NBA Free Agency 2011: The Most Realistic Target for Every Team
It's already the second round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, but fans already seem to have caught the bug known as Free Agency Fever. Come the end of the NBA Finals, we will once again be glued to news feeds as some of our favorite players will once again be on the move to different teams.
This year's free agency class is headlined by Atlanta Hawks sixth man Jamal Crawford (pictured at left), who is sure to have multiple suitors.
Of course, each team has different needs going into free agency. Some need guards who can play effective offense; others need top defensive players. It's sure to be a good offseason.
That all being said, here is each NBA team's most realistic free agency target.
Atlanta Hawks: J.R. Smith
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If there's one thing about free agency this year that's a certainty, it's that Jamal Crawford won't be coming back to Atlanta. The team already has a lot of money committed to shooting guard Joe Johnson and forward/center Al Horford and simply can't afford to bring the electrifying shooter back. Thus, a top shooter will be needed to fill the void.
A realistic option to fill this role is J.R. Smith, currently of the Denver Nuggets. Were he to come to Atlanta, he would be a very prominent bench player who could change a game with his style of play.
For most of his career, Smith has been known for two things: being a top three-point shooter and driving to the basket for some pretty awesome dunks. If given the opportunity to be the sixth man on Atlanta, this style of play would flourish in that system.
Boston Celtics: Ray Allen
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The Boston Celtics have a lot of players entering free agency this year. Yes, there are some top role players like Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Nenad Krstic hitting the market, but there is one player who the Celtics MUST re-sign if they want to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Ray Allen has a player option for next season, and if he opts to test the market, Boston GM Danny Ainge must go after him with full force. Allen has been an integral part of Boston's success since being acquired from the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007.
He is a top shooter and tremendous leader on that squad. Were he to leave, the Celtics would take a huge hit in the wins column.
Yet, he loves Boston so much. Thus, it's hard to believe that the team would have a hard time bringing him back.
Charlotte Bobcats: Nenad Krstic
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All season long, the Charlotte Bobcats were plagued by the lack of a center. Former No. 1 pick and No. 1 bust Kwame Brown shouldered most of the load in the paint but only averaged 7.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Simply put, an upgrade is needed at this position.
Nenad Krstic doesn't put up numbers far off from those of Brown, but has proven over his time in the NBA that he can play effective defense in the middle despite low rebounding numbers. The seven-footer has been a key part of Boston's playoff run this season, but odds are he will leave the team for a smaller market this summer.
Charlotte is just that, and Krstic would be a perfect fit. He has the ability to score in double figures as well, which means he could flourish in head coach Paul Silas' system. On top of that, he would be paired with a top young point guard in D.J. Augustin. What's not to like?
Chicago Bulls: Jamal Crawford
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As good as the Chicago Bulls have been this season, they have been without a top shooting guard in the starting lineup for most of the year. The starter at that position all season long was Keith Bogans, and he only averaged 4.4 points per game. That's unacceptable for a shooting guard, even if Derrick Rose is taking most of the shots.
That being said, it might be time for Jamal Crawford to return to the city where he began his career. This is a realistic option not only because the Bulls have a little spare cash, but also because Crawford was a very popular player with the fans before being traded to the New York Knicks in 2004. His game has much improved since then, so Chicago would embrace him even more now.
Crawford is effective in any role, be it off the bench or in the starting lineup. If Chicago wants to improve even further next season, they must consider bringing him back.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Glen Davis
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The Cleveland Cavaliers this season were, to put it bluntly, absolutely terrible. The young team was lost without LeBron James and struggled to play effective defense. Of all the teams in the NBA, the Cavs had the worst points scored/points allowed difference, giving up nine more points than they were scoring.
This can be attributed to the lack of a big body in the middle, and Glen Davis would be perfect to fill this role. The man they call "Big Baby" can score in double figures and pull down rebounds consistently, skills the Cavs rarely saw at center all season. He supposedly has a slight attitude problem, but that shouldn't stop the Cavaliers from pursuing him.
Who knows? Given his body type (6'9", 289 pounds), he could be for the Cavaliers what Kendrick Perkens was for the Celtics.
