NBA Free Agents 2011: Ranking the 5 Best Players at Each Position

Everyone’s attention may be geared toward the free agent class of 2012, especially with the current lockout threatening to void this year’s season. But the 2011 free agent class still has plenty to offer.

There may not be a Dwight Howard type player on the market, but there are a number of impact athletes at every position, who are capable of making a major contribution to any team. Players like Jamal Crawford, Tyson Chandler and David West are capable of being game changers.

There will not be an enormous amount of hype surrounding these players, but they will generate a lot of legitimate interest.

So let’s push the NBA lockout and the 2012 free agency pool to the back of our minds and take a look at the five best players available at each position in this year’s class.

No. 5 Best Available Point Guard: Mario Chalmers

Mario Chalmers is a restricted free agent this summer, and while his name does not exactly scream game changer, he is a solid role player.

Last season he averaged 6.4 points, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Miami Heat. His stats do not do him justice, though. Sure the assists total is low for a point guard, but when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade handle the ball the majority of the time that is what happens.

The truth is Chalmers is a pretty good floor general with adequate court vision. His ball handling is solid and he plays smart with the ball. And he is also a very good defender.

Miami has the ability to match any offer Chalmers may receive, but they may have to pay more than expected because he is sure to generate interest from multiple teams.

No. 4 Best Available Point Guard: Rodney Stuckey

Rodney Stuckey had a superb season for the lowly Detroit Pistons, and the restricted free agent is sure to draw interest from a number of teams.

Stuckey averaged 15.5 points, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game last season. The 25-year-old is a more than capable floor general as well as a solid defender. His three-point shooting definitely needs some work as he averaged below 29 percent from deep last season.

Stuckey's stats in comparison with some of those to follow may indicate that he should be higher, but the fact of the matter is that his numbers are slightly bolstered for the weak team he plays for. This is not to say he is a bad player, because he isn’t, but he still has some developing to do.

Given he is so young, though, there will certainly be more than a few teams who attempt to pry him away from the Pistons.

No. 3 Best Available Point Guard: J.J. Barea

During this past postseason, J.J. Barea played his way into the spotlight, and a spot on this list.

Last season, Barea averaged 9.5 points and 3.9 assists in barely 20 minutes of action per game. He can drive the lane, shoot the three and pass the ball very well, making him a hot commodity.

The Dallas Mavericks would love to hold onto the 27-year-old unrestricted free agent, but Barea may find an opportunity elsewhere as a starter, a role the Mavs are not ready to offer. Jason Kidd and Jason Terry may be aging, but for now they are the best options to start in the backcourt for Dallas.

Barea may opt to wait for his day with the Mavs because Kidd and Terry will have to retire at some point, but his train of thought is unclear. One thing is clear, though, and that is Barea can play.

In less time on the floor in the postseason, he managed to put up similar regular season numbers at 8.9 points and 3.4 assists per game. Barea proved he could perform under high-pressure circumstances, something many teams will be interested in.

And something that serves as a major roadblock for the Mavs to bring him back to Dallas.

No. 2 Best Available Point Guard: T.J. Ford

To be honest, T.J. Ford’s stats over the past couple of seasons do not exactly warrant him to be this high on the list.

Last year, Ford averaged only 5.4 points and 3.4 assists per game—less than impressive numbers. However, we must take into account that he was not utilized well in Indiana. His placement on this list is based on the idea that the 28-year-old Ford can return to the form he was in while with the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors.

Ford’s first season with the Pacers was even impressive. He averaged 14.9 points, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is a solid defender and elusive in the paint.

There will be more than a few teams willing to give Ford a chance at reviving his career; given the level of production we know he is capable of, he is the second best point guard available in this year’s free agency class.

No. 1 Best Available Point Guard: Aaron Brooks

A 26-year-old restricted free agent, Aaron Brooks will prove to draw the most interest from teams in this year’s free agency period, lockout willing of course.

If this list was based off of attitude and locker room scuffles, Brooks would not be on it, but the truth of the matter is that he can play with the best of them.

