NBA Free Agents 2011: The 10 Most Reliable Shooters on the Market

The NBA may never see a 2011-12 season, but we shouldn't let that deter us from discussing the free agents on the market—in particular, ones who would make a significant difference on teams that need a shooter.

On the next 10 slides, you'll see midrange and three-point shooting experts, who can make an impact wherever they end up if they don't stay with their current teams.

Let's begin!

Jason Kapono

There aren't many sharpshooters on the market like Jason Kapono, who is a career 43.7 percent three-point wizard from way out yonder.

In addition to being a great straightaway and baseline shooter, Kapono employs a modest skill set that allows him to make one or two moves before getting into his shooting motion.

The amiable small forward, who is known to be a consummate professional, could blossom for a team like the Lakers, who can use a reliable threat from the outside to open up space for their big men—Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Jason Richardson

Besides being a slashing scorer, the athletic Jason Richardson was the most efficient he's ever been from deep last year, converting on 39.5 percent of his attempts.

Unlike Kapono, who is mostly a standstill shooter, Richardson can create his own shots at a greater frequency in conjunction with being able to catch and release the ball from the outside.

If he can rein in his ego, he would be a welcome addition to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who can use not only an additional shooter, but veteran leadership.

James Jones

James Jones is one of the most relaxed shooters in the game, who, unlike his contemporaries, actually becomes more effective in the playoffs.

For instance, as part of the Miami Heat this past year, the small forward improved on his three-point precision by three percent in the postseason—from 42.9 to 45.9 percent.

In several instances he was clutch for the Heat, who needed a basket when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were struggling from the floor.

If the Heat want to continue having as many weapons as possible, they'll retain the 6'8" flamethrower.

Michael Redd

Plagued by knee injuries in the last year, Michael Redd went from being an All-Star to persona non grata on the Milwaukee Bucks.

Still, if he's willing to take a drastic pay cut, the Columbus native can be a valuable asset for a team in need of an accurate shooter from beyond the arc.

Even if he is unable to plant his knee to create off the dribble, as a catch-and-shoot player alone, Redd can make a world of difference.

The former Olympian, and career 38.3 percent three-point shooter, would flourish on either the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls.

Shannon Brown

Although Shannon Brown is known for being a one-man highlight reel at the rim, he is actually a very underrated shooter.

For instance, the guard shot 34.9 percent from behind the 23-foot hash mark last year as a Laker.

Believe it or not, however, Brown is an even better shooter from midrange, around 15 to 17 feet away from the basket.

Furthermore, compared to many of his one-dimensional shooting peers on the market, "Downtown" Brown can utilize his speed to create off the dribble as well as he can spot up and knock it down.

If the Lakers can re-sign him at a reasonable price, they should do it, as he was one of the very few bright spots for their team in the 2010-11 season.

Mike Dunleavy Jr.

The son of Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy Sr., the Pacers small forward/guard is equally adept from distance and midrange.

For example, he shot 46.2 percent from the field last year—a relatively impressive number for a shooting guard.

As for which team can harness his talent best, one can argue the Clippers would bring the best out of him.

The father-son pairing would be interesting, because if there is anyone who knows Jr.'s game better than himself, it's Mike Dunleavy Sr.

Not to mention, it would make for intriguing TV.

Troy Murphy

The former Indiana pacer Troy Murphy is a poor man's Dirk Nowitzki.

Now a Boston Celtic, the power forward can sink it from beyond the key and convert on most of his midrange attempts.

Throughout his career, Murphy has been a 38.9 percent shooter from downtown, which is staggering for someone his size.

An extra benefit he'll give any team is his ability to rebound the ball between eight to 10 times per game.

Because his game didn't suit the Celtics, Murphy would be better off venturing over to the New Orleans Hornets to replace David West, who may leave their organization.

Peja Stojakovic

When he's on, there is nobody more devastating from beyond the arc than Peja Stojakovic.

The Serbian saw a resurgence in his game this past season with the Dallas Mavericks and proved doubters wrong about his playoff proficiency by rediscovering his touch against the Lakers in the semifinals.

A career 40 percent shooter from the three-point line, Peja can not only catch and shoot—with his trademark quick release—but launch the ball on the break, as well.

Because he played a vital role during Dallas' 2011 championship run, expect Mark Cuban to pony up when it's time.

Vladimir Radmanovic

The "space cadet" Vladimir Radmanovic shot an uncanny 40.5 percent from behind the three-point line this past season for the Golden State Warriors.

Although his defense and rebounding are lacking for someone his size, the small forward makes up for it with his shooting and transition play.

Not counting the Lakers, who aren't likely to take him back, if Vladimir wants to play for a contender, he should give Pat Riley a call, who is used to dealing with the NBA's misfits and biggest egos.

Shane Battier

As one of the headiest players in the game, Shane Battier is one its foremost leaders and reliable shooters, especially in the closing moments.

His veteran presence played a monumental role for the Grizzlies, who would otherwise have been unable to surmount the Spurs in the first round before succumbing to the Thunder in a nail-biting seventh game.

Furthermore, the Duke alumnus is not only a 38.5 percent three-point technician, he is also the best defender on this list—a veritable hound dog, who takes it upon himself to stop the opposing team's best guard or small forward.

It goes without saying that Battier won't find a better home than Memphis, who must keep him on their roster.