The reigning champs will be faced with the challenge to either retain or replace JJ Barea, Caron Butler, Deshawn Stevenson, Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic, and Brian Cardinal. Barea, Stevenson, and Chandler were all critical components of the Mavericks rotation that drove the Miami Heat nuts in the Finals. Without the presence of Chandler in the middle and Barea in the back court, the Mavericks are questionable to have beaten the Heat. Chandler has openly spoken about his willingness to leave Dallas if the situation presents itself. Behind Chandler, the Mavericks are thin down low with only Brendan Haywood and Ian Mahinmi at the center position. The Mavericks most likely will have to retain either Butler or Stevenson for sure with only veteran swingman Shawn Marion left as a viable option at the small forward spot.

On the other hand, the team that fell in six games to the Mavericks in the Finals, the Miami Heat, will be looking for an upgrade at the center position and depth out on the wing. James Jones, Mike Bibby Juwan Howard, and Erick Dampier are all unrestricted free agents. Mario Chalmers is a restricted free agent and most likely will be returning as the starter at the point guard spot for Miami. The Heat most likely will be aiming their spending money at big man Tyson Chandler or Samuel Dalembert. Nene could also be a possible target for Miami. The other spot that needs to be filled for the Heat is the small forward position. Behind James and Wade, Miami looked to Mike Miller and James Jones for scoring power off the bench. Miller struggled mightily with injuries and shooting in his first year in Miami and Jones likely will not be returning to the team. Caron Butler, Shane Battier, and Tayshaun Prince could all be potential targets to sign with the Heatles. Battier and Prince could provide Miami with a shut-down perimeter defender. Both Butler and fellow Maverick Tyson Chandler have expressed interest in going to Miami as well. A Christmas day matchup between Dallas and Miami could potentially see Chandler and Butler receiving their championship rings in a Heat uniform.

The New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics will also be in the hunt for free agents this holiday season. New Jersey desperately needs to add players if the club wants to make Deron Williams happy and prove to him that New Jersey is where he should be. Brad Lopez is a poor rebounder and hasn’t provided much of a presence down low for Williams. Nene and Dalembert could both be an upgrade, especially in the defensive and rebounding categories.

The Bulls are in desperate need of a number two scorer behind Mr. Rose. Chicago currently has Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer, and Kyle Korver accompanying D-Rose at the two spot. Carlos Boozer often times disappeared offensively and Joakim Noah has become viewed as “injury-prone.” Orlando Magic free agent, Jason Richardson, and Atlanta Hawks free agent, Jamal Crawford, could be viable options for the Bulls. Both Richardson and Crawford would provide Chicago with an explosive, sharp shooting back court from behind the arch and in the paint.

Over in Boston the Celtics are faced with the challenge of rebounding from a 4 games to 1 loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Miami Heat. Boston had no presence at the center position and Kevin Garnett looked old at times. The trade that sent Kendrick Perkins packing to OKC came back to haunt Boston in the playoffs. Glen Davis and Delonte West are both unrestricted free agents. If Davis decides to leave town, Boston is left with Jermaine O’Neal and Garnett down low, forcing the team to make a move for a player like Dalembert who can provide Boston with defense and rebounding down low.

Other teams that could be heavily involved in free agency consist of the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Lake Show.  The Nuggets are currently dealing with the loss of JR Smith, Kenyon Martin, and Wilson Chandler to the Chinese Basketball Association.  Carmelo and Chauncey Billups are now in New York and Nene is an unrestricted free agent who has expressed virtually no interest in returning to Denver.  It looks as if Denver might have to overpay for some players just in order to attract somewhat of a contending roster.

No matter what moves are made in what could be a very hectic and fast paced free agency period, dollars will be spent and toys will be bought. There will be no “Black Friday Deals” but teams will be lining up like there are. Once the tentative deal is ratified and signed by both sides, the details of the new CBA will determine what type of spending teams can truly endure. However, some teams will be forced to let go of certain players with the new luxury tax system that will be implemented.

