NBA Free Agents 2011: Five Players Teams Should Avoid Signing

The dust might still be settling after the Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Championship, but for most teams, the preparations for next season began weeks ago.

This is the time of year when everyone looks to rebuild, whether through the draft, trade or free agency. It is just as likely, though, that teams will land a bust as it is they will make a great move. Here we look at five free agents teams should avoid signing.

Willie Green

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 28: (L-R) Willie Green #33 and Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets react on the bench during a 98-80 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 28

An unrestricted free agent, Willie Green is coming off a very poor season with the New Orleans Hornets. He averaged 8.7 points and just one assist per game. So he has no offensive worth and on the defensive end he is terribly inept. Avoid.

Yao Ming

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets takes a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Staples Center on October 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

Yao Ming can still play basketball. And it is probable that he can still play it very well. The problem is that no one gets to see how well he can play because he is always injured.

Despite his expansive history of physical ailments (he missed 77 games this season), there will still be teams interested in the Chinese national. If anyone does decide to take a flutter on him in the hopes he will finally be healthy, they will be sorely disappointed.

Andrei Kirilenko

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 12: Andrei Kirilenko #47 of the Utah Jazz against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on November 12, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, Use

Andrei Kirilenko is a great defensive presence; there is no getting away from that fact. However, on the other end of the court, he has very little impact or effect. For a guy who made almost $18 million last season, the overall package just is not good enough.

Jason Richardson

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic against Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 22, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE

Jason Richardson made over $14 million last season and gave the Orlando Magic nowhere near the production that salary would warrant. He is a good player, yes, but is vastly overrated.

He will be looking for another large contract and any team that gives it to him will be stuck with an overpaid, underperforming 30-something.

Greg Oden

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Greg Oden #52 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA game at Oracle Arena on November 20, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Greg Oden has not lived up to the expectations that surrounded him when he was drafted first overall in 2007. The biggest reason is his inability to stay healthy. In many ways, his situation is similar to that of Yao Ming. The talent is there but he just cannot stay on the court long enough to prove it.

That said, of course, he is only 23 and will still be an attractive option to many if the Portland Trail Blazers do not retain him. It is a big risk though, and it just is not worth it.