went.

As of now all they have is the shadow of it—kind of backwards, just like their trade logic.

Indiana Pacers

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PHOENIX - DECEMBER 03: T.J. Ford #5 of the Indiana Pacers stands with teammates for the National Anthem before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 3, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

Players that need to come back: TJ Ford

I don't know why, but I simply love TJ Ford. He is not a great player and—considering how bad he has played this year—some might say he is a  terrible player.

However, I think he could bounce back next year and help the Pacers make the playoffs in the easy Eastern Conference.

They are losing some other players, but they can get better in the free agency. There will just be too much competition for guards out there.

In the end, I would be surprised if they let Ford go; I just think that he can be a very solid contributor when given the chance.

San Antonio Spurs

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 23: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs prepares to take a free throw against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Spurs 115-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

Players that need to come back: No one

They are not losing one single person who even remotely matters.

However, they could try to find the Fountain of Youth! On the other hand, them sharing the screen with Jack Sparrow could be awkward.

Los Angeles Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 20: Shannon Brown #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after missing a shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the game against the Portland Trail Blazersat the Staples Center on March 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

Players that need to come back: Shannon Brown

The Lakers are not getting any younger, so it clearly would not hurt to re-sign the one very promising young player on their squad.

Brown has shown signs of being a very solid player, and few can match his athleticism. With the physical tools he has, he will only continue to grow.

While I am not sold on him being "the future" of LA, I do think he will be an above-average contributor once some other stars either leave or fade in Hollywood.

Dallas Mavericks

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 91-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknow

Players that need to come back: Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler and Peja Stojakovic

We are making great time! I might actually get some sleep tonight!

The Mavericks are legitimate title contenders this year, and two of the men above play a contributing role in that. Butler, while injured, is still a great talent; re-signing him will make them dangerous next year.

Chandler has also played very well and has put up great numbers. His presence on both ends of the floor helps the Mavericks every night.

Peja is a solid shooter who, I think, is underrated by the public. Look for him to shine next year.

Denver Nuggets

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 24: Arron Afflalo #6 of the Denver Nuggets conttrols the ball against the Boston Celtics during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 24, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Celtics 89-75. NOTE TO USER: User expr

Players that need to come back: Aaron Afflalo, Wilson Chandler, JR Smith and Nene Hilario (ETO)

The Nuggets also have to do some serious dealing this offseason, considering the players they are in danger of losing.

The "ETO" next to Nene stands for Early Termination Option, which allows him to try the free agent waters if he wants.

Should the Nuggets lose two or more of these players, they are going to be terrible next season. I don't see many wanting to come to Denver when those guys are gone.

Nene is the most likely to leave, and many teams will pounce on him the moment he is on the market.

Aaron Afflalo is apparently an "assassin," so re-signing him might help them eliminate opposing players that are on the court. Anything is possible!

While the players listed might want a change of scenery, I hope the Nuggets re-sign all four and play some entertaining—as well as winning—basketball next year. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rubs his eyes during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 16, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl

Players that need to come back: No one

Yet again, I am sorry to say that they are only losing one player!

Re-signing Daequan Cook is not in any way mandatory.

Portland Trailblazers

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 01: Greg Oden #52 of the Portland Trail Blazers watches from the bench as his teammates take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 1, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 110-98. NOTE TO USER:

Players that need to come back: Greg Oden(???)

Big question mark—actually, three big question marks!

Oden is not a bad center when he plays, but what is the last game you remember? Again, I did say "maybe" because he could actually be a very good cheerleader! You never know!

Give me a B!

Give me a U!

Give me a S!

Give me a T!

I don't see Oden cheering with me on this one....

Memphis Grizzlies

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass around Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics on March 23, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Boston Celtics 90-87. NOTE TO U

Players that need to come back: Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Leon Powe and Shane Battier

The reason I listed so many players is because I am hoping at least two of them will take a pay cut to join Memphis.

All four are needed in order for the Grizzlies to make the playoffs in the very competitive West. Randolph is clearly the first priority, while Gasol comes in at a strong second.

The other two players are simply very consistent bench players who take a team from being a pretender to a little more of a pretender.

Again, only if Powe and Battier take a small check should they be signed.

New Olreans Hornets

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 03: (L-R) Carl Landry #24 of the Sacramento Kings is defended by Lamar Odom #7 and Steve Blake #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center on December 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defe

Players that need to come back: Carl Landry

Remember the Kings?

From what I am hearing, the jersey he is wearing could one day be a collector's item. How sad.

Nonetheless, Landry is a terrific player to watch and—in my opinion—is very underrated from the bench. If given minutes, he can contribute, and the Hornets will be very happy to have him back.

This is also a very likely scenario, because I don't know why the Hornets would not re-sign a tough, gritty player valued by so many teams.

Well that is all! Please, leave your thoughts and comments. I hope you enjoyed!

Thank you for reading!