This holiday season is promised to be an exciting one with the pending return of the NBA. A new CBA will arise many questions that will need to be answered for every team. However one thing is for sure, free agents will be going off the shelves like Tickle Me Elmo’s at a Wal-Mart.

Let’s just hope that Micky Arison, Mark Cuban, or any other owner doesn’t decide to pull out their pepper spray. Tis the season to be jolly for hoops.

Cheers!

The differences between their two bags go far beyond just the sneakers. Along with his signature adiZero Ghost and various basketball gear, J Smoove also keeps headphones, an iPad, a hairbrush, and a deck of playing cards all in his handy dandy backpack.

Every year, even some of the highest rated recruits coming out of HS have struggled to adjust to the speed of the college game. This season is no different as Top 20 rated prospects like Andre Drummond at UConn, Myck Kabongo at Texas, and James McAdoo of North Carolina have have had limited production due to either early struggles or lack of playing time. With that being said, there have been a number of individual standout players that have made an immediate impact for their squads.

Check out Twelve NCAA Freshmen Making an Instant Impact:

1) Cody Zeller, Indiana

#14 Rated Prospect

Team Record 6-0

14.8 ppg, 7.7 reb, 2.7 stl, 1.2 blk, .725 FG%, .726 FT%

Fans in Bloomington have been waiting seemingly forever for the youngest of the Zeller brothers to arrive on campus to give a kick start to coach Tom Crean’ rebuilding project. The 6‘11 and 225 lb forward/center has been every bit of what was expected and then some, providing the muscle down low to go along with the perimeter talents of Victor Oladipo, Jordan Hulls, and Will Sheehy. The former McDonald’s All American leads the Hoosiers in scoring, rebounding, FG%, steals, and blocks, while starting every game in the pivot. Although he’s a freshman, Zeller has the look and feel of a grown man as he has dominated the non-conference schedule to this point, now let’s see how he fares against the upcoming big men of Butler, Kentucky, and Ohio State.

2) Trey Burke, Michigan

#84 Rated Prospect

Team Record 5-1

11 ppg, 4.2 ast, 3 reb, 1 stl, .439 FG%, .318 3PT%

With last season’s star point guard Darius Morris leaving school early for the NBA Draft, coach John Beilein was in a quandary wondering who would be feeding the rock to one of the college ranks’ best scorers in Tim Hardaway Jr? Enter former Penn State commit Trey Burke, whom many felt was grossly undervalued being rated as only the 84th best HS prospect in the country. Burke’s early season impact has been phenomenal in helping the Wolverines win 5 of 6 games, including key wins against Memphis and UCLA during the Maui Invitational. Trey ranks 2nd on the Wolverines in scoring and leads the club in assists and steals.

3) Austin Rivers, Duke

#3 Rated Prospect

Team Record 7-0

14.4 ppg, 2.4 reb, 2.1 ast, 1.1 stl, .434 FG%, .375 3PT%

As the son of a former NBA player and current head coach, in addition to ranking as the HS ranks’ most potent offensive weapon entering the college ranks, a ton of pressure was immediately heaped upon Austin Rivers. In addition, Coach K was in dire need of instant offense heading into this season with 3 players(Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler, and Kyrie Irving) all now playing in the NBA. Arguably, besides Seth Curry and Ryan Kelly’s increase in production, Austin’s near 15 ppg has been a necessity in helping Duke get off to an undefeated start to the season, including winning the Maui Invitational. Although he has struggled at times with turnovers and defense, Rivers undoubtedly can score and should rank among the ACC leaders by season’s end.

