With both Dwight Howard and Chris Paul set to hit free agency this summer, who are the other top free agents that NBA front office executives will be chasing when the clock strikes midnight Monday? Christian Peterson Getty Images/PHOTO CREDITS

NBA Free Agency: Ranking the Top 10 Players at Each Position

          The 2013 NBA free agency period begins Monday at midnight Eastern Standard Time, and NBA front office executives will surely be working hard in the early hours of the morning. To get you prepared for the ensuing madness and, of course, the next Dwight Howard saga, I’ve got a breakdown of the top 10 free agents at every position.

Point Guards

1.    Chris Paul, 28 years old, unrestricted

CP3 is without a doubt the best point guard in the world. If it weren’t for the ongoing Dwight Howard saga, Paul would be the most prized possession in this year’s class. However, the trade for coach Doc Rivers makes it unlikely for Paul to leave Los Angeles.

2.    Brandon Jennings, 23 years old, restricted

Jennings has all the talent to be an elite point guard in the NBA, but his questionable mental attitude may hold him back. He wishes to leave Milwaukee and be in the spot light for a big market team. Milwaukee may hold him back, but will also look for possible sign-and-trade options.

3.    Jeff Teague, 25 years old, restricted

After selecting German point guard Dennis Schroeder in Thursday’s draft, Teague’s future in Atlanta may be done. The team is attempting to free cap space for Dwight Howard, and that will be impossible to do if they match a big offer sheet for Teague.

4.    Jarrett Jack, 29 years old, unrestricted

Jack quietly had a tremendous season for the Golden State Warriors, as he finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. He is a strong scorer and has playoff experience. The only question is whether or not he can excel off the bench again, or would prefer a starting role.

5.    Nate Robinson, 29 years old, unrestricted

After a breakout performance in the playoffs, Robinson turned a one-year minimum into what will most likely be a very lucrative opportunity. He showed tremendous ability to score the ball and great toughness.

6.    Darren Collison, 25 years old, restricted

Over the past two seasons, Collison has been with two different teams and lost his starting job both times. The young point guard will look to rebound in a different city. Should get a chance to run the show, but may have to settle for bench role after a couple of down seasons.

7.    Jose Calderon, 31 years old, unrestricted

Calderon is one of the best shooting point guards in the league, and excels in taking care of the ball. His age and questionable defense will most likely push him into a backup role next season.

8.    Beno Udrih, 30 years old, unrestricted

Udrih is one of those under-the-radar types of players who has made a solid NBA career out of opportunities off the bench. A contender can trust him to run the second unit while the starters are on the sidelines.

9.    Mo Williams, 30 years old, unrestricted

Mo’s opportunity to run the point in Utah is done, as Trey Burke will now lead the team in Salt Lake City. William’s style has always been defined as a shoot first point guard, which will be intriguing for many teams looking for a scorer off the bench.

10. C.J. Watson, 29 years old, player option

Watson has been one of the most consistent backup point guards over the past two seasons. Look for a contender to invest in his services.

Others to note: Devin Harris (unrestricted), Patrick Beverly (unrestricted), Rodrigue Beaubois (restricted)

Shooting Guards

1.    Monta Ellis, 27 years old, early termination option

Ellis has consistently been in the conversation for best scoring shooting guard in the league over the past couple of years. However, after opting out of his contract in Milwaukee, look for a team to pick up Ellis as the second or third scoring option.

2.    Tyreke Evans, 23 years old, restricted

No one really knows what Sacramento wants to do with Evans. Although, after stealing Ben McLemore in the draft, it looks like Evans may find a new home this offseason. After a historic rookie season, Tyreke can still be an elite NBA player if he ever improves his jump shot.

3.    J.R. Smith, 27 years old, player option

After bringing home the Sixth Man of the Year hardware, Smith is in for a hefty payday this summer. He will look to stay in the Big Apple, but a larger contract may lure him elsewhere.