Between his time with the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns last season, Brooks averaged 10.7 points and 3.9 assists. These are numbers that do not necessarily turn heads, but his production is consistent.

Additionally, Brooks is a solid defender and a great ball handler. There will be teams who may be willing to give him a shot at a starting role, but all signs point to him staying with the Suns to be Steve Nash’s backup, which is a pretty comfortable situation to be in.

However, if Brooks suddenly becomes ambitious enough, he will have many other options out there. He is extremely quick and his numbers have the potential to double if he plays significant minutes.

And it is this potential that makes him the best point guard of this free agent class.

No. 5 Best Available Shooting Guard: Shannon Brown

Shannon Brown opted to become an unrestricted free agent, and we cannot really blame him for that. With the free agency class as shallow as it is, he is bound to draw some serious interest from other teams.

Last season, Brown averaged 8.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in less than 20 minutes of action per game. He is a very good three-point shooter and a capable defender. He did not play that large of a role in the Los Angeles Lakers rotation, but stands to be very productive if given some serious playing time.

Brown is only 25 years old, giving him plenty of time to improve, something veteran teams will be very interested in. It sounds slightly odd to admit, but Brown could turn out to be a very hot commodity in this year’s market. He is guaranteed to produce without the price tag of some of the other players.

As a result, Brown has established himself as one of the top five free agent shooting guards.

No. 4 Best Available Shooting Guard: Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson averaged a combined 15.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season while spending time with the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic.

At 30, Richardson is no longer the explosive youth he once was, but he still has some flash left in him. His price tag is bound to be higher than most of the others on this list because of his reputation, but he will prove to be instant offense for any team willing to take a chance on him.

Richardson does not find himself higher on this list because he needs to improve his outside shooting, and he needs to become less of a liability on defense. He is an extremely athletic player, and there is no reason for him not to be blocking shots and grabbing more than four or five rebounds per game.

As previously stated, though, Richardson is instant offense, and brings his name with him, which is worth the fourth spot at his position.

No. 3 Best Available Shooting Guard: J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith seems to be almost as good as gone from the Denver Nuggets, who were not apt to putting up with his cocky attitude.

Smith averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season, and emerged as one of the more consistent players on the Nuggets roster. He also shot nearly 40 percent from three-point range last season, making him an outside threat.

Smith is a solid defender and he is one of the better rebounding guards in the league. He plays a physical game and is not afraid to be aggressive in the paint. His attitude is less than shining, but his production overshadows that quality.

Once the lockout ends, expect the 25-year-old unrestricted free agent to get a flurry of phone calls.

No. 2 Best Available Shooting Guard: Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford demonstrated that he had matured quite a bit this past season when he averaged 14.2 points and 3.2 assists per game for the Atlanta Hawks.

The only problem is that it took Crawford until the age of 31 to turn as many heads as he did. So while his stats may demand a payday, we cannot blame Atlanta for being slightly cautious in any negotiations that may ensue.

Crawford is a very elusive and athletic shooting guard. He is capable of running the point and can dribble in and out of the paint with great ease. Additionally, his three-point shooting can be very lethal when he resists the urge to chuck up ill-advised trays.

Another thing about Crawford is that he is a very streaky shooter, which is both good and bad. He will always put up near 15 points a game, the only question is how many shots it will take him. Some nights he may be on target, other nights it may take him 15 or 20 shots to hit that mark.

That being said, Crawford also has the potential to get hot often and fast. He has the ability to drop 40 points or more on any given night. Crawford is not the best defender, but he has the pure quickness and athleticism to improve, even at his age. He just needs motivation.

Ultimately, though, it is his offensive prowess that will cause teams to throw offers Crawford’s way.

No. 1 Best Available Shooting Guard: Nick Young

Nick Young may come as a surprise to more than a few people at topping this list, but such placement is not unfounded.

Last season, Young averaged 17.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game for a young Washington Wizards team. He also shot nearly 39 percent from beyond the arc, establishing himself as one of the league’s premiere outside shooters.

Young is only 26 years old and has the ability to further develop his game, especially in the rebounding department. His athleticism should allow him to grab more than three rebounds per game.

