NBA Free Agents: Ranking the Free-Agent Market's Biggest Difference Makers

Even on the first day of NBA free agency, plenty of talented players have come off the market. Of those who haven’t yet agreed to a new contract, this quartet has the most game-changing potential:

1. Nene Hilario

With Tyson Chandler gone, there’s no longer any debate about the best true center available in free agency. Nene isn’t yet 30. He’s got a polished offensive game and he has a legitimate center’s body at 6’11” and 260 pounds.

There’s no NBA position harder to fill than starting center, so demand for Nene will certainly be high. Expect Houston (even after the failed trade that would’ve brought Pau Gasol to town) to be among the front-runners for the ex-Nugget’s services.

2. David West

While all the Hornets-related news is (understandably) focused on the vetoed Chris Paul deal, Paul’s right-hand man remains available in free agency. West is a skilled jump-shooter and reliable defender who’s made a pair of All-Star teams for New Orleans.

There aren’t many scoring options out there who can match West’s 18.9 points per game from last season, especially in the post. He’ll almost certainly put up better numbers than Nene, even if he’ll be doing it at a position with more viable options available.

3. DeAndre Jordan

He lacks the experience or polish of Hilario and West, but Jordan has a bigger long-term upside than either of them. A 6’11” center with athleticism and youth (age 23), Jordan would be a crippling loss for the Clippers.

In L.A.’s favor is the fact that Jordan is only a restricted free agent, giving them the chance to meet any offer made to him. However, the Warriors (having missed out on Chandler) are so high on Jordan that they may offer him more money than the Clips are willing to match.

4. DeShawn Stevenson

It’s going to be a rough year for the Mavericks in free agency, and Stevenson will be a more painful loss than many. The 6’5” Stevenson established himself during last year’s title run as one of the league’s toughest perimeter defenders.

There are very few players in the league, much less available ones, who can make opponents like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James work in one-on-one match-ups. Even when scoring just 5.3 point a game, Stevenson can redefine a playoff series with his ability to turn opposing stars into mere mortals.