4) Kevin Pangos, Gonzaga

Not Rated

Team Record 4-0

15.8 ppg, 3 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, .500 FG%, .591 3PT%, .818 FT%

Heading into the season, coach Mark Few and staff were wondering who would step up on the perimeter in absence of Matt Bouldin, Steven Gray, and Demetri Goodson now all gone due to graduation. Many thought the offensive load from the wings would come from senior Marquise Carter, sophomore David Stockton(son of John Stockton), or highly touted freshman Gary Bell Jr. To the Zags’ surprise, another freshman, Kevin Pangos, hailing from Canada, has stepped up and been a godsend running the point, even tieing Dan Dickau’s school record by knocking down 9 treys in one contest, enroute to an amazing 33 point, 6 assist effort in a win against Washington State. Pangos leads the team in assists, 3 point shooting, and FT%, and ranks 2nd in scoring.

5) Anthony Davis, Kentucky

#1 Rated Prospect

Team Record 6-0

12.7 ppg, 8.2 reb, 4.3 blk, 1.3 ast,1.3 stl, .714 FG%

After growing nearly 9 inches during high school, Davis went from a virtually unknown wing player to a dominant frontcourt juggernaut that had elite level Division I schools drooling for the services of the #1 rated prospect in the 2011 Class. If that wasn’t enough pressure, Davis made the choice to attend the University of Kentucky, universally known to have the most supportive, yet rabid fanbases in all of college basketball. Despite ranking only 3rd in team scoring, Davis has been remarkable, dare I say game-changing on the defensive end, averaging an unreal 4+ blocks per game. Although he needs to continue adding strength to a rather slim frame, Davis has proven to be every bit of the elite prospect Coach Cal has expected. Let’s just hope he sticks around Lexington longer than one season since he is already the projected #1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

6) Brad Beal, Florida

#5 Rated Prospect

Team Record 5-1

17 ppg, 6.5 reb, 2 ast, 1.2 stl, .500 FG%, .353 3PT%

As a freshman on arguably the deepest backcourt in the country, many wondered just how much playing time Beal would get playing alongside more established veteran players like Erving Walker, Kenny Boynton, Mike Rosario, and Scotty Wilbekin. Bradley has more than earned his 5 starts this season by ranking 2nd on the Gators in scoring and steals. What is equally impressive, other than his supreme ability to put the ball in the basket, has been his prowess for rebounding the basketball, grabbing 5 or more boards in 3 contests, including a double-double(12pts,10reb) vs North Florida. Look for Beal’s stats to continue to climb as Florida eases into the SEC schedule.

7) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky

#4 Rated Prospect

Team Record – 6-0

12.5 ppg, 7.3 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.8 stl, 1.3 blk, .500 FG%, .333 3PT%

Even though it would be easy for an incoming freshman to be overshadowed on a Kentucky squad filled with future pros, Kidd-Gilchrist has so impressed the UK coaching staff that he has un-seated senior Darius Miller in the Wildcats’ starting line-up. And despite a rather un-polished offensive game, Gilchrist has played stellar defense and done whatever his team needs to secure another victory for Big Blue Nation. He should be deemed a stat stuffer as he ranks among team leaders in virtually every category, including grabbing 9 or more rebounds in all but two games this season. Similar to freshman teammates Davis and Teague, enjoy Kidd-Gilchrist while you can as he is already being projected as a potential Lottery pick in next year’s Draft.

8) Quincy Miller, Baylor

#7 Rated Prospect

Team Record 5-0

15.2 ppg, 5.6 reb, 2.4 ast, .442 FG%, .500 3PT%, .828 FT%

While there are high hopes on the Baylor campus, mainly because potential Lottery pick Perry Jones III has decided to return for his sophomore season, fans should be giddy that freshman Quincy Miller looks to be nearly 100% after missing his senior season in high school due to a devastating knee injury. Prior to the injury, Miller was regularly compared to NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant, a sentiment that may prove true if he continues to improve at the college level. Miller has been the Bears’ leading scorer in Jones’ absence, proving to be a stat stuffer, as evidence of his 17pt, 11reb, 6ast effort against Texas-Arlington. Pairing Miller alongside a returning Jones and Quincy Acy in the frontcourt could mean bad news for opposing Big 12 schools.