Dallas Mavericks: Tyson Chandler
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In his short time with the Dallas Mavericks, Tyson Chandler has revitalized his career and established himself as one of the top centers in the game. This season, his first and potentially last with the Mavs, he averaged 10.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
Yet, given how much team owner Mark Cuban loves Chandler, it's hard to believe that the 7'1" center will end up elsewhere.
Chandler isn't the type of center who is going to throw down crazy dunks or have emphatic blocks, let alone average 20 points and 10 rebounds night after night. Yet, he is a physical enough presence in the middle that he will surely receive multiple offers from teams in need of a body in the middle.
Given how integral Chandler was to Dallas' success this season, keep an eye out for Mark Cuban and the insane contract he'll give his big man.
Denver Nuggets: Nene
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This season, the Denver Nuggets already lost one of their best players in trading Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks. Given how Brazilian center Nene is expected to opt out of his contract once free agency begins, the team will be on the verge of losing another top member of its squad. That being said, GM Masai Ujiri MUST make bringing Nene back his first priority.
Given how good a relationship Nene has with the front office, this shouldn't be too hard. He scores in double figures consistently and rebounds the ball well. Now that Anthony is gone, this is his time to shine as the face of the franchise.
As long as Ujiri isn't a total bonehead and calls Hilario's bluff, the Nuggets and their fans should expect to once again see Nene wearing powder blue and white next season.
Detroit Pistons: Aaron Brooks
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There's no other way to say this: Aaron Brooks had a bad season. After averaging 19.6 points per game in 2009-10, he only averaged 10.6 in 2010-2011 as he split time between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
Still, it's not fair to write him off after one bad season. Brooks is a top shooter who will receive multiple offers from teams in need of an offensive point guard. One team that will need this is the Detroit Pistons, who are expected to part ways with the rambunctious Rodney Stuckey.
Brooks could easily fill the void left by Stuckey. He drives to the basket well and has a great three-point shot. He isn't the best passer, but is still young at age 26 and could easily be coached into doing that.
Once free agency begins, look for Detroit to be a player in the Brooks sweepstakes.
Golden State Warriors: Kenyon Martin
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For the past few seasons, and for most of his career, Kenyon Martin has been labeled as a hothead prone to injury. This past season, he only appeared in 48 games for the Denver Nuggets and averaged a career low 8.6 points per game. Given the new youth movement in Denver, it's safe to say that K-Mart will be on the move.
Let's be honest, folks. His days of scoring a lot of points are behind him. At this point, he's no more than a veteran presence in the middle and a potential leader in the locker room. That being said, Golden State would be a perfect fit for him.
The Warriors are in need of a center what with Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh underachieving in the run-and-gun system implemented by recently fired coach Keith Smart. By bringing in Martin on a short-term contract, maybe one or two years, the team would give itself a top defender and also have insurance in Biedrins and Udoh were the former No. 1 overall pick to get hurt.
Houston Rockets: Yao Ming
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Next season, Yao Ming will once again attempt to come back from an injury that sidelined him for all but five games of this season. He is a free agent, but has repeatedly stated his desire to remain in Houston. In all honesty, I don't see any other team making him an offer.
Houston's best bet would be to offer Yao a one-year, non guaranteed contract and hope for the best. If he is indeed healthy and at the top of his game, the results will speak for themselves. Let's not forget, Yao has averaged 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds per game twice in his career.
Plus, he's only 30 years old. If he can stay healthy, he easily has another five good years left in him.
Indiana Pacers: Michael Redd
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As of now, the Pacers' shooting guard of the future is Paul George. In his rookie season, he averaged 7.8 points on 45 percent shooting. The accuracy is there, but the point total isn't what you'd expect from someone taken 10th overall in the draft.
Simply put, George needs a top shooter on the team who could serve as a role model to him. The perfect man for this job is Michael Redd, who has a career average of 20 points per game.
Redd only averaged 4.4 points per game this past season, but let's not forget that he was coming back from major knee surgery and only played in 10 games, average 13.4 minutes. If the Pacers brought him in on a one-year deal with an option for a second, they would have a top shooter coming off the bench who could also be a leader on a very young team.
Look for the Pacers to make a run at Redd and for him to have a bounceback season, wherever he may end up.