Additionally, Young also has the potential to be a great defender. He is solid now, but his quickness on offense indicates that he has more to offer on the other side of the ball. Young’s ability to pull up and hit the quick jumper is almost Ray Allen-like, and caught the attention of many teams last season.

Young may only be a restricted free agent, but there will be teams willing to make a hard push to pry him away from the Wizards.

His production is not solely a result of him being on a weak team because Washington’s offense ran through John Wall first and foremost. Young is the real deal and is poised to build upon his production last season.

And the herd of offers he is sure to field will prove just that.

No. 5 Best Available Small Forward: Shane Battier

Last season, Shane Battier averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Memphis Grizzlies while playing the same terrific defense that has made him a name in this league.

The 32-year-old Battier is one of the best defending forwards in the game. He averaged one block per game last season. He is not especially tall or strong, but he plays hard, smart basketball.

Battier’s scoring numbers are not prolific, but he is capable on the offensive end. What’s more is that he has some range to his game. He shot over 38 percent from beyond the arc last season.

No doubt that Battier and his body are aging, but his hard work ethic is sure to generate a substantial amount of league-wide interest.

No. 4 Best Available Small Forward: Tayshaun Prince

Tayshaun Prince had yet another solid season for the struggling Detroit Pistons, averaging 14.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

Prince is a solid outside shooter and can also score in the low post as well. His defensive game is OK, but could use some improvement, as could his rebounding. At 6'9", prince needs to be grabbing six or more boards per game.

At 31, Price is entering the twilight years of his career, but his veteran leadership and pure ability to knock down the open shot is something that teams will not take lightly. He will not make the $11 million he made last year, but the unrestricted free agent Prince will field offers from numerous teams.

And there is a better than good chance he takes his talents outside the city of Detroit.

No. 3 Best Available Small Forward: Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young emerged as one of the more quality players on the Philadelphia 76ers this past season.

The 23-year-old Young averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He has an inside game that could potentially propel him to future stardom, and his rebounding prowess far exceeds that of someone standing at 6'8".

Young does have to work on his three-point shooting, as he shot less than 28 percent from downtown, but he is still young and his game is continuously evolving. He is a restricted free agent and the Philadelphia 76ers would love to hold onto him, especially if they move Andre Iguodala. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, there will be a mountain of competition for the fifth-year forward. 

Don’t be surprised if Young gets offered a contract by another team that the 76ers just cannot match.

No. 2 Best Available Small Forward: Caron Butler

If Caron Butler had remained healthy the entire season, the Dallas Mavericks probably could have waltzed through the playoffs on their way to a title.

In 29 games, Butler averaged 15 points, 4.1 rebounds and one steal per game. His three-point shooting was immaculate at over 43 percent, and he was also exhibiting strong qualities on the defensive end.

Butler is one of the best inside out players in the game. He can step back to hit the jumper, but is also not afraid to take the ball right to the basket. His strength allows him to overpower both some power forwards and small forwards.

The Mavericks would love to hang on to him, but the 31-year-old unrestricted free agent is bound to draw a ton of interest from around the league. Butler simply seems to be getting better as he ages, which is incredible.

There is a very strong possibility he gets big money from a franchise that is not owned by Mark Cuban.

No. 1 Best Available Small Forward: Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler is a number one that is sure to shock, but many people just do not realize his full potential.

Last season, splitting time with both the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, Chandler averaged 15.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He also emerged as one of the most versatile players in the league, so versatile in fact that some even list him as a shooting guard.

Ultimately, though, Chandler is a small forward who can also play the 2 or 4 positions because of his strength and quickness. His defense is extremely underrated, as he is able to block shots and battle for rebounds with the best of them.

Additionally, Chandler has an amazing inside out game. He developed an aggressive play style that has allowed him to fearlessly drive through the paint, yet has also improved his outside shooting, making him absolutely lethal from anywhere on the floor.

After the Carmelo Anthony trade, the 24-year-old Chandler struggled slightly in Denver, but he is still very young and coming into his own, so that cannot be used against him. Chandler is poised for a breakout season and do not be surprised if he plays his way onto the All-Star ballot.

