NBA Free Agents 2011: Top Target for Each Team in Free Agency

One of my favorite parts of the basketball year is the free agency period.

It's always so exciting to speculate and watch where all the big names end up. It's sort of like being a little kid in a candy store—except that the candy is a plethora of SportsCenter and iPhone live tickers.

In this slide show, I will be directing you through all 30 teams and discussing which player is their biggest target for each club.

Follow Joseph on Twitter @JosephFafinski.

Atlanta Hawks: Nene

The Atlanta Hawks have a plethora of seemingly able players on their roster, but the only missing piece is a center who isn't completely inept to the game of basketball.

Nene of the Denver Nuggets might be just what they're looking for. In signing him, Atlanta will be able to shift Al Horford to his better suited position at the four.

Assuming the Hawks keep Josh Smith (and that's a huge assumption), a starting lineup of Kirk Hinrich/Joe Johnson/Smith/Horford/Nene is a downright scary one. They complement each other in nearly every facet of the game.

Boston Celtics: J.R. Smith

Reports may say that Tyson Chandler is the top target for the Boston Celtics this offseason, but let's be serious here. Boston is going to need some long-term insurance at the wing, and no one can prove how long Tyson's prime will be.

Ray Allen isn't going to play forever, and the same can be said about Paul Pierce. If the C's want to contend just beyond the dawn of the Big Three, J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets is going to prove to be a solid contributor.

He'd be playing alongside Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green, who, both in their mid-20s, are also hitting the peaks of their respective careers. It just makes sense.

Charlotte Bobcats: Yi Jianlian

Even though he isn't completely inept on the basketball court, Yi Jianlian is a far cry away from being the NBA player he once believed he could be.

Nonetheless, he could turn out to be a cheap buy, and it's no secret that the Bobcats have fairly thin depth in the post. Maybe Yi could become a contributor there.

Chicago Bulls: Jason Richardson

For some odd reason, some analysts believe that Jamal Crawford is the right fit for the Chicago Bulls at shooting guard.

I like the idea of them bringing in Jason Richardson, a guy who can still light up a scoreboard and contribute to a championship-contending team.

Cleveland Cavaliers: David West

In dealing J.J. Hickson, the Cleveland Cavaliers foolishly are now relatively unskilled at the power forward position. They can't rely on whatever is left over in Antwan Jamison and a rookie in Tristan Thompson.

David West is a more well-rounded player, and the Cavs should make a play for the Xavier product. He really is one of the more underrated post-ballers in the association, and he will get a lot of offers. Cleveland should be one of them.

Dallas Mavericks: Caron Butler

Now that re-signing Tyson Chandler's rights are off the table, you've got to believe that offering Caron Butler a new contract has to be the No. 1 priority.

Even though the 30-year-old veteran was injured during the championship run, there's no reason to deny he'll help next year. He's a solid wing player and he will be worth whatever the team throws at him.

Denver Nuggets: Arron Afflalo/Wilson Chandler

Now that the Denver Nuggets have relinquished Nene's rights, they undoubtedly have to re-sign both Wilson Chandler and Arron Afflalo.

Both of these solid all-around players are going to be integral catalysts of the club's future, and if they are not signed the team is going to regret it.

Detroit Pistons: T.J. Ford

T.J. Ford is a prime example of a guy who hasn't necessarily been given the best chance to succeed in the NBA.

He's bounced from team to team as a backup, but Detroit might be a place where he could challenge rookie stud Brandon Knight for the starting role.

He's a solid defender and distributor, and he might make Indiana regret giving him up to their division rival.

Golden State Warriors: Samuel Dalembert

The Golden State Warriors need to face the facts—Epke Udoh and Andris Biedrins are mediocre players at best, both lacking skills on both sides of the hardwood. A defensive upgrade would be much appreciated up in Oakland.

Defensive upgrade is practically Samuel Dalembert's middle name, so why not?

Houston Rockets: Nene

Now that Yao Ming has officially retired, Nene automatically assumes position as a candidate for the Houston Rockets, the reason being that they can't rely on Chuck Hayes to be the everyday man (oh wait, they did that this season. Whoops).

Nene's physicality and post moves would be much appreciated in Houston, and there's no reason they wouldn't at least contact him. I believe they'll take at least a gander at the 27-year-old Brazilian.

Indiana Pacers: Carl Landry

Recent reports have indicated that New Orleans Hornets' power forward Carl Landry has taken a liking to the Indiana Pacers and would consider signing with them. In doing so, they add either a legitimate starter or depth, depending on how they use him.

In other news, the Hornets will be using mostly replacement players for the upcoming season, save for Chris Paul.

Los Angeles Clippers: Tayshaun Prince

The Los Angeles Clippers are looking for an experienced and cheap small forward this offseason. It's as simple as that.

Tayshaun Prince, who has unintentionally overstayed his welcome in Detroit (he's the only player from the 2004 NBA Finals champions still there), fits the bill perfectly for the Clips.

Los Angeles Lakers: Arron Afflalo

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a play at a shooting guard, and where better to look than the Rocky Mountains?

Arron Afflalo is one of the five most underrated players in the entire association, and his all-around game is a true testimony to that statement. Who honestly believes that Afflalo might be the Nuggets' best player right now?

Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol

If the Memphis Grizzlies are completely serious about their seemingly bright future, Marc Gasol undoubtedly has to be re-signed this offseason.

A restricted free agent, Gasol is expecting a big number from Memphis management, and I think he'll take it if for no other reason that the team is in store for great things upcoming.

Miami Heat: Samuel Dalembert

The Miami Heat have been reportedly talking with Sacramento Kings center Samuel Dalembert about a possible deal once the owners decide to stop being arrogant idiots.

Anyways, Sam would definitely improve the losers of the NBA Finals with their inside game—he is one of the game's best defensive players and he has a basketball IQ.

Milwaukee Bucks: Carl Landry

Just as the Indiana Pacers have, the Milwaukee Bucks are garnering an interest in the Hornets' Carl Landry, a 6'9" big.

Landry would be a glove-tight fit in Wisconsin if he is signed.

Minnesota Timberwolves: J.R. Smith

Here's just another installment of the J.R. Smith sweepstakes.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have two glaring needs in their roster—a shooting guard and an intimidating post presence.

Since David Kahn doesn't have it in him to attain the latter, let's settle on J.R. for the Wolves. He'd be an excellent third scorer in the Gopher State.

New Jersey Nets: Andrei Kirilenko

Since re-signing Kris Humphries seems like a given for the Nets, here's the next best available option.

Andrei Kirilenko won't be asking for eight digits next season (God willing), and he might prove to be one of the best values in this year's free agency class.

"AK47" is sort of like incumbent Anthony Morrow, but he differs in the fact that he has a much more well-rounded game. He'd be a good fit in Newark.

New Orleans Hornets: Carl Landry

Now that David West has opted out of his final season in New Orleans, Carl Landry is seemingly the only able big on the Hornet roster.

In order to remain relevant, the team should legitimately think about re-signing him. It seems like only a matter of time before the rest of the franchise bolts elsewhere.

New York Knicks: Marc Gasol

It's unlikely, sure, but isn't this an absolutely perfect fit? After all, the Knicks are dying for a defensive-orientated center.

Why didn't they pick Kenneth Faried again?

Oklahoma City Thunder: No One

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a terrific basketball team, and I'd say they're the only team this offseason that won't make a big pounce to attain anyone's rights.

Orlando Magic: Shannon Brown

Since it seems absolutely imminent that Jason Richardson will not be a Magician next season, it would be a good idea for Orlando's crew to go out and find their new two.

Shannon Brown is officially in the market, so why not take a stab at him?

Phoenix Suns: O.J. Mayo

How's this for a bold call?

There's about a 50 percent chance O.J. Mayo will be a Memphis Grizzly next season.

At the same time though, it would be nice for the aging Phoenix Suns to get a boost at the shooting guard position, where both Vince Carter and Grant Hill (who are 72 years old when put together) held down the fort last year.

We saw some great intensity in the USC product during the postseason. His talents would be greatly appreciated in Arizona.

Philadelphia 76ers: Tyson Chandler

The Philadelphia 76ers aren't stupid. They know they shouldn't rely on the talents of Spencer Hawes to be a mainstay in the post. He really isn't obliged to 30 minutes per game and he is better suited for a backup role.

Tyson Chandler's defensive intensity would be great for the Sixers. They have a nice collection of great defenders (Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday, for starters) and Tyson would only help improve them on that side of the hardwood.

Portland Trail Blazers: T.J. Ford

I'm not dissing Patty Mills with this inclusion, but rather providing an upgrade.

T.J. Ford is a solid backup, and he could provide 15 to 20 minutes per game for the Blazers if he was signed.

Sacramento Kings: Shane Battier

The Sacramento Kings are in need of defense at the small forward position. Incumbent Marcus Thornton has even admitted that he's never had a coach that has taught him defense.

How about bringing in a player whose forte lies within his defensive prowess?

Shane Battier is a good fit here.

San Antonio Spurs: Josh Howard

Even though Kawhi Leonard will eventually become a solid pro, it still doesn't hurt to acquire some insurance at the small forward position, especially when your second string is a guy that no team wants.

Josh Howard is decent on both sides of the hardwood, and he could prove to be a decent mentor to the talented and young Leonard.

Toronto Raptors: Tyson Chandler

Aside from actually having speculation on the move, the Toronto Raptors' lineup would have a chain reaction if Tyson Chandler took his talents to their club.

If he signed with the Raps, Andrea Bargnani would move to power forward and effectively end the nightmare center experiment.

If there's one thing the Great White North's team needs, it's a legitimate center. Ask any fan and they'll tell you of their hatred towards the seven-foot Bargnani.

Utah Jazz: C.J. Miles

The number one priority for the Utah Jazz this offseason should be to re-sign shooting guard C.J. Miles.

Miles had his best season in the association during the 2010-11 campaign, and he should become an integral part of the team's future endeavors.

Washington Wizards: David West

If you've ever read my writing, you'll know I'm not a huge Andray Blatche supporter.

So, here I present his possible successor, David West, one of the most underrated bigs in all of the game.

Follow Joseph on Twitter @JosephFafinski.