9) Chane Behenan, Louisville

# 28 Rated Prospect

Team Record 6-0

9.8 ppg, 8.7 reb, 1 blk, .512 FG%

Despite fellow elite level freshman Wayne Blackshear’s unfortunate injury that will force him to miss the entire season, Behenan has more than picked up the slack as a star frontcourt performer in coach Pitino’s scheme. Chane has taken over leading the team in rebounding with Terrence Jennings ill advised decision to declare for the NBA Draft and the frequent injuries to Jared Swopshire and Raheem Buckles. He already has two double-doubles to his credit and has registered at least one block in every game this season. Behenan, paired with elite level shot-blocker Gorgui Dieng, and coach Pitino may finally have the imposing frontcourt to make yet another Final Four run.

10) Dorian Finney-Smith, Virginia Tech

#18 Rated Prospect

Team Record 5-1

8 ppg, 10.3 reb, 3.3 ast, 1.2 blk, .385 3PT%

While many other of the ACC’s more highly touted incoming freshmen received more of the attention early on like Austin Rivers and James McAdoo, Finney-Smith has proven to be an elite level frontcourt player. He currently leads the conference in rebounding and perhaps more amazingly leads the Hokies in assists. Many compare Dorian to former Hokie great Ace Custis, a comparison much welcomed by the freshman forward, especially since Custis is one of only 3 Hokies to ever have their jerseys retired. Finney-Smith’s outstanding early production has helped overshadow the unfortunate injury to Marquis Rankin, a fellow prized freshman, and may just help Virginia Tech get back to the NCAA Tournament without having to sweat it out on Selection Sunday.

11) Tony Wroten Jr, Washington

#17 Rated Prospect

Team Record 4-1

12.8 ppg, 4.2 reb, 3.8 ast, 2.2 stl, .333 3PT%

Coach Lorenzo Romar has gone on record stating that Wroten Jr is the most talented incoming recruit he’s ever coached and even went as far as to compare him to all time NBA great Magic Johnson because of his imposing size at the PG position. Wroten’s transition from being an elite level HS star to prime time collegiate superstar has been a mixed bag. Despite struggling with turnovers and although he has mostly come off the bench, Tony has been the ultimate stat stuffer, as evidence of an impressive 14 point, 5 assist, and 6 steal effort in a win against Houston Baptist. Tony ranks 3rd on the Huskies in scoring and rebounding, 2nd in assists, and leads the club in steals.

12) Adonis Thomas, Memphis

#9 Rated Prospect

Team Record 3-2

10 ppg, 2.4 reb, 1.2 blk, 1 stl, .500 FG%, .455 3PT%, .875 FT%

Even though the Tigers had a rough stretch in the Maui Invitational, losing 2 of 3 games, freshman Adonis Thomas remains a consistent all around performer for coach Josh Pastner. He has been one of the first players the coach calls on off of the bench, providing scoring and rebounding, in addition to shooting 50% from the field, 40% from 3PT, and 80% from the line, all while committing under 2 turnovers per game. Adonis gives Memphis yet another elite level talent alongside the already potent Will Barton, Joe Jackson, Chris Crawford, and Tarik Black, making the Tigers the odds on favorite to win a Conference USA crown.

Honorable Mentions:

Lebryan Nash, OK State – 10.4 ppg, 4.4 reb, 1 ast

BJ Young, Arkansas – 13.8 ppg, 4.2 reb, 2.6 ast, .500 FG%, .389 3PT%

Marquis Teague, Kentucky – 11.7 ppg, 4 ast, 2.2 reb, 2 stl, .519 FG%

Rod Hood, Mississippi St – 13 ppg, 5.4 reb, 1.2 ast, .551 FG%, .433 3PT%

Darrun Hilliard, Villanova – 6.5 ppg, 4.2 reb, 1.5 ast, .565 FG%, .615 3PT%