NBA Free Agents 2011: Tyson Chandler and Big Men Who Deserve Big Money

There are a ton of big men who are about to sign some big contracts now that the NBA lockout is pretty much over.

If all goes to plan, players will be able to sign deals on Dec. 9 and have a few weeks to acclimate themselves with their team for a Christmas Day season tip-off.

Last season, there were quite a few teams that were a big man away from pushing themselves over the hump and being contenders for an NBA title.

Fortunately for them, there is a solid amount of quality power forwards and centers available in the free agent pile this year and they will be eager to sign quick with the offseason being so short.

Let’s take a look at some of the best.

Tyson Chandler - Dallas Mavericks C

As the physical and vocal leader of the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks’ defense, Chandler is going to be coveted by teams like the Heat, Celtics, Knicks and any team that seriously lacked at the five in 2010.

He should be in line for a massive deal, despite the fact that he is severely limited offensively.

The teams that would get the most use out of him would never need to run a play for the big man anyway, as they are loaded with scorers.

Marc Gasol - Memphis Grizzlies C

The Memphis Grizzlies shocked the world by besting the No. 1 seeded San Antonio Spurs and pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the playoffs last year.

This was in no small part to the play of their underrated big man, Marc Gasol.

Gasol is only 26 years old and stands at 7’1”, 265-pounds. He’s an old school style player who can post-up for easy scores and find the open man when double-teamed.

There is nothing not to like about the budding Spanish star and he should find himself with a fat new contract soon.

David West - New Orleans Hornets PF

The New Orleans Hornets made some noise in the first round of the playoffs without their star PF, David West.

He was sidelined with a major knee injury after 70 games and it ruined the extra exposure he would have had in that hard-fought series against the Lakers.

It shouldn’t matter though as the “17-foot Assassin” is well known in the league for his deadly mid-range and pick-and-roll game.

Don’t be surprised if he inks one of the biggest offseason contracts.