2011 NBA Free Agent Rumors: The 1 Player Every Team Desperately Wants
The 2011 NBA free-agent crop isn't loaded with talent.
After the bonanza that was the 2010 offseason and with the dreaded lockout looming, this free-agency period promises not to be as exciting as the one prior.
So what moves will teams look to make as they go about rebuilding their clubs?
Let's see what type of impact these players can have for all 30 teams.
Atlanta Hawks: Carl Landry, Power Forward
1 of 30
After being traded from Sacramento, Landry was a solid player for the Hornets off of the bench.
And when David West went down with a torn ACL, Landry stepped into a starting role with ease.
He'd be a perfect player in Atlanta, who could use some help along the front line off of the bench when the big men need a breather.
Boston Celtics: J.R. Smith, Shooting Guard
2 of 30
Celtics fans might cringe at the thought, but Smith's explosiveness is exactly what the Boston bench needs.
They lack a legitimate scoring threat off of the pine, and Smith would be a dynamic sixth man for a rapidly aging club.
And as far as his attitude problems are concerned, I think the C's veterans can quickly curtail the issue.
Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Redd, Shooting Guard
3 of 30
The Bobcats are in dire need for a scoring boost, and perhaps a motivated Michael Redd can be the man for the job.
He'll play with a chip on his shoulder as he looks to prove that he's not a washed-up veteran after two knee surgeries on the same side, and Charlotte provides a good low-pressure environment to build his NBA stock back up.
Chicago Bulls: Shannon Brown, Shooting Guard
4 of 30
The Bulls have been looking for a shooting guard throughout the 2010-11 season and have yet to find a reliable contributor.
If the team falls short of their title hopes this season behind an MVP campaign from Derrick Rose, there's no doubt that the position will be the first area addressed in the offseason as they look to build another exciting Chicago club.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeff Green, Small Forward
5 of 30
Jeff Green is going to command a fair amount of money as a versatile swingman, and Cleveland has shown an affinity toward overpaying players in the past.
Although he's had a tough go of it in Boston, Green could really assert himself with major minutes with the Cavs, who have a serious hole at small forward.
Dallas Mavericks: Tayshaun Prince, Small Forward
6 of 30
As nice as the contributions from Peja Stojakovic have been this season, Dallas isn't expected to bring back the veteran for the future.
Prince, who is looking to get away from Detroit, would be an ideal fit alongside Nowitzki in the Big D, where his skills would complement the established offense beautifully.
Denver Nuggets: DeAndre Jordan, Center
7 of 30
Perhaps the most exciting center that nobody is talking about, Jordan stands to be a highly coveted asset among rival general managers.
The Clippers are hopeful that they can keep both Chris Kaman and Jordan on the roster together, but with his breakout play this season, the product of Texas A&M may have priced himself out of the team's range.
Detroit Pistons: Reggie Evans, Power Forward
8 of 30
The Pistons have a promising center of the future in Greg Monroe, but he's not a hard-nosed rebounder like Evans.
The dirty-working Evans can clean up the glass down low and concentrate solely on the defensive aspects of the game, which is good considering he has no offensive skill set.
Golden State Warriors: Greg Oden, Center
9 of 30
The Warriors are going to have to gamble in the offseason if they hope to be competitive, and Oden represents the potential to enjoy a serious upgrade from the incumbent Andris Biedrins.
If he can continue to rehab and get himself back onto the court, he could prove to be a serious bargain. Of course, there are a lot of "if's" that need to go right with the much-maligned No. 1 pick.
Houston Rockets: Marc Gasol, Center
10 of 30
Where's Memphis going to get the money to pay Marc?
After the playoffs that the "other" Gasol is currently enjoying, there's going to be a laundry list of clubs waiting to make him one of the highest-paid big men in the game.
And with Yao's expiring contract coming off of the books, Houston catapults to the front of that list.
Indiana Pacers: Caron Butler, Shooting Guard
11 of 30
The Pacers showed that they've got some nice pieces heading forward as they look to improve, but the most obvious position that was exposed was the lack of a reliable shooting guard.
While Butler is certainly no slam dunk, he could definitely be a force on a Pacers team that needs to get help for Danny Granger.
Remember when he played for the Lakers? He's looking to get back to that level.
Los Angeles Clippers: Grant Hill, Small Forward
12 of 30
Al-Farouq Aminu isn't ready to step into a starting role quite yet, and this young team could certainly use some veteran direction.
Hill has stated incessantly that he wants to re-sign in Phoenix, but if the Clippers come with an offer that he can't refuse, one would have to imagine that the chance to play with Blake Griffin is an attractive negotiating chip.
Los Angeles Lakers: Chris Douglas-Roberts
13 of 30
Lakers fans are hoping for a big splash this offseason, but that will have to come in the form of a trade.
The team is well over the cap, but perhaps a logical signing like CDR would help to spread the floor on a team that needs some young legs.
He should come fairly cheap after his disappointing regular season campaign and outspokenness thus far since his Bucks career has ended.
Memphis Grizzlies: Earl Watson
14 of 30
The Grizzlies don't need an awful lot considering how talented their young core is, so a veteran addition like Watson makes all the sense in the world.
