BY: IAN HARRISON
sportsnet.ca
With the lockout lifted, the NBA is rushing to fit in a fast-break free agent session before the games begin on Christmas Day. Of course, it’ll be a far cry from last summer’s set of splashy signings, when a raft of superstar talent was making big decisions. But even though there aren’t any MVP candidates on the shelves this holiday season, that doesn’t mean NBA teams won’t still go shopping. So, who are some of the best buys? The List breaks it down.

What’s the big gift every fan really wants? Top of the list is Nuggets centre Nene, who says he feels disrespected in Denver and wants to decamp. But the teams who can afford him on the open market aren’t immediate title contenders, and he’d have to take less money if he leaves. The Brazilian’s best shot at a quick ring? A sign and trade somewhere, maybe to Dallas, if they can’t keep Tyson Chandler.

Chandler, of course, was nearly a Raptor in the summer of 2010 before Bobcats owner Michael Jordan pulled the plug on a deal with Toronto. He was eventually dealt to Dallas, where his defence helped the Mavs beat Miami in last summer’s Finals. After that kind of introduction, and with Mark Cuban’s megabucks on offer, Chandler might not want to leave. But several contenders will still be in pursuit.

The third superior big man up for grabs is David West, who may not want to stay with the Hornets given that they’re now owned by the league and likely watching the clock tick down until Chris Paul buzzes off next summer. West is coming back from a torn knee ligament that brought a premature end to h season, but insists the lockout gave him enough time to make a full recovery. The 31-year-old, who left $7.5 million on the table to test free agency, also says he hopes to play for a champion within the next few years. Is there a team who can help make it happen?

The last of the best big men is also the youngest: Memphis’ Marc Gasol. But the seven-foot Spaniard is a restricted free agent, meaning the Grizzlies can match any offer he might sign elsewhere. And the Grizz have already indicated they’re not interested in letting the 26-year-old get away. Like Chandler, Gasol is better known for his defence than his scoring, although he stepped up his point production during last spring’s memorable playoff run.

Like Gasol, Sixers forward Thaddeus Young is also a restricted free agent, one who shone in a reserve role last season, finishing with career bests in field goal percentage and rebounds. His defensive versatility and eye-popping athleticism will no doubt generate some offers. If they’re too rich for Philly’s new owners, look for Young to take the money and run.

Andrei Kirilenko chose to keep himself busy during the lockout by returning to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow. But after smashing up his shoulder in a late-November game the former Utah forward could be sidelined until the New Year, meaning he’d miss all of training camp and the start of the NBA season. One team expected to show interest is New Jersey, with owner and fellow Muscovite Mikhail Prokorov eager to get his hands on AK47.

He’s renowned for tenacious defence and impeccable instincts. And at 33 years old, this could be Shane Battier’s last chance at a hefty payday. Memphis might feel they can do without him, especially with Rudy Gay ready to return from last season’s shoulder injury. But any team that considers itself a contender, or needs someone to shut down a key opponent, should clear a spot for this versatile veteran.

An even older Duke grad looking for a last deal is Suns forward Grant Hill. But at 39, his health is actually better than it was several years ago: Hill has played at least 80 games in each of the past three seasons. The Lakers are said to be interested in his defensive abilities, and former coach Mike D’Antoni would dearly like a reunion in the Big Apple. Phoenix, meanwhile, hasn’t given up hope that it can keep Hill happy until he decides the sun has officially set on his career.

Former Raptor Kris Humphries is available right now, and we’re not talking about his marital status. Always an efficient rebounder, the Hump’s numbers on the boards took a huge jump last season, mostly because he was playing major minutes for a mediocre Nets team. Kim Kardashian’s ex doesn’t bring a whole lot on the offensive side, either. So when someone offers him a ridiculous deal, you’ll know just what a lot of hot air all of that lockout talk of owners crying poor really was.

Finally, there are the guys who could hit free agency via the new amnesty clause, with teams allowed to discount one contract from their cap space and buy the player out. If the sights are trained on anyone to get this treatment it’s Gilbert Arenas, owed a massive $62 million by Orlando over the next four years. Will teams go gunning for Gil if the Magic wave their wand and make him disappear? And could the problem contract he was traded for, Rashard Lewis, suffer this same fate in Washington?