NBA Free Agents 2011: 6 Veteran Players Contending Teams Should Consider

With the end of the NBA season looming, teams will begin the tenuous process of free agency.

There are a number of quality unrestricted free agents available who are sure to be competed for.

There is also a high number of veteran players in this free agent pool who many teams will take a look at.

Follow along as we analyze six veteran free agents who teams should consider.

Jamal Crawford

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ATLANTA, GA - MAY 12: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Omer Asik #3 and Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Geor

Drafted in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft, Jamal Crawford is an experienced, crafty guard.

He has played for the Bulls (2000-2004), Knicks (2004-2008), Warriors (2008-2009) and Hawks (2009-present).

He had, perhaps, his best season in 2010, earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.

During these 2011 playoffs he showed his true value, giving the Chicago Bulls fits in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Crawford still has a few productive years left in his tank and should not be overlooked by prospective teams.

Career Stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, 1.0 spg, 2.6 rpg

Tyson Chandler

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DALLAS, TX - JUNE 07: Tyson Chandler #6 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Miami Heat in Game Four of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 7, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

A force to be reckoned with in the post, Tyson Chandler will be a game-changer with any team he signs with.

Chandler was selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers with his rights being claimed by the Chicago Bulls. 

While scoring isn't his strength, his effort on the boards and excellent defensive play are invaluable.

Any team looking for a post presence should take a good, hard look at Tyson Chandler.

Career Stats: 8.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.8 bpg

J.R. Smith

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 23: J.R. Smith #5 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates a three point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Col

Tattoo extraordinaire J.R. Smith may be one of the most appealing free agents on the market this offseason.

Smith's athletic ability is second to none as witnessed by his numerous highlight reel dunks.

Throughout his career he has been an adrenaline shot for both the New Orleans Hornets and Denver Nuggets.

Smith will be a leader on and off the court for any team he chooses to sign with.

Career Stats: 12.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.0 apg

Tayshaun Prince

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AUBURN HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 11: Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons llooks to pass while playing the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills on February 11, 2011 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Miami won the game 106-92. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Gett

Perhaps the most accomplished free agent available, Tayshaun Prince is a tough matchup for any team.

Prince, a Kentucky graduate, was selected in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

He was a critical part of the Pistons run to the 2004 NBA title.

Prince also played on the 2008 Olympic team in Beijing that won the gold medal.

A four-time member of the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team, Prince should receive a lot of interest from contending teams.

Career Stats: 12.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.7 apg

Shane Battier

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MEMPHIS, TN - MAY 13: Shane Battier #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies calls a defensive play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 13, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE

Shane Battier has been a great presence on each team he has played for in his 10 year career.

He has a high basketball IQ, especially because of his tutoring under Mike Krzyzewski during his time at Duke.

Battier is considered to be a great team player because he is so fundamentally sound.

He is also a terrific defensive player as witnessed by his two selections to the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team.

Any team he signs with will be getting a tremendous leader.

Career Stats: 9.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.0 apg

Michael Redd

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BEIJING - AUGUST 12: Michael Redd #8 of the United States looks on during the US national anthem before taking on Angola during the men's preliminary round basketball game at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium during Day 4 of the Beijing 2008 Olymp

A 2004 NBA All Star, Michael Redd will be a great addition to any contending team.

Redd is a lethal three-point shooter and holds the NBA record for most three-point field goals made in one quarter with eight in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets on February 20, 2002.

Redd doesn't have many years left in his tank, so next season may be his last shot at winning a title.

Teams needing a scoring threat at shooting guard will be sure to snap up Redd.

The Chicago Bulls are a very likely destination for Michael Redd.

Career Stats: 20.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.3 apg