Los Angeles Clippers: Tayshaun Prince
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With the Detroit Pistons about to be sold, it's safe to say that Tayshaun Prince will look for work elsewhere. Of course, he will be in high demand. Over the course of his career, he has proven to be one of the better small forwards in the game.
He averaged 14.1 points per game this season and is also an effective rebounder and accurate shooter. Given how the Los Angeles Clippers need an upgrade at the small forward position, Prince would be a perfect fit. Heck, he's a major upgrade over Jamario Moon and Ryan Gomes.
Most importantly, however, is the leadership Prince would bring to Los Angeles. The Clippers are a young team looking to become prominent again and in having someone with championship-experience on the roster, that will only help. Look for Prince to potentially take his talents out west come free agency time.
Los Angeles Lakers: Shannon Brown
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In his time with the Lakers, Shannon Brown has established himself as one of the better bench players in the NBA. He has a player option for next season, but don't be surprised if he tests the market. Even if he does, the Lakers will go after him full force.
Brown has been essential to the Lakers' successes in the NBA Finals the past few seasons and will continue to be so as the team looks to three-peat this year. In the event that they do, they would be foolish not to retain him. He may not be the best shooter off the bench, but he is right for the Lakers and fits well on the team.
Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol
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Just a few days ago, the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies shocked NBA fans around the nation as they ousted the top-ranked San Antonio Spurs in six games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. While it may have been the Zach Randolph show for most of the series, the Grizzlies could not have done it without the help of center Marc Gasol.
Gasol is averaging 15 points and 12.4 rebounds in the playoffs and is a restricted free agent at the end of this season. He is sure to receive offers, and with the Grizzlies already financially strapped, team management must go after him full force. The team is finally reaching its full potential, and without Gasol, the franchise will take three steps back.
Miami Heat: Carl Landry
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If there's one thing the Miami Heat were without all season long, it was a top big man in the middle. To fill that void this offseason, they should pursue Carl Landry, now of the New Orleans Hornets.
Landry isn't the type of big man who is going to pull down tons of rebounds or block a lot of shots, but he is a big enough body in the middle at 6'9" and 248 pounds that he can be a pest for opposing players driving to the basket. He also averaged 11.9 points per game this season, so he could also take some pressure off of the Big Three.
No matter where he ends up, look for Miami to make a play for Landry.
Milwaukee Bucks: Tayshaun Prince
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Once again, we come back to Tayshaun Prince. While he may receive an offer from Los Angeles, the Milwaukee Bucks could also be players in this sweepstakes. The team's current starting small forward is Carlos Delfino, and while he is a solid player, he is not the leader that Prince is.
In fact, that is just what Milwaukee needs: a leader. The team is still very young despite the presence of veteran Drew Gooden and the effectiveness of young players like Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings, but there is nobody on the team with championship experience. Thus, Prince would be a good fit for the squad.
Plus, Prince is used to playing in the Midwest. Milwaukee isn't too far from Detroit, so it will be as though he never left!
Minnesota Timberwolves: Rodney Stuckey
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Looking at the Minnesota Timberwolves roster, the most pressing need is at point guard. Luke Ridnour is a fine player and had a decent season, averaging 11.8 points and 5.4 assists per game, but he is not the type of point guard one would pick to run an offense on a team looking to make the playoffs. That being said, it is essential that the Timberwolves use this offseason to bring in a top point guard through free agency or the NBA Draft.
If the team chooses to go with the free agency route, the ideal target should be Rodney Stuckey of the Detroit Pistons. He is an ace at driving to the basket and drawing fouls as his 15.5 points per game shows.
On top of his fine offensive game, he is also a great passer. He only averaged 5.5 assists on the regular season, but his assist average over the final month and a half of the season was an impressive 7.4.
The only flaw with Stuckey is that he can have an attitude problem. He had well-noted clashes with Pistons coach John Kuester all season long, even being benched for "disciplinary reasons" multiple times. Thus, chances are he'll be leaving the Motor City.
Yet, putting all attitude problems aside, Stuckey is a great player who loves the game. He's big for a point guard at 6'5", so he could just be the life needed to be injected into the young Timberwolves squad. If he can build a positive relationship with Kevin Love, even better.
