NBA Free Agents 2011: One Player Every Team Should Target

The crop of NBA free agents in the 2011 offseason isn't exactly loaded with talent.

After we saw star-studded names like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki hit the open market last season, this time around, the group is a wee bit more watered down.

With the new Collective Bargaining Agreement likely set to lower salaries around the league, some of these guys are going to have to settle for contracts that pale in comparison to some of the deals signed last season.

Teams should be looking at value in this market rather than going for the knockout punch, and each of the 30 candidates on this list could really flourish with the teams that have been recommended.

Atlanta Hawks: Samuel Dalembert, Center

The Hawks have been playing long enough with an undersized front line, and it's about time that the club brought in a legitimate center in an effort to improve.

Al Horford has looked beastly when slotted at his natural power forward spot, and Josh Smith would eat up the opposition if he had the chance to play small forward.

Dalembert would provide an interior defensive presence because of his legitimate size and superior athleticism, and he has proven to be an excellent defender around the rim.

Boston Celtics: J.J. Barea, Point Guard

Barea is going to be an intriguing asset to value when transactions can resume after the lockout, as it's likely that many teams vary considerably on his health.

Boston really struggled at the backup point position last season, and even went as far as to sign Carlos Arroyo off of the street in an effort to address the situation.

The product of Puerto Rico has also shown an ability to be a bona fide scorer in the second unit, and his ball distribution skills shouldn't be left to waste on a Celtics team that could really use him.

Charlotte Bobcats: Aaron Gray, Center

The Bobcats got surprising production from Kwame Brown in the middle last season, but the team would be foolish to bank on him as the starter moving forward.

Gray is not a big name, but he has quietly improved as he has spent more time in the league, and he could really break out for a team if in the right opportunity.

Entering a market that wouldn't put a huge onus on his shoulders to perform, Gray could very well step up and surprise a lot of people as the starting center for the new-look Bobcats.

Chicago Bulls: J.R. Smith, Shooting Guard

Although Smith has been in and out of the doghouse during his tenure in Denver, the shooting guard has never been short on talent.

With range from just about anywhere on the floor, Smith is the definition of someone that could provide instant offense, and the Bulls lacked that immensely from the two-guard spot last season.

If he signed with Chicago, Tom Thibodeau would likely have him drinking the Kool-Aid in no time, and he could make for the most explosive backcourt in all of basketball alongside Derrick Rose.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Shannon Brown, Shooting Guard

The Cavs were clearly lacking explosive talent on the perimeter last season, and that is an area where they'll have to substantially improve in an effort to evolve as a team.

The additions of Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson and Omri Casspi will undoubtedly help, but with Anthony Parker an impending free agent, they're going to need to address their depth at the shooting guard spot.

Brown is packed with potential and has shown flashes of harnessing his immense potential, and he shouldn't come too expensive to a team that's clearly re-building.

Dallas Mavericks: Tyson Chandler, Center

Chandler was imperative in the Mavericks securing their first championship in franchise history, and that's why Dallas can't afford to let him go.

Looking like he was absolutely fearless on both ends of the court, Chandler really stepped up with his play last season, showing off exactly why he was the second overall pick back in 2001.

It's not going to be easy for the Mavericks to re-sign him given the fact that he's going to be an attractive target for several squads, but Mark Cuban isn't short on financial resources and it's doubtful that he'll be letting his starting center walk away.

Denver Nuggets: Nene, Power Forward / Center

Similarly to Tyson Chandler in Dallas, the Denver Nuggets can't afford to let Nene slip through the cracks and walk out the door via free agency.

Despite having an intriguing big man prospect in Timofey Mozgov on the bench, there isn't a player in the league with the same efficiency that Nene has demonstrated around the rim in recent seasons.

After looking like someone who was rather injury-prone earlier in his career, Nene has really turned it around and established himself as an integral contributor for Denver.

Detroit Pistons: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

The Pistons are going to have to make some serious evaluations about the shape of the roster going forward, because they simply can't team with the win as its currently constructed.

Mbah a Moute might look like another undersized forward to Pistons fans, but he's shown a willingness to battle underneath the basket and a a solid commitment at the defensive end, something that new head coach Lawrence Frank will undoubtedly welcome into the fold.

He likely won't be all that expensive to sign given the limited playing time that he saw last season, but Mbah a Moute has value written all over him if the Pistons can use him in his proper role.

Golden State Warriors: Chuck Hayes, Power Forward / Center

Another undersized player along the front line, Hayes really blossomed with an increased role last season with the Houston Rockets.

Although the Warriors already have Andris Biedrins, Ekpe Udoh and David Lee, only one of those three players was productive on the court last season, and Golden State has to have a contingency plan in mind in case of a similar occurrence.

While he wouldn't start with the Warriors, he would likely be one of the first men off of the bench and would see substantial playing time as a reserve capable of backing up a couple of positions in an underachieving group of talent.

Houston Rockets: Jeff Green, Small Forward

After Jeff Green admitted that it was "tough" to join the Celtics upon being traded to the team, the swingman pretty much confirmed what most fans could already see a long time ago.

