The Top 5 Unrestricted Free-Agent Power Forwards of 2011

Here are five power forwards that are currently unrestricted free-agents in the NBA.

Each of these players has some experience under their belt, and will look to help a team next season.

Two of the following players listed are expected to command the most attention when it comes to free agency.

Hint: The top two power forwards spent a part of last season on the same team. Can you guess the pair?

Either way, check out the slideshow to find out the answer!

So, let’s meet the top five unrestricted free-agent power forwards!

No. 1: David West, New Orleans Hornets

David West will be entering his ninth NBA season, and has spent his entire tenure with the New Orleans Hornets.

West has seen his scoring, minutes played, and rebounding over the course of his career increase for the most part since the 2005-06 NBA season.

West was named an All-Star reserve in 2007-08 (where he averaged 20.6 points per game), and in 2008-09 (where he averaged a career-high 21.0 points per game).

This past season West tore his ACL in late March against the Utah Jazz and opted out of his contract to become a free agent.

West has also developed a consistent jumper that has allowed his scoring to improve over the years.

As a free-agent West is sure to get offers from other teams looking to add a player in the frontcourt.

Additionally, West said that he is also willing to sign an extension with the Hornets.

No. 2: Carl Landry, Sacramento Kings/New Orleans Hornets

Carl Landry will be entering his fifth NBA season and has spent time with Houston, and with both Sacramento and New Orleans last season.

Landry was a reserve forward in Houston but was an energetic player that worked very hard, and became a fan favorite.

Landry was eventually dealt to Sacramento in a three-team trade (involving Tracy McGrady heading to New York).

Landry was traded to the New Orleans Hornets before the February trade deadline, and played alongside David West, where he did average 11.8 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 games as a Hornet.

Landry, with his athletic ability, and energy around the hoop, will be another free-agent that will field a lot of offers from teams. He is a young player with the potential to become a starter, and a scorer.

No. 3: Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Boston Celtics

Glen “Big Baby” Davis will be entering his fifth NBA season and has spent his entire career as a member of the Boston Celtics.

Davis has seen his playing time increase each year with Boston and even started games for the team during the 2009-10 season even during the playoffs.

When Davis was a rookie making a minimal contribution, the Celtics won an NBA Championship as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007-08.

Davis, signed a two-year extension with the team in December 2008, and is another player that may field multiple offers from teams looking for a player to add in their front court. The Celtics may also look to re-sign the versatile big man.

No. 4: Craig Smith, Los Angeles Clippers

Craig Smith will be entering his sixth NBA season and has spent time with Minnesota, before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers two years ago.

Smith, a name that is usually not seen in NBA headlines, is undersized at 6'7'', but is a bruising power forward who lives in the paint.

Smith started the last five games of the 2006-07 season (his rookie year) and averaged 12.2 points and 10.2 rebounds in about 34.4 minutes played for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With the play of both Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, in Los Angeles, Smith has been coming off the bench, but is a player that could find a bigger role with another team come free agency.

No. 5: Troy Murphy, New Jersey Nets/Golden State Warriors/Boston Celtics

Troy Murphy will be entering his 11^th NBA season and has spent time with Golden State, Indiana, and with both New Jersey and Boston this past season.

Murphy averaged 15.4 points per game during the 2004-05 season as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

However, Murphy was eventually traded to the Indiana Pacers during the 2006-07 season, where he played more minutes, and shot 45 percent from the three-point line.

Murphy was then dealt to the New Jersey Nets last year, where he did not contribute to the team, and then traded to the Golden State Warriors, who released him, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Murphy then signed with the Boston Celtics, and played in his first NBA playoff game of his career.

Listed as a power forward/center on most NBA rosters, Murphy’s ability to shoot the three-point shot makes him a unique big man that can work the pick-and-roll and keep the opposition on their heels.

Even though the past season was rough for Murphy, he may find another opportunity due to his ability to shoot the basketball and play multiple positions in the front court.