2012 NBA Free Agency Guide: Post Players

In this year's free agent pool consisting of power forwards and centers, there is a lot of talent that will be available but little of which is expecting to change uniforms. On the market, a number of talented veterans figure to sign their last contracts, likely with the teams they won championships with.  Restricted free agency will also play a role in preventing some big names from moving as well.

1. Roy Hibbert, Center (Restricted Free Agent)

Hibbert is undeniably the best big man that is a free agent this year. His 7'2", 260-lb. frame is the prototype for a dominant center, and at just 25 years old, Hibbert is poised to become just that.

Hibbert had his best year in the league last year, when he averaged 12.8 points on, 8.8 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game as well as posting a Player Efficiency Ratio PER of 19.35. Unfortunately for the likely suitors in the market, Hibbert's Indiana Pacers are expected to match any contract offered in order to keep the literal centerpiece of their talented group of young players.

2. Kevin Garnett, Power Forward/Center

At 36 years old, Garnett still showed he can be the anchor of an NBA team in the paint, as he played a large role in the Celtics' appearance and eventual loss in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals to the eventual champion Heat.

Garnett notched a 20.47 PER, and averaged 15.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season while splitting time between the power forward and center positions, all the while proving he still has gas in the tank. 

But Garnett is unlikely to leave Boston, as many believe he is debating only between a return to the Celtics or retirement due to the problems with his knees.

Editors Note: Garnett re-signed with the Celtics.

3. Tim Duncan, Center

Like Garnett, Duncan also proved he still has a lot left to offer in this league as he anchored the San Antonio Spurs in their run to the Western Conference Finals and the best record in the Western Conference during the regular season.  

In the regular season, Duncan averaged 15.4 points and 9 rebounds per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Duncan also recorded a 22.6 PER for the season.

But, like Garnett, Duncan's only options are expected to be a return to San Antonio for a year or two, or retirement.

4.  JaVale McGee, Center (Restricted Free Agent)

McGee is the most likely of restricted players to move this year. Although McGee showed flashes in his time with Denver last season, the Nuggets' front office does not want to overpay for him and if another team is going to do so, Denver will let him walk.

In the playoffs this year, McGee matched up well with Andrew Bynum and made life difficult for him in the paint. After being acquired by the Nuggets from Washington, McGee seemed to be very comfortable in George Karl's fast-paced system and could be the starter next season if he returns.

Overall, McGee averaged 11.3 points on 55.6% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this season and posted a 19.9 PER. As he is only 24 years old, a big selling point for suitors is his potential despite his unpredictability and sometimes questionable decision-making.

5. Ersan Ilyasova, Power Forward

Playing in Milwaukee, many players do not get a lot of attention even when they are consistently playing well. Ilyasova is one of those players, and arguably should have won the league's Most Improved Player Award over Ryan Anderson.

This season, the 25 year old forward from Turkey averaged 13 points of per game on 49.2% shooting and pulled in 8.8 rebounds per game, while notching a team-high 20.55 PER. The 6'10" forward also showed off an impressive three-point shot, posting a 45.5% clip from beyond the arc this season.

Milwaukee has a desire to re-sign him, but many expect Ilyasova to command more dollars with his career on the verge of taking off and the Bucks only have so much money to allocate toward him.

6. Kris Humphries, Power Forward

Despite the media circus off the court that Humphries involved himself in with questionable decision-making regarding his marital status, none of that seemed to effect Humphries on the court in 2012.

For the second year in a row, Humphries averaged a double-double, scoring 13.8 points and pulling in 11 rebounds a night. He shot 48.1% from the field and posted a solid 17.98 PER.  At only 27, Humphries is entering the prime of his career and would bring a tough inside presence to whatever team signs him.

The Nets seem to have little intention of re-signing him, and Humphries would contribute well to a contender if he can be had at a good price.

7. Ryan Anderson, Power Forward (Restricted Free Agent)

Another restricted free agent, the league's Most Improved Player may be the most likely of the RFA's on this list to move. The likely destination for Anderson is back with the team who drafted him, the newly relocated Brooklyn Nets.

Anderson, in his first time as a starter, scored 16.1 points per game alongside 7.7 rebounds.  He shot 43.9% from the field, and 39.3% from distance and complied a PER of 21.23 this season. If he leaves, his success will depend on who the Nets have manning the paint, as he needs a dominant big man-like Dwight Howard-to collapse the defense and allow Anderson the space to hit set shots.

8. Chris Kaman

Kaman has been one of the most underrated players in the league the past few years, mostly because of a slew of injuries he had to contend with. But he is only a few seasons removed from an All-Star campaign and at 30 years old, still has a lot left to offer whoever signs him. 

He averaged 13.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last season, while shooting 44.6% from the field. His 15.42 PER was rather averaged, but should not take away from the value he can bring to a team.

It is expected that Kaman will not re-sign with the Hornets, due mostly to the Hornets doing, and he will be sought after by contenders looking for an anchor in the middle, most notably the Heat.

9. Brook Lopez, Center (Restricted Free Agent)

Lopez presents an interesting case in this year's market. While he is still a young player, he only played five games last season and his rebounding numbers decreased drastically between the last two seasons he played, from 8.7 per game in 2009-10 down to 5.9 in the 2010-11 campaign. 

However, Lopez is still an above-average center in this league and is also still a young player, at only 24 years old. His career averages of 17.4 points and 7.4 rebounds are exceptional, and Lopez would be a good addition to a team with an established, physical power forward.

But due to his restricted status, it seems Lopez will be going nowhere as the Nets are intent on matching any offer made to Lopez.

10. Brandon Bass

Bass, at 27, is a player who could help a contender in need of a power forward, but not too much more beyond a role player at the spot. He proved his mettle last season in the Celtics' run deep into the playoffs, showing off especially his mid-range jump shot.

In the paint, though, Bass is still a physical presence and can bang around, despite only measuring 6'8" tall. For the year, Bass averaged 12.5 points per game and 6.2 rebounds, but posted a slightly below-average PER of 14.21.

Editors Note: Bass re-signed with the Celtics. 

As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

For more on NBA Free Agency, check out  2012 NBA Free Agency Guide: Perimeter Players!