Despite General Manager Danny Ainge's claim that Green would be pivotal in the team's final push during the season, Green really never looked comfortable at any point during his tenure, and one has to wonder if Boston really wants to re-sign him to a long-term deal.

He'd be a much better fit on a number of clubs around the league, but the Rockets would really be smart to take a look at him considering that he's a substantial upgrade over Chase Budinger and Marcus Morris may not be ready to assume the starting job right off of the bat.

Indiana Pacers: Jamario Moon, Small Forward

Moon doesn't exactly leap out at you when considering his potential impact on the court, but the Pacers don't need to add a lot to an already youthful core.

What he does provide is an instant energy boost to the second unit, as he'll always play with 110 percent intensity whenever he comes into the game.

He's got the athletic ability to jump right out of his shoes, and Moon could provide an element of athleticism to a group of reserves that has missed it sorely.

Los Angeles Clippers: DeAndre Jordan, Center

Despite the fact that the Clippers still have Chris Kaman under contract, there is no doubt that DeAndre Jordan is viewed as the center of the future in Los Angeles.

With Blake Griffin occupying the power forward spot, the combination of Jordan and Griffin is hands down the most athletic in the league, and it's scary to think what the two could accomplish together in the paint.

We finally saw Jordan play with a high level of consistency last season, and he really appears to be on his way to becoming special if he can continue to hone his offensive game around the rim.

Los Angeles Lakers: T.J. Ford, Point Guard

It's crystal clear that the Los Angeles Lakers need to upgrade at the point guard position, but with $90 million committed next season already, there is not going to be a lot of financial flexibility for this club.

Because of that fact, the Lakers will look to scrap the bottom of the bargain bin for a free agent addition or two that can come in and help the club immediately, and that's exactly what Ford is capable of doing.

He's still only 28 years old, and the Lakers can't afford to go into another season with their championship window still open with Derek Fisher and Steve Blake running the offense.

Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol, Center

Gasol's lackluster regular season was long forgotten when he came into the postseason with a fire in his belly and led Memphis on an impressive charge.

He has the potential to become one of the most talented centers in the NBA, and at 26 years old, Gasol is set to enter the prime of his career over the next few seasons.

Despite handing out massive contract extensions to Zach Randolph and Mike Conley last season, the Grizzlies are going to have to find a way to retain Gasol if they want to continue to improve into the future.

Miami Heat: Sebastian Telfair, Point Guard

Miami's experiment at the point guard position last season really blew up miserably in the team's face, and they'd be wise to turn the page completely from the players that were on the roster.

Telfair has gotten out to a slower than anticipated start in his career since he was touted as a mega-prospect alongside LeBron James coming out of high school, but he can certainly still be productive at 26 years old.

The former No. 13 overall pick can certainly help to facilitate the offense in Miami next season, and there's a strong chance he'd take the minimum salary for a chance at a championship after bouncing around the league.

Milwaukee Bucks: Shane Battier, Small Forward

There's no question that it would have to take something convincing to land Battier in Milwaukee, but from the team's perspective, he has to garner some serious appeal.

Ersan Ilyasova has signed in Turkey and has expressed a desire to not return to the Bucks and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute on the free agent market, the team will need a defensive enforcer to step up off of the bench.

He would have a positive influence on a group of players that could learn by example from him on the defensive end, and would certainly add value to Milwaukee's rising squad.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Nick Young, Shooting Guard

Nick Young is definitely going to catch the eye of several teams thanks to a breakout campaign with the Wizards, and he could find more financial incentive outside of Washington.

Although there is thought to be a mutual interest in Young returning to Washington, it's possible that the Wizards bow out of the bidding if it becomes too high with Jordan Crawford able to start at shooting guard for the team.

There is a gaping hole at the starting position in Minnesota, and the T-Wolves could add to the youth on the roster by signing Young to be a scorer.

New Jersey Nets: Kris Humphries, Power Forward

New Jersey may have its sights set on something a little larger in this spot (Nene, David West), but both could potentially look for better winning opportunities than the Nets present.

That's not to say that the Nets are going to be bad, because they're not far off. With Deron Williams running the point and only willing to sign an extension if the team improves around him, the team will definitely look to put some sustainable talent around him in the near future.

Re-signing Humphries would ensure continued production on the glass, a larger national following because of the infamous Kim Kardashian connection and seemed to enjoy his tenure with the team after receiving a prominent role.

New Orleans Hornets: David West, Power Forward

From the team's perspective, it's tough to try and predict what the Hornets will do because they're currently owned by the NBA.

Financial implications will undoubtedly play a role in any free agent signing in New Orleans, and the most that the team could have offered him under the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement was three years and $26 million.

This is the best possible move for the team if they are able to pull it off, but when West left a guaranteed $7.5 million on the table coming off of reconstructive knee surgery, his actions may have spoken louder than any words.

New York Knicks: Jamal Crawford, Shooting Guard

Crawford has previously spent time with the Knicks, and a reunion could be in the best interest of both parties.