4.    Manu Ginobili, 35 years old, unrestricted

Ginobili just wrapped up one of his worst seasons in the NBA. He can still provide ample scoring off the bench, and will do it at a cheap price tag. It will be interesting to see how San Antonio handles the situation.

5.    Kevin Martin, 30 years old, unrestricted

Re-signing with OKC is Martin’s number one choice. He’s a proven scorer who can score efficiently from all areas. If Martin leaves, then Oklahoma City has essentially lost everything from the James Harden trade.

6.    J.J. Reddick, 29 years old, unrestricted

Reddick does not want to return to Milwaukee under any circumstances. Look for a contender or up-and-coming team to secure the former Duke sharpshooter to roam the perimeter and knock down threes.

7.    O.J. Mayo, 25 years old, player option

After a hot start in Dallas, it looked like Mayo was finally going to live up to his hype that had him selected number three overall. However, a poor second half has O.J. Mayo in the same spot he was a year ago.

8.    Tony Allen, 31 years old, unrestricted

Allen is one of the NBA’s best and most proven perimeter defenders. After a solid postseason run with Memphis, expect Allen to get looks from a number of different teams around the league.

9.    Nick Young, 28 years old, unrestricted

Nick Young loves to shoot the basketball. As long as he gets picked up by a team where he can do just that, he’ll be happy.

10. Gerald Henderson, 25 years old, restricted

Any team interested in Henderson will have to overpay him to prevent the Bobcats from matching. However, his defensive abilities and improved shooting could be of use off the bench.

Others to note: Gary Neal (restricted), Randy Foye (unrestricted)

Small Forwards:

1.    Andre Iguodala, 29 years old, early termination option

Iggy is taking a huge risk by opting out of a contract that would pay him just over $16 million next season. He is still one of the elite defenders in the NBA and will get a hefty paycheck from some team. But will he return to Denver?

2.    Andrei Kirilenko, 32 years old, player option

At this point, it’s unclear as to what Kirilenko will do with his player option for next season. He is one of the most proven role players in the league.

3.    Corey Brewer, 27 years old, unrestricted

Brewer may be a steal in free agency for whichever team picks him up. The former Florida star has great defensive intangibles and is an athletic specimen.

4.    Kyle Korver, 32 years old, unrestricted

No matter his age, Kyle Korver will always find a spot on a NBA roster because of his three point shot. Look for a contender in need of three point shooting, like the Indiana Pacers, to pick him up.

5.    Chase Budinger, 25 years old, unrestricted

Due to injuries, Budinger did not get a chance to show his stuff much this past season. Look for Minnesota to make re-signing Budinger a priority.

6.    Mike Dunleavy Jr., 32 years old, unrestricted

Dunleavy has excelled in a role off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks in the past couple of seasons. Like Korver, he is a valuable shooter who many teams will be interested in signing.

7.    Al-Farouq Aminu, 22 years old, unrestricted

Great slashing forward, but one can only hope Aminu will one day develop a consistent NBA-caliber jump shot.

8.    Dorell Wright, 27 years old, unrestricted

Wright is still a premier three point threat in the Association. Look for him to be treated the same as Korver this offseason.

9.    Martell Webster, 26 years old, unrestricted

Webster had a nice year shooting the ball for the Washington Wizards and will be picked up as a role player for some team other than Washington.

10. Carlos Delfino, 30 years old, unrestricted

Delfino is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the league. The man can score the ball and do a lot of other things right. Look for him to secure a solid bench role somewhere in the league.

Others to note: Matt Barnes (unrestricted), Fransisco Garcia (unrestricted), Wesley Johnson (unrestricted)

Power Forwards

1.    David West, 32 years old, unrestricted

He may be getting old, but West has proven his worth by helping Indiana push the Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. He will most likely re-sign with the Pacers, but you never know these days.

2.    Josh Smith, 27 years old, unrestricted

Smith will be at the top of every team’s list this summer, depending on their financial situation. If he can get rid of some of his bad tendencies, like settling for jump shots, Josh Smith is an all-star caliber player.

