NBA Free Agency 2011: David West and the Top 15 Forwards Available
This summer's free agency in the NBA is full of talented forwards.
It may not contain the same type of names as last year's did with LeBron James, Amar'e Stoudemire and Chris Bosh, but teams will have plenty of options to choose from if they plan on strengthening their frontcourts.
Here are the top 15 forwards available in this summer's free agency.
Why Tim Duncan Is Not on My List
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Tim Duncan may technically be listed as a free agent, but there is no way he will ever leave San Antonio.
Gregg Popovich has figured out an effective system of how to use his veteran power forward, and the roster of the Spurs gives Duncan as much of a chance to win the NBA title as anywhere else in the NBA.
15. Kenyon Martin
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What you get
When healthy, Kenyon Martin is still a quality power forward and can contribute around 10 PPG and 10 RPG a night. He is averaging a career low this year with only 8.1 PPG but is only playing 25 minutes a night for the incredibly deep Denver Nuggets.
Why he's worth the money
Martin's market value will be nowhere near the $16 million salary he made this season. Considering Jermaine O'Neal signed a deal worth around $6 million a year last summer with the Celtics, I expect Martin's price range to be in the $7 million to $9 million range.
At this stage of his career, Martin is best suited coming off the bench for a contender. Signing Kenyon Martin to a two-year, $15-16 million contract would be a great way to boost your depth in the frontcourt.
Where he might sign
Miami, Orlando and Dallas would all be good destinations for Martin.
Also, don't be surprised to see Detroit reach out to Martin, trying to bring him back home to Michigan. The New Jersey Nets may also try to use nostalgia to lure Martin in.
Both Detroit and New Jersey can and would most likely offer Martin more money than he could land in Miami, Orlando or Dallas.
Concerns
Martin's knees are a major question mark. He is also 33 years old.
14. Kris Humphries
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What you get
Kris Humphries is averaging a double-double this season. Even more impressive, he's scoring his 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds a night in only 27 minutes of action.
To put those numbers into perspective, Kevin Love averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds in 2009-10 when he played around 28 minutes a night. This season, with Love playing around 35 minutes a night, we have all seen the ridiculous results.
I think Kris Humphries is best described as the Diet Coke version of Blake Griffin. Humphries is an inch shorter and 20 pounds lighter than Griffin, and he isn't destined to appear in as many All-Star games as the Clippers star, but he is going to have hundreds more double-doubles throughout his career.
Why he's worth the money
This season, Humphries only made $3.2 million. That number will definitely go up. Expect Humphries to sign for anywhere from $6 million to $10 million per year.
Where he might sign
If he plans on keeping Kim Kardashian as his girlfriend, he will need to sign in the New York or Los Angeles area. I think New Jersey will give him the most money and promise him the most playing time.
Concerns
In the Eastern Conference, is the somewhat small Humphries the guy you want going up against Kevin Garnett, Carlos Boozer and Amar'e Stoudemire?
13. Shawne Williams
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What you get
Shawne Williams will be the steal of the summer.
He is by no means the most talented player on this list, nor is he capable of making the largest impact, but for the price tag he will go for, Williams will be a great addition to the team that acquires him.
He shoots nearly 43 percent from three-point range and is a versatile defender.
Why he's worth it
This season, Williams only collected $885,000 for his services with the New York Knicks. There's no way he will go for that little again, but I don't see his contract being more than $3 million a year.
The defense and three-point shooting you get from Williams is worth the small price tag.
Where he might sign
The New York Knicks will spend most of their money and attention this summer on signing a big man.
This is when I see the crafty Danny Ainge sneaking in and signing Williams for the Boston Celtics. Williams would give the Celtics a guy who can guard LeBron James and Chris Bosh, along with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. Williams and Jeff Green would be two key pieces to the new-look Celtics bench.
Concerns
Shawne Williams has had a few legal problems in the past. He's been clean this season, but history could repeat itself.
12. Shane Battier
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What you get
One of the hardest workers, best leaders and most solid defenders in the league, Shane Battier is never going to be in the top five players on his team anymore, but he will always be a solid presence on and off the court.