Best suited for a sixth man role, Crawford could provide a much needed offensive spark in the second unit that the team often lacked last season.

He'd have to be willing to sign at a reasonable price, because although he's capable of catching fire from the outside at any moment, he has moments reminiscent of the ice age and his game can be rather one-dimensional during his down moments.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kurt Thomas, Power Forward / Center

The Thunder are banking on Kendrick Perkins' ability to stay healthy in order to be successful, but the team is going to need an insurance policy just in case.

Thomas might be the oldest player in the league, but he's proven that he can still play at a high level and even served as a starter on the Bulls last season.

With a chance to compete on a young team and an outside shot at advancing pretty far in the postseason, Thomas could be intrigued by the possibility of joining the Thunder.

Orlando Magic: Tracy McGrady, Shooting Guard

It's time for T-Mac to make his return to the Orlando Magic and turn back the clock on his career.

While McGrady isn't likely to ever be the player that he once was, he did show that he could stay mostly healthy for a full season last year with Detroit, and served in a variety of roles for a team that needed him on the court.

He'll probably have to settle for another one-year deal so teams can really know that he's healthy, and he could make for a low-risk, high-reward compliment to Dwight Howard.

Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young, Small Forward

Thaddeus Young is the most talented player set to test the waters that nobody is talking about, and the Sixers should know exactly what he's worth.

Despite the team having Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner, the Sixers would be foolish to let Young walk away after the club showed legitimate promise last season.

A young core of Jrue Holiday, Turner and Young would certainly be an entertaining one to watch.

Phoenix Suns: Grant Hill, Small Forward

Hill had expressed a willingness to return to the Suns prior to the lockout, and it's really looking like the two parties will be able to hammer out a deal when the action resumes.

While he doesn't have an endless amount of talent left in the well, Hill proved to be an asset for the Suns last year,and with the team re-building, he could really help to usher in a new era of basketball in the desert.

A savvy veteran, there's an outside chance that Hill could move on in an effort to ascertain a championship, but I wouldn't put those chances very high.

Portland Trail Blazers: Carl Landry, Power Forward

Carl Landry recently told SLAMOnline.com that he had an interest in playing for the Blazers, and you can bet that team officials definitely caught wind of it through the media.

While some have argued for the case against him with LaMarcus Aldridge, I feel that he'd be a welcomed addition to a front-line that has been decimated by injuries over the last few seasons.

Landry would be a threat off the bench, playing between 20-25 minutes per contest, and he could instantly take on a larger role with the Blazers if anyone were forced to miss time.

Sacramento Kings: Marcus Thornton, Shooting Guard

A restricted free agent, Marcus Thornton really set the net ablaze last season upon being traded to the Kings.

After earning a starting role, Thornton became a regular offensive threat, regularly scoring 20 or more points per night and draining shots from a variety of sports from beyond the three-point line.

Although the backcourt is a little crowded with Jimmer Fredette and Tyreke Evans, Thornton will be rotated into the mix assuming that he re-signs, and it's doubtful that the Kings let him walk out the door after what he did for the team down the stretch.

San Antonio Spurs: Tayshaun Prince, Small Forward

Tayshaun Prince is almost certainly going to move on from Detroit with Austin Daye waiting in the wings, and it's possible that he's looking to win at a higher level at this point in his career.

The Spurs are known to like players with a high basketball IQ, and that's exactly what Prince has. Richard Jefferson has been a massive disappointment with the team, and Prince could likely supplant him as the starter.

He can play multiple roles for a team that will need his versatility to give Tim Duncan a rest, and he could prove to be a value coming off of a mediocre season.

Toronto Raptors: Caron Butler, Small Forward

Caron Butler needs to re-establish his value on the market after a season-ending knee injury.

He could be a huge offensive weapon for the Raptors playing alongside DeMar DeRozan, and the team is going to be in the hunt for a starting small forward in the offseason.

James Johnson flashed some potential in a starting role down the stretch, but now that Sonny Weems has signed a one-year deal in Lithuania, Johnson would be best suited as depth behind Butler.

Utah Jazz: Jason Richardson, Shooting Guard

The Jazz did just draft Alec Burks out of Colorado, so don't get too caught up in the suggestion of Richardson landing in Utah.

He can serve as a tutor to Burks at the position, and he gives the Jazz an immediate starting option to spice up the backcourt to pair with an imposing front line.

Richardson could serve as a premier perimeter threat in the Utah attack, and he's still got surprising athleticism at this point in his career.

Washington Wizards: Glen Davis, Power Forward

The Wizards don't need to add a lot through free agency with such a young team, but with Andray Blatche having been speculated as a potential trade target, power forward is certainly a position to monitor.

Davis does his best work when he's not asked to take on a big role, and playing within the first unit may actually to be to his benefit as it would limit his number of shot attempts.

He isn't afraid to bang around down low, and Davis could quickly step into a prominent role for Flip Saunders if he exerts his utmost effort 110 percent of the time.