It is this enormous potential and versatility that makes Chandler the best free agent small forward.

No. 5 Best Available Power Forward: Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries had a very impressive year, and not just because he landed reality star Kim Kardashian, but also because of his on-the-court production.

Humphries averaged a double-double per game, averaging 10 points and 10.4 boards. He also averaged over one block per game to further enhance his stats.

A capable scorer and underrated defender, Humphries can serve as the perfect secret weapon for a number of teams. He can start or produce points and rebounds off the bench. At only 26, he still has a ton of untapped potential.

Humphries is an unrestricted free agent whom the New Jersey Nets would love to keep, but they will have to get in line with the rest of the league. Like it or not, the power forward has officially become a commodity.

No. 4 Best Available Power Forward: Jeff Green

The Boston Celtics were the victims of some serious criticism when they opted to trade for Jeff Green, but he still has the potential to become a star in this league and silence those critics.

Last season, splitting time with the Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder, Green averaged 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. The 26-year-old restricted free agent is extremely versatile, and can even step back and hit the three when called upon.

Green had a less than impressive postseason where his production dropped substantially, and his rebounding is of slight concern, but he is still young and still has time to improve.

Deeming the Green trade a flop for Boston, who will likely do what it takes to hang onto the power forward, was premature and unwarranted. Green still has plenty of time to impress, and indications are that he will.

The playoffs can become a tough time for any player, so we cannot berate Green simply because of that. 

And there are many NBA teams who feel the same way, which is why retaining Green on the cheap is not a viable scenario for the Celtics.

No. 3 Best Available Power Forward: Glen Davis

Another member of the Boston Celtics makes an appearance on this list, this time in the form of Glen “Big Baby” Davis.

The 25-year-old unrestricted free agent averaged 11.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season, emerging as one of Boston’s best role players. Davis is overpowering in the post, yet is no one-trick pony, as he is able to hit the mid- to long-range jumper.

Defense and rebounding is a concern in regards to Davis because at 6'9" and nearly 300 pounds, he should be an impenetrable force in the low post. He is young, though, and still has time to fully develop a more complete game.

In a league void of numerous capable big men, Davis is sure to be a hot commodity on the free agent market.

And while the Celtics would love to bring him back, it may ultimately come down to them choosing between a payday for him or Jeff Green.

No. 2 Best Available Power Forward: Carl Landry

Carl Landry had an outstanding season, splitting time with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Hornets, and averaging 11.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in the process.

The 27-year-old Landry emerged as a fantastic acquisition for the Hornets, especially when he put up 15.8 points per game during the playoffs. He is a great low-post player who can knock down the mid-range jumper as well.

At 6'9" and nearly 250 pounds, Landry should be grabbing more than four rebounds per game, but his offensive prowess overshadows that. Additionally, he is a more than capable overall defender, making him an asset on both ends of the floor.

Landry is an unrestricted free agent and is likely to draw interest from many teams who need an effective low-post presence.

And it doesn’t hurt that he played at his peak during the playoffs, which will only increase the amount of interest he will generate.

No. 1 Best Available Power Forward: David West

David West had a career year for the New Orleans Hornets, averaging 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

West emerged as the Hornets No. 2 go-to guy behind Chris Paul, and his consistent play made him a fan favorite. West can both post up and hit the mid-range jumper, which helps spread the floor on offense much better than if he were strictly a low-post power forward.

Additionally, West is a strong defender. He plays tough, physical defense and crashes the boards in an elite fashion. At 30, West is not all that young, but his versatility shouldn’t thin the market either.

West could serve as the missing piece to a championship contender, or a strong veteran presence for a younger team. His hard work ethic, coupled with his consistent production means he will appeal to a large amount of other teams.

West is the best free agent power forward available, and if New Orleans wishes to keep him, the NBA owned franchise is going to have to break open its piggy bank.

No. 5 Best Available Center: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

In a center starved league, anyone who is 7'3" tall is bound to draw a lot of interest from many teams, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas is no exception.