He'd be able to stabilize the point position behind Mike Conley in case he ever struggled, and has proven capable of stepping in and playing big minutes when called upon.
Miami Heat: Jeff Foster, Center
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Miami isn't going to be able to afford an awful lot, but Jeff Foster may be ready for a change of scenery from a rebuilding Pacers team.
For the Heat, Foster could step in and provide serviceable minutes as the backup big man off of the bench. If this team rostered Ilgauskas for an entire season, Foster should be welcomed with open arms.
Milwaukee Bucks: Nick Young, Shooting Guard
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Now wouldn't this be exciting to see?
A backcourt that was comprised of Brandon Jennings and Nick Young might be the worst shooting combination in quite some time, but there would be several highlights coming out of beer country on a nightly basis.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Samuel Dalembert
17 of 30
Kevin Love needs help down low.
Although one might not think that he does considering how monstrous of a campaign he compiled, just imagine if he had a capable player alongside him for the majority of the season.
Sammy D would be a defensive force for the T-Wolves and see a career resurgence logging heavy minutes for Kurt Rambis and his crew.
New Jersey Nets: Jeff Green, Small Forward
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Another team that could look to employ Mr. Green, the Nets are not exactly prepared to roll out Travis Outlaw in the starting five once again next season.
Although he's not quite a superstar, his arrival into town could serve to pacify Deron Williams until GM Billy King can make a bigger splash at the trade deadline.
New Orleans Hornets: Marcus Thornton, Shooting Guard
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It's funny how life works, isn't it?
Thornton was traded away from the Hornets after failing to play defense up to Monty Williams' standards, but he was exactly the type of player the team needed desperately in their first-round matchup with the Lakers.
Lightning might not strike twice, but Thornton could.
New York Knicks: Nene Hilario, Center
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Amar'e doesn't want to play anymore center, and Nene doesn't appear likely to exercise his $12 million option for Denver next season.
There's little doubting that the Knicks are going to be players in the free-agent market for centers, and Nene should be right at the top of the list.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Tayshaun Prince, Small Forward
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Another team and another suitor for Mr. Prince.
They haven't found a replacement for Jeff Green, but they haven't looked like they've missed him all that much. Perhaps Tayshaun could serve as a valuable sixth man off of the bench for OKC considering that they could use some more talent in the second unit.
Orlando Magic: Arron Afflalo, Shooting Guard
22 of 30
The Magic are unlikely to bring back Jason Richardson at a hefty price tag, so they'll probably look to get younger at the shooting guard position.
Afflalo's breakout season may price himself out of Denver's range, but he could fall right into the lap of Orlando.
Philadelphia 76ers: Sonny Weems, Shooting Guard
23 of 30
The Jodie Meeks-Evan Turner combination isn't exactly going to equal sustained long-term success.
Although Weems hasn't been the most prolific producer over his professional career, perhaps a change of scenery and a boost in confidence from Doug Collins could help to maximize his potential.
Phoenix Suns: David West, Power Forward
24 of 30
The Suns need to begin rebuilding with impact players, and David West is firmly defined as exactly that.
He's going to come cheaper than he should considering he'll be recovering from a major knee surgery, but his talents would be perfectly showcased in Phoenix taking passes from Mr. Nash.
Portland Trail Blazers: Earl Clark, Small Forward
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Portland fans might want a little bit more, but Clark would really help to lengthen the bench, which is exactly what this team needs.
He's proven that he can produce in a big way when given the opportunity, and he's not a teammate who mopes and complains about his role.
Sacramento Kings: Chuck Hayes, Center
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The Kings appear likely to let Sam Dalembert walk via free agency, and that leaves them with a gaping hole in the middle.
DeMarcus Cousins is more of a natural power forward, and although Hayes is of smaller stature, he could prove to actually provide more value than any center has in California's capital in quite some time.
San Antonio Spurs: Kris Humphries, Power Forward
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Tim Duncan is not getting any younger, and the Spurs need to look toward the future.
Kim Kardashian's boyfriend busted out his skills for the world to see in 2010-11 and is going to get rewarded with a handsome payday. He'd be great for the Spurs, who could use a new hot WAG after Eva Longoria and Tony Parker split.
Toronto Raptors: Thaddeus Young, Small Forward
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The Raptors need to find a legitimate source of production from the 3 spot in their lineup, and Young could be an immediate double-double threat on a nightly basis.
Armed with a smooth jumper and explosive athletic ability, Young hasn't even come close to scraping the surface of his potential yet.
Utah Jazz: Spencer Hawes, Center
29 of 30
The Jazz seem to have a thing for white centers who can shoot, so why not Spencer Hawes?
In all sincerity, they're going to need someone to stretch the floor besides Gordon Hayward in Utah, and it's not going to be Devin Harris or Derrick Favors.
And they desperately need a starting center who can actually stay on the court.
Washington Wizards: Shane Battier, Small Forward
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Shane Battier might be known as the mayor in Memphis, but his future might be in Washington.
The Wizards are a team on the rise with a franchise player and an owner committed to turning it around, and Battier would be a great veteran mentor capable of coming in and changing the culture of the entire basketball team.
There's no doubt he's shown he can do that.
