One week into the 2011 NBA free agent period, some 33 of SBNation.com's top 40 free agents are accounted for. But some teams still have cap space to burn, and some good players are still looking for homes. Here's an updated list of the top 15 free agents still available.
1. RODNEY STUCKEY
Stuckey hasn't been able to reach a deal with the Detroit Pistons, where he's improved greatly over the past four seasons. Reports have suggested Stuckey's camp may be looking for as much as $10 million a year, which is patently ridiculous ... and I say that as an avowed Stuckey fan. Teams seem unwilling to bid large for the combo guard given Detroit's ability to match, but with the season just days away, something's got to give.
At some point, Stuckey might need to sign his $3.9 million qualifying offer and aim for unrestricted free agency in 2012.
2. ARRON AFFLALO
Afflalo has been in a similar predicament: no one is extending big-money offers, and the Denver Nuggets aren't budging. It seems far more likely that Afflalo remains with Denver in the end than it does for Stuckey in Detroit, but there comes a certain point when you'd think holding out for the best deal for both sides would become less important than getting a starter into camp. We obviously haven't reached that point yet, and with every day the possibility that Afflalo signs a toxic offer sheet with another team rises.
3. KRIS HUMPHRIES
The rebounding machine will likely end up back with the New Jersey Nets on a one-year deal as N.J. attempts to preserve its cap space for 2012. It's surprising more teams haven't made runs at Hump, who had a rough offseason in terms of personal reputation but is a quality frontcourt player. You wonder if his asking price has been ridiculous, or if teams are just hesitant to commit to a guy whose personal life has been all over the tabloids for the last few months.
4. ANDREI KIRILENKO
Speaking of the Nets, New Jersey is said to be chasing Kirilenko hard, but the team may be unwilling to commit to a multi-year deal on account of the need for flexibility in 2012. The Sacramento Kings also badly want AK and are willing to offer three years, but that deal has been on the table since free agency opened and the Russian hasn't bitten yet. Either way, it seems fairly clear he'll be back in the NBA one way or the other; he's quite likely using his openness to staying in Moscow as leverage.
5. SAMUEL DALEMBERT
Dalembert is still available; the Miami Heat opting to use the mid-level exception on Shane Battier and the New York Knicks grabbing Tyson Chandler really flipped Dalembert's market on its head. The Houston Rockets continue to make the most sense, but Daryl Morey could be looking for more impactful moves than to add a mid-rung defensive center. If Sam doesn't end up in Houston, he could be back with Sacramento ... especially if Chuck Hayes, whose stress echo test on Thursday revealed an abnormality, is out for any period of time.
6. ALEXIS AJINCA
The French center is apparently getting nibbles in the free agent market but no bites. He's a worthwhile dice roll who will come cheaply. He's quite possibly be the Minnesota Timberwolves' best center from Day 1.
7. PEJA STOJAKOVIC
Peja can still shoot, and shooting is still important in the NBA. Stojakovic was recently seen hanging out in Sacramento. Never rule out the power of sentimentality to overwhelm good sense.
8. NICK YOUNG
Young is stuck in a waiting game; the Washington Wizards signed Mo Evans on Thursday, which would seem to be another indication that the team isn't interested in paying more than necessary to keep Young in town, even if he ends up missing all of camp. At some point, Young's agent needs to find a team willing to make an offer sheet the Wizards will match, just to get the ball rolling. That no team has presented itself could mean that there are sincere doubts Washington will match.
9. LEON POWE
Powe could be one of the best back-up power forwards in the league. He just needs the minutes. The Lakers picked up the taller Josh McRoberts this week, but they'd do well to add Powe to the mix. The same goes for the Clippers, who lost Craig Smith to the Blazers.
10. DANTE CUNNINGHAM
I'm pretty sure Cunningham has legally changed his name to "Crickets." Expect that he ends up back with the Charlotte Bobcats (who have the right to match) ... some day.
11. JOEL PRZYBILLA
Przybilla seems intent to wait until the season begins to choose a team. He's Jeff Foster lite, and reports suggest that the Milwaukee Bucks and Blazers have the best odds at convincing him to sign.
12. REGGIE EVANS
The rebounding monster is worth more than a minimum deal, but needs a team to pick up the phone. His offense isn't that bad ... well, yes it is. I cannot lie. But the rebounds!
13. WILLIE GREEN
When I suggested the Clippers waive Mo Williams under the amnesty provision and pick up a two-guard using the $2.5 million room exception, a friend joked that my strategy would result in Willie Green starting for the Clips. I regret suggesting that the Clippers waive Mo Williams.
14. CARLOS ARROYO
How come Carlos Arroyo never signs with an awful team? He should rectify this by joining his countryman J.J. Barea in Minnesota.
15. JOEY DORSEY
For the record, Dorsey was rated above Josh Howard, Jared Jeffries, Marquis Daniels, Maurice Evans, Tracy McGrady, Ronnie Price and Jason Kapono on our initial Top 79 NBA Free Agents of 2011 list, and all of those players have homes. Free Dorsey.