NBA Free Agents 2011: Impact Forwards Available

The 2011-2012 NBA season seems lost at this point, especially after the recent speculation that the league office will cancel an additional 102 games. As fans we can't lose hope, but at this point a miracle would have to occur for basketball to return to our daily lives. 

If the labor negotiations are settled, teams can begin signing free agents. Though I don't expect teams to spend big on free agents (other than their own), there are a few notable names in the batch, particularly at forward. 

Here are a few impact forwards that will be available once the lockout lifts. 

Jeff Green

Jeff Green was involved in an unlikely trade that sent the 6'10" forward to the Boston Celtics in exchange for center Kendrick Perkins. Green was originally drafted by the Celtics but was traded on draft day in a deal for Ray Allen and some other pieces. 

Green is a hybrid forward, but his best position is at the four. He's a solid defender (at both the three and four) but can be out-muscled in the paint by huskier forwards. 

The Celtics will likely resign Green, but at what price? Green will likely come off the bench unless the Celtics decide to break up the big three. He is a restricted free agent, so the Celtics may just extend Green a qualifying offer and attempt to reach a long-term extension sometime during the season. 

Carl Landry

Carl Landry is a player any team would welcome on its squad. Landry's game revolves around his quickness underneath the basket, where he has a significant advantage over taller and slower fours. 

Landry is undersized for the four position but has proven quite an effective scorer in the paint in stints as a Sacramento King, Houston Rocket and, more recently, with the New Orleans Hornets. His performance against the Lakers in the first round of last year's playoff opened a lot of eyes. 

The Nets could show some interest, but it'll likely come down to the highest bidder.  

Grant Hill

Hill has played well the last few years despite just turning 39 years old. He still plays phenomenal defense when most players his age can barely make it up the court. 

He won't receive a big contract but will likely sign a deal with a contending team as his career nears an end.

Thaddeus Young

The Sixers will fight to re-sign Thaddeus Young even if it means overpaying the young forward. Young, like Green, is also a hybrid forward. I would much rather have Young simply because of his athleticism. He would be a perfect addition to an up-tempo squad and can give you productive minutes as a starter or a sixth man. 

Expect Philly to resign Young whenever the lockout ends. 

David West

David West is the headline name of this year's free agent pool. When healthy, West is considered an All-Star or near All-Star performer. West is more of a pick and pop player and was sorely needed against the Lakers last year in the first round of the playoffs. West's injury is a cause of concern, but I expect the extended offseason should help the recovery process.

I expect the New Jersey Nets to land the All-Star forward, but it won't be cheap. The Nets, or whoever decides to sign West, will overpay for his services.