Ilgauskas only averaged five points and four rebounds per game for the Miami Heat last season, but he also played less than 15 minutes per night. A lot of this is do to his lack of stamina because after all, the man is 36.

That being said though, his height would be a great asset to any team who is looking for someone to intimidate the opposition down low. He also provides some quick rebounding off the bench.

Is Izzy past his prime?

Certainly, but centers are a hot commodity in this league, and his overwhelming size makes desirable to multiple teams.

No. 4 Best Available Center: Kwame Brown

Kwame Brown has always represented a mountain of unfilled potential over his career, yet he still is the fourth best center available in the free agent market.

The 6'11", 29-year-old Brown averaged 7.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season with the Charlotte Bobcats. His presence in the low post makes him a good role player for any team to have.

Additionally, Brown can get hot and score in the low post at times. His performances can be inconsistent, but he is still a capable big man. Sure, his career may have been better off if he attended college for a year or two, but he is not a complete eyesore.

In fact, Brown may even have starting opportunities from not-so-height-latent teams like the New York Knicks.

Brown is no Dwight Howard, that’s for sure. But there is no Howard-type center in this year’s free agency pool, and as a result, Brown finds his way into the top five of this paper-thin market.

No. 3 Best Available Center: Nene Hilario

Nene is one of the NBA’s most versatile centers, and is easily the third best available in this year’s free agency market.

Last season, Nene averaged 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and one block per game for the Denver Nuggets. He can post up, as well as hit the mid-range jumper. His ball handling is exceptional for someone his size as well.

Defensively, Nene is also stellar. He hits the boards hard, unafraid to go up against the bigger centers in the league. He is also good for at least one blocked shot per game.

At 28, Nene still has a few years before his production declines, and as a result, he is certain to draw interest from many teams aside from the Nuggets. Nene, an unrestricted free agent, will probably command similar money to his $11.4 million salary from last season.

Denver is known to want to re-sign the nine-year veteran, but it will take a willingness to part with big money to do so.

And even then, the Nuggets better take a number and get in line with the rest of the NBA.

No. 2 Best Available Center: Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler emerged as quite the center this past season, helping the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Miami Heat to win an NBA title.

On the season, the 7'1" Chandler averaged 10.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game. His numbers are similar to that of Nene’s from the previous slide, yet his two-inch height advantage makes him slightly more valuable to prospective suitors.

Chandler is a defensive specialist who wreaks havoc in the paint for the opposition. He can block shots and is adept at drawing charges from players that slash through the paint with reckless abandon.

Additionally, Chandler is a ferocious rebounder who is an asset to have under the glass both on offense and defense. He is also a capable low-post scorer, which is good for teams who are looking for some offensive production out of their center.

As an unrestricted free agent, the 28-year-old Chandler is bound to peak the interest of many teams, undoubtedly resulting in him seeking a large payday. Chandler is one of the league’s toughest workhorses, so a similar number to the $12.6 million is not out of the question.

Regardless of his asking price and whether or not he is actually worth the expensive tag, Chandler is the second best center available in this year’s free agent market.

No. 1 Best Available Center: Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol played his way into prominence with the Memphis Grizzlies this past season, averaging 11.7 points, seven rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

The 26-year-old Gasol is a restricted free agent this summer, and while Memphis covets the 7'1" center, money is an issue for them. If Gasol indicates a desire to play elsewhere, and he’ll have his choice, then the Grizzlies may let him go.

Like his brother, Pau Gasol, Marc is very versatile on the offensive end. He can score in the low post and hit the mid to even slightly longer range jumpers. And defensively he may be even better than his brother.

Gasol is also more active on the glass than his seven rebounds per game indicate. Look for this number to increase dramatically next season. Also, we cannot neglect the fact that he is only 26 and still has time to improve and become an even better player. 

Gasol is a quick, strong and an intelligent player, who is on the very cusp of superstardom. He has flown under the radar for quite some time, but one of the best well-kept basketball secrets is officially out.

Young, capable centers do not come around that often, and the question in regards to Gasol is not if teams will come barreling his way, but how much money said teams will be flashing when they do.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter @DannyFavs2033.