NBA Free Agents 2011: Why Nene Is the Best Player Available

Looking at this year's free-agent class compared to that of a year ago, or even comparing it to what will be the class of 2012, the one thing this year's class truly lacks is superstar power.

However, if you're searching for the best player in what overall is an average class this year, that search should begin and end with one man.

Nene.

He's currently the most sought-after guy on the market with as many as six teams currently in the hunt for him.

Right now he's the best available free agent because he can make the most impact with his new team. He's by no means a superstar that can turn a franchise around single-handedly, but given the right situation, Nene can get a team over the hump.

He's coming off probably his best season in which he averaged over 14 points per game and over seven rebounds per game. Those numbers likely increase on a team where Nene is more of a part of the offense.

What a team gets by signing Nene is an athletic big man that can run the floor. He's as tough as he is quick and is a selfless player.

Nene's a tremendous passer for a big man and has a better-than-average post game. While he will never be known as a great jump shooter, he has enough of a shot that he can extend his game outside of the paint.

Defensively, Nene is an above-average rebounder and because of his quickness he is excellent defending the pick-and-roll.

In a normally deep free-agent class, Nene would be a good signing. But in this season's weaker class, Nene is the top target out there.

Looking at all of the unrestricted free agents and what they'll bring to any team that signs them, it's hard to argue with Nene being the best unrestricted free agent in this year's crop.