NBA Free Agents 2011: 10 Best Big Men Available

While it's true that this free-agent season is less exciting than 2010, there is still plenty to be excited about.

Once the NBA gets back to work, there will be a frenzy during the shortened free-agency period. This should make for some very interesting activity, especially when it comes to big men.

Of all the big names out there this year, most of them are post players. This should make this unique free agency all the more interesting as there is always a premium on the tallest men on the court.

Here is a list of the top 10 big men you should should expect to make some noise this offseason.

10. Samuel Dalembert

Samuel Dalembert is one of those big men who always seems like he should be doing much more than he is on the court.

And yet, he still manages to be productive enough that you keep him on the team.

He’s big and long and plays solid defense. Plenty of teams are willing to bring on a guy like Dalembert to round out their frontcourt, especially if they have a high scoring big to complement him with.

9. Carl Landry

Carl Landry is one of my favorite players in the game, so it’s no wonder that he makes the list.

One of the more underrated big men, he always contributes to whatever team he is on. Yes, he’s undersized, but Landry has shown that he can hold his own, and actually has a decent post game.

I don’t quite understand why he hasn’t found a team willing to give him a little consistent floor time, but the fact is, he is still young and should be productive for quite some time.

8. Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries might be more popular for his off-court social life than his actual basketball career, and that’s too bad considering he actually had a productive season.

Any time a player averages 10 rebounds for a season, you ought to take notice. It was also the first time in seven years that Humphries found himself in the starting lineup.

I think the New Jersey Nets appreciate Humphries enough to give him a fair contract.

7. Greg Oden (Restricted Free Agent)

Once again, Gred Oden enters the conversation. I greatly contemplated leaving him off altogether, but there is still a little bit of hope left that Oden can get his game, and his body, in the right place.

What is most depressing is that Oden isn’t a bust for lack of ability on the court—it’s just that he can’t seem to stay on the court for very long.

At only 23 he still has a chance to make a great career for himself, but he needs to take his time and make sure he’s healthy.

I’m not sure if the Trail Blazers are willing to re-sign him for big money this offseason, but I don’t know if there’s anyone out there willing to take a chance on Oden enough that the Blazers would let him go.

6. DeAndre Jordan

Success in life is often a combination of talent and opportunity. When Chris Kaman went down with injury, DeAndre Jordan seized that opportunity to show off his talent.

Now, a year later, Jordan has demonstrated that he might just be the Clippers’ center of the future.

He also has a fantastic relationship with Blake Griffin, which will help the team’s chemistry on the court as both players continue to develop.

Don’t expect the Clips to let Jordan go—doing so would be a big mistake.

5. Glen Davis

Don’t expect Glen Davis to be in a Celtics jersey next season.

In my opinion, Davis has the ability to be a starter in this league who will put up good numbers—and someone other than the Celtics will offer him that opportunity.

If Davis does end up leaving Boston for a team that needs a post presence, he could have a breakout season.

4. David West

David West always looks good on paper. In fact, judging on stats alone he should probably be No. 1 on this list.

Why isn’t he? Because at the age of 31 he’s still undersized for his position, he's never shown a flash of true greatness, and he plays with the best point guard in the game.

From watching him play, I wonder if he truly deserves top money or if his stats are simply inflated by the players around him and team he plays on.

3. Nene

Nene is always an interesting player to look at. He’s never made much noise in his career, and yet he still hangs around.

This past season, his ninth, he put up arguably his best numbers. Does that mean he is going to continue to produce at a high level, or perhaps he is closer to the end of his career than his beginning?

We won’t truly know until next season, but expect Nene to get a few bidders.

2. Tyson Chandler

What is the best way to enter the free-agent market? Play an integral part on a championship team.

It also doesn’t hurt that the media, as well as many of the players on the Mavericks (including Dirk), credit Tyson Chandler with changing the culture in Dallas.

Don’t be surprised to see teams with cap space fight over Chandler. In the end, expect Mark Cuban to put up the big bucks.

1. Marc Gasol (Restricted Free Agent)

I don’t think there can be much question of Marc Gasol’s ability after this year’s playoffs. He was a huge part of the Grizzlies’ unexpected run, and he will definitely be rewarded for that.

As a restricted free agent, he may be tough to sign away from Memphis, even if it is for max dollars.

Centers have been historically overpaid, and the NBA currently has virtually zero great ones (save for Dwight Howard).

If Gasol continues his progression, he could be a perennial All-Star for years to come, just like his older brother Pau.