NBA's Top Potential 2011 Free Agents

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Nov 1, 2010

NBA's Top Potential 2011 Free Agents

Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets

The 2010 free-agent class was the most celebrated in NBA history. How is the '11 group shaping up? Here is a look at the top potential free agents, with two caveats: Some players might sign new deals with their teams before even getting to the market next summer; and a potential lockout would put free agency on ice. With that said, Carmelo Anthony could be the prize of the '11 class. The Nuggets have offered Anthony a three-year, $65 million extension that he's yet to accept. There's no urgency for Denver's franchise player to sign, unless he wants to lock in a long-term deal now with a lockout looming next year.

Tim Duncan, Spurs

It's hard to envision the 34-year-old Tim Duncan's playing for any team than the one he's led to four championships and the league's best record since he arrived in the NBA in 1997. Duncan hasn't been on the market since 2000, when he flirted with signing with the Magic before re-upping with San Antonio; the Magic ended up with Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill that summer.

Yao Ming, Rockets

The first order of business for Yao Ming is to play a full, healthy season after missing 2009-2010 with a foot injury. The Rockets put him on a minutes limit to begin the 2010-11 season.

Marc Gasol, Grizzlies

On the heels of giving Rudy Gay a max contract, will the Grizzlies pay big to keep another young core player, Marc Gasol? Pau's little brother was an All-Star candidate last season as he averaged 14.6 points and 9.3 rebounds and ranked fourth in shooting percentage at 58.1.

David West, Hornets

While the focus in New Orleans has centered on Chris Paul's future, the Hornets also need to concern themselves with forward David West's possible departure. West, a two-time All-Star, has been New Orleans' only reliable frontcourt scorer in recent years. He has averaged at least 18.3 points in each of the last four seasons.

Nene, Nuggets

Nene is just part of the uncertainty in Denver: Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith and Arron Afflalo are also eligible to become free agents; Chauncey Billups' 2011-12 contract is only partially guaranteed; and coach George Karl is in the last year of his deal. Nene averaged 13.8 points (on 58.7 percent shooting) and 7.6 rebounds in 2009-10.

Carl Landry, Kings

In three years, 2007 second-round pick Carl Landry has gone from a seldom-used reserve to an efficient inside scorer who averaged 16.9 points on 53.7 percent shooting last season with the Rockets and Kings. The 6-9, 248-pound Landry doesn't rebound well for his size, but his offensive ability will attract plenty of interest next summer.

Zach Randolph, Grizzlies

Zach Randolph's first season went so well in Memphis -- he was a first-time All-Star in 2009-2010, led the Grizzlies to a surprising 40-42 record and seemed to shed his malcontent reputation -- that he was hoping to sign an extension on top of his $17.3 million salary for this season. But that new deal hasn't happened yet.

Aaron Brooks, Rockets

The 2009-2010 Most Improved Player, point guard Aaron Brooks averaged 19.6 points as the undermanned Rockets stayed in playoff contention for much of the season. Interestingly, the Rockets matched a four-year, $24 million sheet to keep Brooks' backup, Kyle Lowry, this summer. The 6-foot Brooks is more streaky scorer than polished playmaker -- is he the right fit alongside high-scoring guard Kevin Martin and Yao Ming if he recovers to the point of being a player who requires a lot of touches?

Mo Williams, Cavaliers

The Cavaliers gauged the interest for Mo Williams on the trade market this offseason, according to reports. LeBron James' departure has left Williams, a complementary player, in a position of having to carry more of the load for Cleveland.

Jeff Green, Thunder

While the Thunder locked up Kevin Durant to an extension as soon as league rules allowed, they have not done the same with their other top-five pick from the 2007 draft, versatile forward Jeff Green. Oklahoma City also has a negotiation with electrifying point guard Russell Westbrook on the horizon. Paying Durant was a no-brainer, but GM Sam Presti and Co. will face more difficult decisions soon enough.

Caron Butler, Mavericks

Caron Butler's production dipped last season. Perhaps a full year with the contending Mavericks, who acquired him from the last-place Wizards at the trade deadline last season, will help the 30-year-old swingman revert to his All-Star form.

Jason Richardson, Suns

With a salary of $14.4 million this season, Jason Richardson will make $4 million more than backcourt mate and two-time MVP Steve Nash. Richardson may not approach that kind of annual salary in his next contract, but he's still a valuable player for his explosive scoring ability -- witness his run in the 2010 playoffs, when he averaged 19.8 points and shot 47.5 percent from three-point range.

Tyson Chandler, Mavericks

The injury-plagued Tyson Chandler has missed 68 games over the last two seasons. As a result, he's regressed from the player who averaged career highs of 11.8 points and 11.8 rebounds with the Hornets in 2007-08. Chandler, traded from Charlotte to Dallas this offseason, may be hard-pressed to improve his stock with the Mavericks, who committed about $55 million to another center, Brendan Haywood.

Greg Oden, Trail Blazers

Former No. 1 pick Greg Oden has played the equivalent of one full season (82 games) in three years. He was beginning to assert himself last season (11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 blocks in 21 games) before going down with a knee injury. Given Oden's track record, Portland protected itself at center by giving Marcus Camby a two-year, $21 million extension in April.

Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz

Though Andrei Kirilenko hasn't lived up to the six-year, $86 million contract he signed in 2004, the 29-year-old forward is still valuable for his versatility and ability to be disruptive on defense. He is set to make $17.8 million in the last year of his deal.

Jamal Crawford, Hawks

Up until last season, guard Jamal Crawford was known for his quick trigger on offense and for having the NBA's longest-active streak without a playoff appearance. But last season the 30-year-old was the NBA's top sixth man and helped Atlanta reach the playoffs as the East's third seed. Crawford has been seeking a contract extension from the Hawks, who recently have spent $124 million to keep fellow guard Joe Johnson and $60 million to retain big man Al Horford.

Tayshaun Prince, Pistons

One of the old-guard Pistons, forward Tayshaun Prince has a valuable $11.1 million expiring contract in 2010-11. Prince, 30, wasn't healthy last season, but at his best he does a little bit of everything at both ends of the floor.

Troy Murphy, Nets

Troy Murphy has never been a good defender or generated much offense in the post, but he's consistently productive: Last season the 30-year-old power forward posted 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds, the fourth time in 10 seasons he's averaged a double-double. The 6-11 Murphy, who is being paid $11.9 million in 2010-11, also has become a dangerous three-point shooter. He was traded to the Nets in the offseason.

Rodney Stuckey, Pistons

Rodney Stuckey has improved his scoring from 7.6 to 13.4 to 16.6 in his three seasons, but he's only a career 41.7 percent shooter and isn't a big assist guy at the point.

Thaddeus Young, 76ers

Thaddeus Young seemed to regress last season under Eddie Jordan, his third coach in three seasons. Now he's playing for a fourth, Doug Collins. Young is a tweener forward who hasn't quite found his niche with the 76ers.

Marcus Thornton, Hornets

A second-round pick from LSU, Marcus Thornton was a revelation as a rookie in 2009-2010. Thornton averaged 14.3 points in 25.6 minutes, and his scoring average spiked to 19.8 points in his 17 starts. However, after a rough preseason, he began the 2010-11 season as a reserve.

NBA's Top Potential 2011 Free Agents