NBA Free Agents 2011: Predicting Where Nene and Top 5 Big Men Will Sign
The market for effective centers in the NBA has always been extremely thin, and this year's free agency has done anything but prove otherwise.
That being said, there are a handful of players out there who can make a major impact on any given team. Given that these athletes are few and far between though, the competition to obtain their services is going to be fiercely competitive.
The market for this year's top big men may be crowded, but only certain teams are poised to come out on top.
Samuel Dalembert
1 of 5The fact that Samuel Dalembert is a top-five athlete at his position in this year's free-agency pool speaks volumes about how shallow it is.
Dalembert will draw interest from any team looking to strengthen its interior, and he has the potential to get paid. That being said, he recently stated that he is interested in playing for the Miami Heat, indicating a championship may be more important to him at this stage in the game.
Both the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks could come into play, but Dalembert's mind may already be made up.
Prediction: Samuel Dalembert Inks a Deal with the Miami Heat
DeAndre Jordan
2 of 5DeAndre Jordan is a restricted free agent, but his options are anything but.
The big man showed some amazing potential last season, proving to be a ferocious defender and rebounder. His offensive game needs some polish, but he is still young and capable of developing a strong offensive set.
There are bound to be a number of teams interested in acquiring the budding big man, but we must remember that the Los Angeles Clippers have the right to match offers that Jordan fields.
Chris Kaman is a solid athlete, but the Clippers are ready to usher in a new era and Jordan will prove to be the athlete of choice to play alongside Blake Griffin.
Prediction: DeAndre Jordan Re-ups with Los Angeles Clippers
Tyson Chandler
3 of 5Tyson Chandler recently stated that he envisions himself on a different team come the start of next season, which essentially means his time with the Dallas Mavericks has come to a close.
There will be no shortage of interest for the big man's services, as he is a tenacious defender who can block shots and grab rebounds in bunches.
Chandler is reportedly set to meet with the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets. The Rockets and Nets have plenty of cap space, but the Warriors, by simply using the amnesty clause on Andris Biedrins and renouncing the rights to their free agents, can have plenty of room as well.
A pairing of Chandler and David Lee in the low post would be a formidable one, and would also provide the defense Golden State craves without getting rid of Monta Ellis.
It would be a bold move, but one Chandler would be smart to make.
Prediction: Tyson Chandler Signs on with the Golden State Warriors
Marc Gasol
4 of 5Marc Gasol's stock is rising rapidly, and his restricted-free-agency tag does not apply to his ability to make a move.
The Memphis Grizzlies want to keep Gasol, and they have the money to do so. If Gasol opted to take his talents to another team, Memphis would consider engaging in sign-and-trade talks.
That being said, until Gasol states otherwise, the Grizzlies are a lock to match any offer he receives, meaning that competing teams may only succeed in driving his price up.
Prediction: Marc Gasol Remains in Memphis with the Grizzlies
Nene Hilario
5 of 5Nene Hilario has drawn a ton of interest since the NBA re-opened for business.
The Denver Nuggets want to keep the nine-year veteran around, but it may prove too costly to do so, and after the team failed to offer him an early extension, Nene may not be as apt to return.
Nene has most notably peaked the interest of the Nets and Rockets, though there are other teams like the Clippers and Trail Blazers who are involved as well.
While the Nets may present the best opportunity to win now, Nene would more likely than not become trade bait in an attempt to pry Dwight Howard from Orlando's clutches. Houston, on the other hand, would keep him and make him an integral part of their future.
Prediction: Nene Hilario Takes His Talents to the Houston Rockets
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