3.    Paul Millsap, 28 years old, unrestricted

Millsap is one of the big questions heading into the free agency. The Jazz are unsure if they want him back in their lineup. Regardless, a big enough offer steals Millsap from Utah.

4.    J.J. Hickson, 24 years old, unrestricted

After posting great numbers in Portland last season, Hickson will happily explore the free agency market. His contract may get a little inflated, as his numbers don’t show his lack of defensive ability.

5.    Carl Landry, 29 years old, player option

The Warriors signed Landry for cheap last season, but that will not be the same scenario this time around. Look for Landry to land a big offer and expect the Warriors to let Landry leave town to save some money.

6.    Jason Maxiell, 30 years old, unrestricted

For teams looking for a strong and tough big man, Maxiell is their guy. Although a little undersized, his determination helps him bang bodies with the best of them.

7.    Elton Brand, 34 years old, unrestricted

Even at 34, Brand can still be a solid big man option in a rotation. He has a developed post repertoire and can score through contact.

8.    Tyler Hansbrough, 27 years old, restricted

As of now, it looks like Indiana will be tentative to match any offer Hansbrough accepts that it out of their price range. With a depleted bench, the Pacers may need to take him back for cheap as a last resort option.

9.    Chris Copeland, 29 years old, restricted

It will be interesting to see how New York deals with Copeland. With the team over the salary cap, it will be interested to see how much of a hit they are willing to take in luxury cap department.

10. Antawn Jamison, 37 years old, unrestricted

At 37 years old, Jamison is getting up there in the age department. However, the old man can still ball. Look for a team in need of scoring off the bench to sign Jamison and give him a limited role in the second unit. 

Others to note: DeJuan Blair (Unrestricted), Andray Blatche (unrestricted)

Centers

1.    Dwight Howard, 27 years old, unrestricted

Grab a bag of popcorn and a cold drink, because this summer has all the makings for another Dwight Howard blockbuster saga, except this one isn’t likely headed back to Hollywood. The Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks are all front runners for the big man’s services.  

2.    Andrew Bynum, 25 years old, unrestricted

With Nerlens Noel now on the roster and Philadelphia looking like they will be in full tank mode for next year’s draft, Bynum will not be back in the city of brotherly love. So which team wants this guy? He’s a top center in the league but has dealt with injuries and off the court issues.

3.    Al Jefferson, 28 years old, unrestricted

It’s unclear whether or not Big Al will return to Utah. But whichever team ends up with the veteran big man will be getting one of the best post scorers and rebounders in the league.

4.    Nikola Pekovic, 27 years old, restricted

It will take a sizable overpayment to pry Pekovic away from the Timberwolves. How much are teams willing to pay for one of the league’s emerging talents in the post?

5.    Tiago Splitter, 28 years old, restricted

Very active and mobile big man who finishes around the rim. It will be interesting to see how far San Antonio is willing to go to match an offer sheet.

6.    Marreese Speights, 25 years old, player option

Speights is a solid rebounder and is not afraid to knock down an open mid-range jumper. Look for a couple of contenders to be interested in signing the former Florida big man.

7.    Timofey Mozgov, 26 years old, restricted

A good rim defender and a nice big body to have off of the bench. Just hope Blake Griffin isn’t around...

8.    Zaza Pachulia, 29 years old, unrestricted

When healthy, Pachulia is one of the league’s best rebounders off the bench. He reminds me of the role Jeff Foster played in latter stages of his career. Zaza will be a nice backup center acquisition.

9.    Byron Mullens, 24 years old, restricted

Mullens had a solid year down in Charlotte for a dreadful Bobcats team. He has matured into almost a stretch four type of player, as the former Ohio State star can now knock down threes with ease.

10. Greg Oden, 25 years old, unrestricted

Oden is supposedly looking to get back in the NBA after the former number one pick to time off due to injuries. The Miami Heat have been rumored to be strongly interested in the Oden’s services.

Others to note: Chris Kaman (unrestricted), Chris Anderson (unrestricted), Samuel Dalembert (unrestricted)