10 NBA Players That Are Due for a Change of Scenery

There comes a point in time for everyone when a change of scenery is on order.

We have all been there before: A fresh start or a new beginning tends to sound appealing when things do not go the way we planned

NBA players are the same way.

Whether it's a player seeing the doctor more than he is seeing the basketball court, or if the team is just simply not winning, some players just need out.

Unfortunately for that group of players, the current lockout is preventing them from jumping ship so they are stuck where they are for now.

However, once the lockout is lifted, here is a list of 10 players who desperately need a change of scenery.

10. Greg Oden

It's safe to say that Greg Oden and the Portland Trail Blazers both envisioned a completely different start to Oden's career.

Not only has Oden missed three full seasons worth of games due to injury, but he was also picked instead of Kevin Durant—the Oklahoma City Thunder's star—in the 2007 NBA draft.

The Trail Blazer fans were still trying to get over not picking Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft...

First and foremost, Oden needs to stay healthy.

However, a fresh start for Oden might be exactly what he needs as he tries to prove to everyone that he can still be a superstar in the NBA.

9. Antawn Jamison

Antawn Jamison, once one of the leagues most prolific scores, is now stuck on the worst team in the NBA.

To the casual fans, Jamison might be the only name that they would recognize on the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster. 

At 35 years old, Jamison can still move around a little bit, but he is certainly on his last leg.

It would be nice to see him join a team built like the Dallas Mavericks that is filled with savvy veterans who are hungry for a championship.

8. Chris Kaman

Chris "The Caveman" Kaman seemingly never came out from behind his rock last year.

After a strong 2010 where he averaged 18 points and nine rebounds, Kaman then proceeded to only start 15 games for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kaman now finds himself in a whirlwind of trade talks, specifically involving a swap between him and Philadelphia 76ers' Andre Iguodala.

Now with Blake Griffin and Dion Jordan manning the Clippers' frontcourt, there simply isn't enough room for Kaman.

7. Michael Redd

Where, oh where, has Michael Redd gone?

Redd's game was at its peak during the 2007 season, but his numbers have steadily declined ever since.

Once considered one of the top shooting guards in the NBA, Redd is now hardly considered an afterthought on a Milwaukee Bucks team that has guards like Brandon Jennings, Stephen Jackson and Beno Urdih. 

Maybe a fresh start is all the 31-year-old Redd needs to revitalize his career.

6. O. J. Mayo

The once heavily touted prospect O. J. Mayo is seeing his career in Memphis slowly come to an end.

After being selected third-overall in the 2008 NBA draft, many imagined that Mayo could be a future star in the NBA.

Not only has Mayo not lived up to the expectations, he actually played himself out of the starting role for the Grizzlies. On top of that, off-field issues and internal locker room disputes are only pushing Mayo closer towards the door.

Mayo still has the potential to become an All-Star in the NBA, but I doubt it will be with the Grizzlies.

5. Ben Gordon

Man, back when Ben Gordon played on the Chicago Bulls, there was nothing more fun to watch than him catching fire late in a game.

When he was hot, there wasn't a shot he couldn't make from anywhere on the floor and it was certainly entertaining to watch.

But where has that gone?

He's actually still a backup shooting guard for the Detroit Pistons, but you literally never hear his name called anymore.

NBA teams love those Jamal Crawford-type of players who can come off the bench and score at will.

I think Gordon could be just that guy for a playoff contending team.

4. Andre Iguodala

If there is one player in the NBA who is on the verge of switching teams, it's Andre Iguodala.

After being mentioned in a multitude of trade rumors with the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers, it seems like Iguodala's days in Philadelphia are numbered.

With Evan Turner—the second-overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft—waiting in the wings, it only makes "Iggy" a more expendable trade asset for the 76ers.

3. Chris Paul

You want to know what Kobe Bryant is telling Chris Paul in this picture?

"Hey Paulie, you know how good you would look in purple and yellow?"

The New Orleans Hornets should trade Chris Paul before he walks away at the end of the season and then proceed to get nothing in return for the best point guard in the NBA.

2. Nick Young

Nick Young is one of the young talents in the NBA who no one hears of, which is exactly why he needs to be traded.

Young came into his own in 2011 and emerged as one of the young scoring talents in the NBA.

He could be that scorer who pushes a playoff bubble team into the postseason and he will definitely be a hot commodity once the trade talk gates open up.

1. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is one frustrated man and you can see it in his eyes.

You can't help but feel sorry for the man when he desperately tries to put the team on his back and carry them to a NBA championship.

Howard did just that in the opening game of the 2011 playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks when he erupted for 49 points and 19 rebounds in a losing effort.

Howard wants to win and that's the only thing he has on his mind right now.

If the Orlando Magic were smart, they would seriously consider doing whatever it takes to pair Howard with a fellow superstar.

If they don't, then they should seriously consider trading Howard now to get something in return because he won't be coming back to the Magic if they don't win in 2012.