NBA Free Agents 2011: 10 Best Defensive Players Available in Free Agency

The NBA still has a lot of work to do to ensure there will be a season this year, but assuming things get done, there will be plenty of free agents looking for a new team. A lot of NBA teams are going to be looking for a defensive spark to add to their roster.

It's always said that defense wins championships. The Dallas Mavericks showed us the saying was true last season, as they ranked in the top 10 in points and field goal percentage allowed.

Several players currently on the market have huge defensive upsides, and they will be looking to add to defenses wherever they land.

1. Shane Battier

Shane Battier's defense has always been talked about in the NBA. He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive second team twice in his career, and has been used as a lock-down defender wherever he has gone.

He began his career with the newly-relocated Memphis Grizzlies and played there until 2006. He then took his defensive talents to Houston for another five years.  He returned to Memphis in 2010 and helped the Grizzlies oust the top-ranked San Antonio Spurs.

Battier has only averaged 9.6 points per game in his career, so whatever team he signs with will not expect him to lead the team in scoring.

2. Samuel Dalembert

At age 30, Samuel Dalembert might be getting towards the end of his run as a starting center. He started 46 games for the Sacramento Kings in 2010-2011 and played in 80 games total.

If you know anything about Dalembert, you know he isn't much for offense. He has actually averaged more rebounds per game in his career, 8.3, than points per game, 8.1. In his best years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dalembert averaged over two blocks a game and more than six defensive rebounds.

There is a clear lack of decent centers in the NBA, so Dalembert has a good chance of finding a starting job with his obvious defensive talent. 

3. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

He has one of the longest names in the NBA, but people love to say it. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is a restricted free agent this year, so the Milwaukee Bucks will probably have him back. Yet if he is signed by another team, he will bring his defensive tenacity with him.

Mbah a Moute always plays hard and has become known for his great defensive skills. Head coach Scott Skiles and GM John Hammond have both praised Mbah a Moute for his defense. Mbah a Moute is apparently thinking about his future though, as he has returned to college this summer for a few classes.

4. Andrei Kirilenko

The Utah Jazz have been on and off with trade rumors about Andrei Kirilenko in the past. This time he will most likely be gone for good.

Kirilenko is a very versatile player who has made the NBA All-Defensive team once and the second team twice. He led the league in blocks in 2005-2006 with 220 total. His stats have diminished at times, but he is still a great defender who will provide help to whatever team signs him.

5. Kwame Brown

He was one of the biggest flops in NBA history as the first overall pick for the Washington Wizards in 2001. Kwame Brown has been nothing like what he was expected to be as a pro, but he has improved recently with his defensive game.

Defense may be the only thing he will bring to whatever new team picks him up. As mentioned previously, there is still a lack of talented big men in the NBA, which is one of the few things that has kept Brown around. He actually started 50 games for the Charlotte Bobcats this past season, with his defense contributing much to this stat.

6. Anthony Parker

Anthony Parker may be glad that he is a free agent. He started 65 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010-2011, a team trying to recover from LeBron James' departure. Cleveland finished with a record of 19-63, but Parker still had some impressive performances.

He is a solid defender, but at age 36 he may only have a few seasons left, if that. Still, he will most likely get signed this year by a team looking for a veteran defender, which Parker can certainly provide.

7. Tayshaun Prince

At 6'9'' Tayshaun Prince is a very lanky defender, which has helped him throughout his career. His long arms have provided the tools to close out on shooters, and have helped him make the NBA All-Defensive second team four times in his career.

Prince has played with the Detroit Pistons for his entire career, and even though they have expressed interest in bringing him back, he will most likely have a different direction next season as opposed to the rebuilding Pistons. He will be a great defender for any team that signs him. 

8. Tyson Chandler

After winning a championship in the NBA, you might not want to change things up too much. Tyson Chandler is a free-agent this year, but we will see if he makes it to another team. The Dallas Mavericks want him back, but contract disputes have hindered re-signing him.

Chandler was a defensive force for the Mavs during their run to the title. He averaged 6.6 defensive rebounds per game in 2010-2011 and provided a strong presence down low. Chandler was named to the NBA All-Defensive second team last season as well.

9. Glen Davis

Glen "Big Baby" Davis has been a great contributor during his time with the Boston Celtics, but his run there may be over. Davis has won a championship with the Celtics and can bring some experience to a new team.

Big Baby can often be seen taking charges in the lane, something he is not afraid to do. He doesn't put up any ridiculous stats, but he is known to play strong defense.

10. Caron Butler

The man to whom the Dallas Mavericks dedicated their playoff run, Caron Butler was certainly disappointed his knee held him out last season. After having surgery on his knee, there were reports that Butler could have potentially played in the NBA finals, but clearly he was not quite ready to return.

Butler is a strong defender but is most likely known more for his shooting.  He has averaged 1.6 steals per game in his career and can provide defensive help as long as he stays healthy.