Why he's worth the money
Battier will be in the $3 million to $5 million a year price range. For teams looking to fill a small forward void or add a sixth/seventh man, Battier is a great sign.
Where he might sign
I think Battier will end up in a Miami Heat uniform. The Heat could really use Battier's defense when Dwyane Wade or LeBron James is off the court.
Concerns
The only concern is if you're expecting more than five or six points a game from Battier. Battier is not a player you sign if you are looking for an offensive boost.
11. Sam Young
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What you get
Sam Young has a great NBA body. He's a strong 6'6" and can body up with the small forwards while still being quick enough to stay in front of shooting guards. Playing behind Rudy Gay, he hasn't had too many minutes to shine, but he will occasionally show flashes of his scoring ability that you may remember from his days at Pittsburgh.
Why he's worth the money
Young may only go for $2 million to $3 million. For a guy you can potentially start at small forward or shooting guard, this is a steal.
Where he might sign
Boston, New York and New Orleans would all be solid fits for Young.
However, I expect Young to go to a team like the Toronto Raptors or Minnesota Timberwolves, where he would play a bigger role and sign a larger contract.
Concerns
Can't really think of any here. He's only been in the league for two years and shows a lot of upside.
10. Boris Diaw
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What you get
Boris Diaw is capable of playing both the small forward and power forward positions. He did well in an uptempo system with Steve Nash in Phoenix and has played solid basketball in Charlotte for the last three seasons.
Why he's worth the money
At $9 million, he may have been slightly overpriced. If he comes down to the $6 million range, he's a great purchase.
Where he might sign
Diaw is best suited to take his player option with Charlotte and pull in another $9 million. I doubt many other teams will offer more per year.
Concerns
Will he accept being a bench guy again?
9. Tayshaun Prince
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What you get
Tayshaun Prince gives you one of the longest small forwards in the league. He's a frustrating matchup for players and still scores around 15 PPG.
Why he's worth the money
Prince will not go for $11.1 million per year again. For a price tag somewhere in between Shane Battier and Kenyon Martin, Prince will give a contender the presence it needs at small forward to guard some of the game's elite swingmen.
Where he might sign
Prince has a lot of loyalty to Detroit, but he needs to hop off this train wreck while he still can.
Prince would be a perfect fit in San Antonio. He has the right personality and right defensive focus to impress Gregg Popovich and earn 20 to 25 minutes a night of playing time.
With the addition of Prince, San Antonio would by far have the best bench in the NBA.
Concerns
Tayshaun Prince may demand starter's minutes, but most contenders already have a star at the small forward position.
8. Glen Davis
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What you get
Instant production. Glen Davis always seems to find a way to score in double figures no matter how many minutes he plays.
Why he's worth the money
Until Davis signs a $10 million or above contract, he will always outperform his dollar amount.
Where he might sign
I can't picture Glen Davis leaving Boston, but then again, I said the same for Kendrick Perkins.
With so much uncertainty in the Boston frontcourt, Davis will probably find the most minutes and opportunities if he stays put. However, I think it would be really interesting if Oklahoma City came knocking on Davis' door, offered him more money than Boston could and reunited him with Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins.
Concerns
Glen Davis is not very tall. He's made it work as a sixth man in Boston, but if teams were to game-plan around him as a starter, he may not be able to have the same production.
7. Thaddeus Young
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What you get
A long, extremely athletic scorer who can play both small and power forward.
Why he's worth the money
Thaddeus Young is still only 22 years old and is coming off his original rookie contract. A team could swoop in and sign Young for four years at $24 million.
$6 million a year to bring in a starter who still has tremendous upside is a very solid investment.
Where he might sign
I don't see Young staying in Philadelphia. He wants to play small forward, but with Andre Iguodala in place, Young is left splitting minutes and spending the rest of his time at power forward.
Young is still too early on in his career to accept a small dollar amount to play for a contender. Young will want his chance at being a star. Look for New Jersey, Cleveland, Detroit and/or Phoenix to make a play at the former Georgia Tech star.
