NBA Free Agents: Top Targets to Lead Contenders to NBA Finals

With the NBA possibly returning on Christmas Day pending a few more agreements, the next stop on this carousel is free agency. If the NBA is back, these next couple of weeks will be full of signings.

These players on the free-agent market are crucial for teams to sign if they want a spot in the NBA Finals.

David West

If teams are looking for a pick-and-pop type of player, then David West would be a perfect fit. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and is one of the more consistent players in the league. His mid-range game is one of the best in the NBA.

He averaged 18.9 PPG and 7.5 RPG in 2010-11. West excels with a point guard like Chris Paul because of his ability to get to the cup, find the open man and the overall attention he brings. If West can sign with the correct team, he may be due for another All-Star caliber year.

West has averaged 16.4 PPG and 7.3 RPG per game throughout his eight-year career. That is consistency.

Jose Juan Barea

Every team needs a player like Jose Juan Barea. They need a guy who is willing to come off the bench and give their team a much needed spark when things aren’t going right.

He isn’t the most touted name in free agency, but his value can’t be judge simply by statistics. If they did, it would read something like 9.5 PPG, 3.9 APG and 2 RPG—slightly above average numbers.

What Barea does for a team is lift the energy, both in the locker room and on the floor. He is an instant-offense type of player that can change the dynamics of the game.

In what were the two biggest games of the season (Game 5 and 6 of NBA Finals), Barea put on an offensive clinic. He scored 17 points and hit four three-pointers in 26 minutes in Game 5. He scored 15 points on 7-12 shooting in 30 minutes played in Game 6.

But what made him so influential to the Mavericks success in those two games was his ability to find the open man. The Miami Heat knew that Barea was taking over the game, so they attempted to contain him as best as possible. Barea read the defense, made the adjustments and found the open man for five assists in both contests.

He isn’t the best player on the market, but every team needs a spark when they're off. Barea is that type of player.  

Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler changed the dynamics of the Dallas Mavericks in their championship season. He was the anchor in the middle that inspired others to play great team defense. Seven of his nine rebounds per game came on the defensive side of the ball.

Not only does Chandler possess the capability of blocking shots but altering them as well. An altered shot is just as successful as a blocked shot. Having a player that can control the rim is a necessity for most teams looking to break through to a NBA championship. He blocked at least one shot per game last season and altered many others.

The NBA is nowhere near its golden days with centers dominating games. That need has diminished to almost nothing. 

Chandler is the perfect center for a championship contender. He gives you production, hustle and now championship experience.

For more free agents check out http://bleacherreport.com/articles/956744-nba-free-agents-tyson-chandler-and-top-difference-makers-on-the-market