New Jersey Nets: Kris Humphries
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During the second half of the season, New Jersey Nets power forward Kris Humphries became one of the top rebounders in the league and finished the season with averaged of 10 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. It was the perfect way to close out the season, as it was his contract year.
Humphries will definitely receive a ton of offers from teams needing help in the middle, but I think he'll stay in New Jersey. He has built a good relationship with the fans there and head coach Avery Johnson loves him. On top of that, he is essential to owner Mikhail Prokhorov's plans for the future.
Prokhorov has stated his plans to bring in talent to lure top players like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul to the Nets come their free agency time. If he wants that vision to come true, bringing back his top defender in Humphries should be first priority.
New Orleans Hornets: Marco Belinelli
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This season, Marco Belinelli established himself as a top three-point shooter on a hotshot Hornets squad. He only averaged 10.5 points per game, but also shot 41 percent from three-point range. Those numbers dropped immensely in the playoffs, but it doesn't take away from the fact that when he's on, he's on.
Every team needs a go-to guy when it comes to three-point shooting. The Knicks have Chauncey Billups, the Celtics have Ray Allen and the Hornets have Belinelli. Losing him would mean losing a top role player.
Look for him to be back in the Big Easy next season.
New York Knicks: Samuel Dalembert
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There is no other way to say this. The New York Knicks MUST get a big man on their team this offseason. If they get one in the draft, great. Yet, if they go the free agency route, the best man for the job is Samuel Dalembert.
Dalembert only posted modest numbers last season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging just 8.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Yet, he also averaged 1.5 blocks and shot 47 percent from the field. Those numbers may seem low, but they are ideal for Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's system.
On top of that, it's likely that Dalembert won't demand too much money. If the Knicks can buy him cheap, then the team would finally have the missing piece of the championship puzzle.
Oklahoma City Thunder: None
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This team just keeps getting better and surprising me game after game. They have a great young core and top leadership in Kevin Durant. No need to upset the apple cart here.
Orlando Magic: Jason Richardson
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The biggest name the Orlando Magic could potentially lose this offseason is guard Jason Richardson. If they want to contend next season, the team simply must re-sign him.
As I mentioned before, Richardson is a top shooter whose numbers dropped in Magic head coach Stan van Gundy's "shoot three pointers or get the ball to Howard" system. Yet, now that he knows this approach better, he could come back to Orlando next season and put up the top scoring numbers we have come to expect of him.
The Magic are a good team with a lot of potential, but Dwight Howard can't do it alone. If Richardson were to come back, some of the pressure would be taken off of him and the Magic could perhaps win that elusive NBA title.
Philadelphia 76ers: Boris Diaw
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The Philadelphia 76ers surprised a lot of fans this season as they made the playoffs as a No. 7 seed, losing to the Miami Heat in five games. As good as they looked, there was something missing. That missing piece is a top big man.
Don't get me wrong. Elton Brand has done a fine job in Philly thus far, yet has also underachieved. He is not the 20 points and 10 rebounds per game threat he once was and clashed with head coach Doug Collins all season over his efforts on defense. Thus, an upgrade is needed.
Enter Boris Diaw. This man is just 6'8" and 235 pounds, but plays effective defense and isn't bad on offense either. If he could bring his talents to Philadelphia and take some of the pressure off of Brand, then the Sixers would once again be a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix Suns: Aaron Brooks
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And once again, we come back to Aaron Brooks. He has the potential to become a top offensive point guard, and if that is what he is to be, Phoenix is the perfect spot for him. The Suns have been a run-and-gun team for nearly 10 years, and they aren't showing any signs of changing that approach.
On top of that, veteran point guard, two-time NBA MVP and Suns team leader Steve Nash is getting old. He is still largely effective, but will be 38 next season and it's time the Suns started planning for his retirement. Given how talented Brooks is, they should sign him long term.
Brooks isn't the passer that Nash is, but he can learn how to improve that aspect of his game with Nash serving as a mentor. If he can become Nash 2.0, then the Suns will be very dangerous.
