NBA Free Agency 2011: The Most Prolific Scorers Available This Summer
This summer's free agency class features a plethora of talented players, both big and small.
One area where the class's emphasis is shown lies within the scoring category. There are many of these guys in this year's class, and they will be looking for new contracts in the coming months.
I will count down the 10 most prolific scorers available this summer.
Without further ado, thanks for reading!
The Rest
1 of 11
15. Tim Duncan
14. Rodney Stuckey
13. Aaron Brooks
12. Marcus Thornton
11. David West
10. Carl Landry
2 of 11
PPG: 11.9
FG%: .502
FT%: .773
3PT%: .000
Carl Landry is a prime example of someone who knows how to put the ball on the floor at all times.
The 6'9" big out of Purdue has produced glimpses of greatness this season, and many of those moments came when he scored. In all, he averaged 11.9 points per game while putting in time with both the Kings and the Hornets.
He also shot an efficient 50.2 percent from the floor during the 2010-11 season.
His partner in crime, David West, just missed out on this spot to his teammate.
9. Andrei Kirilenko
3 of 11
PPG: 11.7
FG%: .467
3PT%: .367
FT%: .770
I think it's safe to call Andrei Kirilenko the best player from the biggest (in terms of size) country on the planet.
While we're doing that, let's throw out the fact that he's a free agent who knows how to score.
He shoots better than 46 and 77 percent from the field and the free throw line, respectively. Additionally, AK47 drains better than 36 percent of his long bombs.
He will have to lower his asking price if he wants to sign a longer deal with a team; it's that simple.
7. Nene
4 of 11
PPG: 14.5
FG%: .615
FT%: .711
3PT%: .000
Nene's low ranking on this list (and for the case of other bigs) has to do with the fact that he can't make anything outside of the charity stripe. The word "prolific" literally means producing or abundant, but you can't be an all-around producer if your jump shot is limited.
However, Nene's excellent ability to score in the post snags him a spot on the list. He averaged better than 14 points per game in 75 contests this season.
Additionally, he shot an incredible 61.5 percent on his field goals, a true testimony as to why he is the highest big on this list.
He also isn't a putrid free throw shooter either, as he drains better than 71 percent of his foul shots.
7. Jason Richardson
5 of 11
PPG: 15.6
FG%: .447
3PT%: .395
FT%: .730
It seems like Jason Richardson has been in the league forever, doesn't it?
However, he's still only 30 years old, and he will be a hot commodity in this year's free-agent class because he can shoot and score like almost no one else whose name is in the FA hat.
He averaged a solid 15.6 points per game this year and proved he can still shoot outside, dumping in a prolific 39.5 percent.
6. Caron Butler
6 of 11
PPG: 15.0
FG%: .450
FT%: .773
3PT%: .431
Although known for his defensive prowess, Caron Butler also has the ability to put the ball through the net at a very efficient pace.
This season, he only played in 29 games, but it was indeed a sample size of what Caron can do with the ball in his hands.
He shot a solid 43.1 percent from downtown to go with a 15 point per game average on an absolutely loaded Mavericks team offensively.
5. Nick Young
7 of 11
PPG: 17.4
FG%: .441
3PT%: .387
FT%: .816
Nick Young led the Washington Wizards in the scoring this season, averaging just over 17 in 32 minutes per game.
Many teams will be looking at the 6'7" USC product because of his dynamic offensive game. He can shoot from just about anywhere, and there are plenty of clubs who could use his efforts on their roster.
Since Young's qualifying offer is $3.7 million for next season with Washington, it will be interesting to see which route he will take.
4. Arron Afflalo
8 of 11
PPG: 12.6
FG%: .498
FT%: .847
3PT%: .423
When Arron Afflalo has the ball, there's no telling what exactly he'll do with it.
He can penetrate in the lane. He can take it out top and shoot from three, where he averaged a solid 42.3 percent clip. He can shoot from just about anywhere, to be honest.
Many will be out to get the 6'5" 25-year-old, and it isn't all about his stifling defense anymore.
3. Wilson Chandler
9 of 11
PPG: 15.3
FG%: .450
3PT%: .350
FT%: .807
For a guy who has a 13.9 point per game career scoring average, Wilson Chandler sure is an unknown.
Let me give you the vitals: He's a 6'8" small forward with tremendous athleticism and a knack for staying under the spotlight.
This season, the DePaul product averaged 15.3 points while splitting time with the Knickerbockers and the Nuggets.
Oh, and did I mention there's a slim chance Denver is going to let this 22-year-old prize get away?
When bringing up the best five small forwards in say, 2013, Wilson Chandler will undoubtedly be a part of that conversation.
2. Jeff Green
10 of 11
PPG: 13.3
FG%: .449
3PT%: .303
FT%: .811
The single trade deadline move that shocked the basketball world was the Kendrick Perkins/Jeff Green deal.
On one side, you have a defensive center heading to an already solid defensive team, making it a pretty great trade. On the other side, you have a prolific scorer and a guy who brings energy to the club.
That guy is Green. While the Celtics' number one priority is most definitely not the scoring game, Green has embraced his role with open arms. Now, there is absolutely no way that the C's will let him go this offseason. He is a solid shooter, makes his foul shots, and plays to an efficient rate, according to Doc Rivers.
He will (and I repeat, will) be their number one scorer in about four years' time. For now, his numbers will be flawed while he plays under the shadow of the Big Four.
He averaged just nine points per game after the trade that shipped him to Boston.
1. Jamal Crawford
11 of 11
PPG: 14.2 (20.7 in the playoffs)
FG%: .421
3PT%: .341
FT%: .854
You might as well call this guy "Mr. Clutch" the way he's played in the playoffs thus far.
The 30-year-old Jamal Crawford was one of the league's best sixth men in the league this season, averaging 14.2 points per game while shooting better than 34 percent beyond the arc. He is also a tremendous foul shooter, sinking over 85 percent of his free throws.
Crawford is going to be a hot commodity come June and one of the league's most intriguing free agents. Additionally, he just might be the best scorer in this year's free-agent class.
It will be interesting to see where this prolific scorer will take his talents, as it seems so many clubs are interested in the 6'5" shooting guard.