Concerns
Is Young going to be comfortable at small forward, or will he always be a tweener?
6. Jeff Green
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What you get
A small forward who can score 20 PPG as a starter but can also guard power forwards.
Why he's worth the money
At $5 million a year, you're adding a guy to your team who can play two positions.
Where he might sign
I can't see the Celtics trading away Kendrick Perkins and then not re-signing the guy they traded him for. Jeff Green will stay in Boston.
Concerns
Is he good at playing two positions or just not great at playing either?
5. Caron Butler
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What you get
A small forward who can score around 15 to 20 PPG.
Why he's worthy of the money
Teams will be hesitant to sign Caron Butler to a long-term contract. His market value may be two years for a combined $16 million. Getting a starter with Butler's level of talent for that price is a solid deal.
Where he might sign
The Dallas Mavericks may already be turning over Butler's role to the less expensive Rodrigue Beaubois. I see Butler going back to Washington, hoping to recapture his previous best seasons.
Concerns
Will he come back as strong after this season-ending injury?
4. Wilson Chandler
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What you get
Just ask New York Knicks fans, and now Denver Nuggets fans, about the value of Wilson Chandler. He is a consistent player that can guard shooting guards, small forwards and big men, all while giving his team around 15 points of offense every night.
Why he's worth the money
Chandler's salary may rise to as high as $10 million next season. He's worth it.
Where he might sign
Denver is not letting him go. The Nuggets have plenty of cap space and will use some of the money they spent last year on Kenyon Martin for Chandler's new contract.
Concerns
Chandler is another one of those guys who you aren't sure where on the floor he's best suited.
3. Nick Young
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What you get
Offensive production. Nick Young has had some explosive offensive performances this season. Young is more than capable of putting up 40.
Why he's worth the money
He's worth it to a certain price. If any team gets carried away and offers him a contract worth north of $12 million per year, I would say Young is not at that level. However, anything from $7 million to $11 million is fair game.
Where he might sign
Staying in Washington with John Wall is a good fit.
However, I could see Mikhail Prokhorov or Dan Gilbert realizing he needs a star to fill the stands and give fans a certain level of hope. I see either one of them offering Young a large contract. I think Young wants that type of spotlight and would take the deal.
For Cleveland, if it could land Young in free agency, Kyrie Irving in the draft and a shooting guard or big man with its other top 10 pick, it will suddenly have a somewhat exciting team to watch next season.
Concerns
Is he capable of being a franchise player?
2. David West
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What you get
A guy you can dump the ball into on the block and more often than not come away with two points. David West is one of the top power forwards in the league.
Why he's worth the money
Power forwards of West's caliber are hard to come by. Last year, he made $8 million. I expect that number to rise to around $11 million. Even at this price, having a guy to combat Pau Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge out west is worth every penny.
Where he might sign
I know New Orleans is a playoff team, but its ownership is a mess. As a free agent, I don't see how West can be comfortable in the stability of the Hornets organization.
Once again, I think Mikhail Prokhorov will be willing to spend extra money to land himself another All-Star. Just like Chris Paul and David West were able to build success out in the West, I think Deron Williams and West would be a difficult combination in the East. With Williams at the point, West at the power forward and Brook Lopez at center, the Nets should be able to secure the No. 8 seed for next season.
Concerns
Lot of questions surrounding West's attitude.
1. Zach Randolph
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What you get
Twenty PPG, 12 RPG. It's hard to find many others in the NBA who can give you that.
Why he's worth the money
As I said earlier, very few players give you similar numbers. His company at the top of the rebounding list is Kevin Love, Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard. Randolph is the type of guy who makes you instantly competitive against any team's frontcourt.
Where he might sign
Memphis is currently building a quality team with Randolph and Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies will be able to offer him a lot of money and continue to build a playoff team around him.
I think the Detroit Pistons should go after Randolph. He would provide a solid presence underneath and give them something tangible to build around.
Concerns
Fans often think Randolph doesn't really care. This is simply not true. Randolph wears a relaxed look most of the time and has an even-tempered face, but believe me, you don't get 20 and 12 a night without trying extra hard.
