Every year there are free agents and certainly none like the ones that will be available this summer.

Some are considered “Prized Free Agents”, some are not.

Here are our list of the best pick-ups this year!

10. Allen Iverson (PHI) – AI made the list in my mind because the 76ers were in a rut. With a losing record, they were desperate to bring fans to the arena. He is an “All-Star” this year because of those fans. The Sixers are happy, AI is happy. What else do you want for a number ten spot.

9. David Anderson – David’s first year in the NBA and he is 28. Many might question why he is on my list but you have to believe with Yao Ming out at center and with him & Chuck Hayes filling in the center role, the Rockets will be no where near .500. They are. His play has fallen in recent weeks but I expect him to make a bigger contribution when the games begin to “count” down the stretch.

8. Paul Milsap – I couldn’t keep Paul off my list either. The Portland Trail Blazers almost pried him away from the Jazz if he did not happen to be a Restricted free agent. His numbers are slightly down from last year but his energy and ability to lift minutes from oft-injured Carlos Boozer provides much need for the Jazz front-court. The Jazz currently the fourth best team in the West.

7. Drew Gooden – Drew Gooden’s having a fantastic season off the bench for the Mavs. With the lost of Brandon Bass to the Magic, the Mavs desperately needed a low post presence. He brings a veteran intensity on both ends of the floor. The Mavs are currently 3rd place in the Western conference. Kudos to Marc Cuban.

6. Matt Barnes – Barnes is a player you love to have on your bench. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and has great rebounding/defensive skills for an undersized forward. His value to the Magic might be more than the average joe would think he is. The “Vincanity” Project has not worked out as well as the Magic would have hoped, but with Barnes inserted into the starting line-up. He is putting up similar numbers from his Golden State days.

5. Ron Artest – Although Ron’s numbers have taken a huge dip since he is not the focal point of the offense, he can still be a best as a defender. He has been plagued by injuries this year which has slowed him down on both ends of the court. The presence of Artest means a lot to the Lakers. It automatically puts them in the realm of a repeat.

4. Trevor Ariza – The Lakers & Rockets did a virtual swap between Artest and Ariza. Their contracts are the same but Ariza is a few years younger and has proven to be a game changer on the defensive end in last years final. He is now the leader of the Rockets due to the banishment of Tracy McGrady and the injury to Yao Ming. Career numbers this year and with the Rockets above .500. He was a great addition.

3. Jason Williams – Some of the readers will probably disagree or even think I am crazy to have Jason Williams in this list. Well, all of you guys are wrong. Jason filled in for oft-injured Jameer Nelson at the start of the season and the Magic looked more dangerous than last year. At the top of the Eastern conference, the Magic got a steal for picking up Williams, who took all of last year off when he “retired”. Since he has been taken out of the line-up, the Magic are falling fast. It seems the Magic have better chemistry with the 35 year old.

2. Juwan Howard – First person to pop into my head as the best off season signing was Juwan Howard, due to the vast amount of injuries to the Portland front line. With Oden and Pryzbilla out for the season, who knew the Blazers would be knocking on Howard’s door. He has put close to double double numbers the last few weeks as he started in a handful of games. With all these injuries and the Blazers contending, I must say Howard’s value is in expendable.

1. David Lee – The Knicks are playing the best basketball in a couple of years and it is all due to one man, David Lee. All-Star type numbers with almost 20pts, 12 rebs and 4 assists per game. His improved outside game and ability to create off the dribble has added a few million to his value this off season. Although he might not be considered a “Prize Free Agent” this summer, he sure will be a perfect fit for any team.