Portland Trail Blazers: Chris Wilcox
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As good as the Portland Trail Blazers looked this year, they need some help for the future. Marcus Camby was great in the middle, but he's pushing 40 and a younger body is needed. A perfect fit for this job is Chris Wilcox.
Wilcox has good size at 6'10" and 235 pounds, but isn't the dynamic rebounder or shot blocker that Camby is. Yet, he is still young at 28 and could potentially improve in that department and would also have help on defense thanks to LaMarcus Aldridge.
The numbers aren't overwhelming, only 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for his career, but Wilcox is a good body to have in the middle when opposing players drive to the basket. Look for Portland to make a play for him.
Sacramento Kings: Marcus Thornton
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After being traded from the New Orleans Hornets at the trade deadline, Marcus Thornton became one of the best players on the Sacramento Kings. In 27 games with the team, he averaged 21.3 points and shot 45 percent from the field. He is a restricted free agent this offseason and is sure to receive offers, but the Kings MUST match any offer.
The fact is, Thornton is valuable to the team's future success. He plays well in Paul Westphal's system and works well with point guards Beno Udrih and Tyreke Evans. He has the potential to become a face of the franchise, and if the Kings bring him back, he will most definitely improve upon last season.
San Antonio Spurs: Greg Oden
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This is a case of a team buying low and potentially making a huge free agency splash in doing so. After watching the San Antonio Spurs be exposed as old and aging against the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs, the team is in need of a young center to take some of the load off veteran Tim Duncan's back.
Call me crazy, but Greg Oden would be a perfect fit for this role. He is a big body at 7'0" and 285 pounds and has the potential to be a force in the middle. Yes, his knees are and always will be an issue but remember, he's only 23 years old and could still have a future.
On top of that, many seem to forget that Oden was the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 NBA Draft. The team obviously saw something in him, and he has been effective in his short NBA career with averages of 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds.
If the Spurs gamble on him and he reaches his full potential there, then they might just have won the Free Agency Steal Award of 2011.
Toronto Raptors: Tracy McGrady
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As much as I hate to say it, considering how he is one of my favorite players, Tracy McGrady's career is nearly over at age 31. It's truly a shame considering his career average of 20.4 points per game. Yet, being a true fan, I'm convinced that T-Mac still has a couple of years' worth of gas left in his tank. That being said, what better place to finish out his career than with the team where it all began: the Toronto Raptors!
McGrady would be a good fit for the Raptors not only because of his ties to the fan base, but because they really need a leader. Don't get me wrong. DeMar DeRozan, Jose Calderon, Ed Davis and Jerryd Bayless are fine young players with a ton of potential. Yet, they don't have a role model/mentor on the team with them to teach them how to become effective leaders themselves.
I can see the Raptors signing McGrady to a two-year contract. That's enough time for him to get to know the young core and be effective in the starting lineup or as a sixth man. If the team responds well to him and the fans welcome him with open arms, Toronto would be the perfect swan song for Tracy McGrady.
Utah Jazz: C.J. Miles
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If there's one player who stepped up for the Jazz this season after Deron Williams was traded to the Nets, it was C.J. Miles. He took over on offense after the controversial point guard left and averaged a career high 12.8 points per game on 40 percent shooting.
What with long-time small forward Andrei Kirilenko departing and Miles about to become a restricted free agent, the Jazz will have a lot of money available to match any offer he may receive from an opposing team. Simply put, Miles is a must-retain.
He plays great offense, covers his man well on defense and has no problem putting the team on his back in crunch time. Don't let his late-season slump fool you. C.J. Miles is a great young player with a bright future.
Washington Wizards: Shane Battier
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For most of his career, Shane Battier has been a player known for three-point shooting, lockdown defense and being a great leader in the locker room. It can be argued that his return to the Grizzlies at the trade deadline this season and the leadership he brought with him fueled the team's run to and throughout the postseason.
That being said, the Washington Wizards would be a great fit for him. The team is very young, and while talented, they are without a leader. By bringing Battier in, that void would be filled, and the young guns like John Wall, Nick Young and Javale McGee would become a dangerous trio.
Battier is 32 years old and not exactly a threat on offense, so he shouldn't demand too much money. With Josh Howard's heavy contract coming off the books, look for the Wizards to at least make him an offer and see where it goes from there.
