Last summer was arguably one of the most exciting free agent periods in the history of the league.

Unfortunately, the 2011 free agency session promises to have a completely different vibe because most of the anticipation has already been drained due to the uncertainty of the collective bargaining agreement – which will likely lead to a lockout.

What a difference a year makes.

A lockout will undoubtedly spoil some of the momentum gained by the league throughout the 2011 playoffs which was capped by one of the most hotly contested finals over the last twenty years.

More importantly, a new collective bargaining agreement will alter the way the salary cap structure exists today and that will ultimately be a determining factor on which franchises are active in free agency when the period inevitably begins.

The power forward free agent class of 2011 will offer a solid mix of talent, both young and old, ranging from offensive and defensive threats to guys who just offer a brand of veteran toughness. 

Here are the top guys available at the position this summer (or whenever free agency actually begins):

#1 David West, New Orleans Hornets – Unrestricted

West suffered a gruesome torn ACL as the Hornets were fighting for their playoff lives at the end of last season. But despite the severity of the injury, West still opted out of the final year of his deal making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Without question West is the marquee power forward in this year’s class.

The two-time All-Star averaged 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 70 games last season and only Amar’e Stoudemire, Zach Randolph, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge produced better numbers in both categories.

The eighth year veteran has stated winning is his top priority and while he didn’t rule out a return to the Hornets next season, it is increasingly clear he’s more interested in positioning himself in an environment willing to invest the necessary resources to perennially compete for championships.

West is a career 49 percent shooter from the floor and connects on over 80 percent of his free throw attempts – a rarity for a player of his size.  Where West decides to play next season and beyond will have a domino effect on the rest of the list.

#2 Carl Landry, New Orleans Hornets – Unrestricted

If you’re talking about paying dues and waiting patiently for an opportunity to shine, then you must mention Landry’s name in the discussion.

For starters, Landry was a second round pick in the 2007 draft and has been nestled on the depth chart behind Luis Scola, DeMarcus Cousins and the aforementioned West for the past three seasons.

Some may argue there’s a reason he’s been relegated to a reserve role in 212 of the 267 regular season games he’s played as a professional, but taking a closer look at his production and it’s evident he has full-time starter talent. 

In 55 starts Landry has averaged 16.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 34.5 minutes. He’s also one of the rare instances of a younger player being slightly more productive on the road than at home.

Filling in for the injured West during the playoffs, Landry pumped in 15.8 points and 5 rebounds in the Hornets’ first round exit versus the Los Angeles Lakers’ huge frontcourt.

Make no mistake; re-signing West is the Hornets’ top priority but if he decides to move on New Orleans absolutely must lock in Landry long-term.

#3 Jeff Green, Boston Celtics – Restricted

In one of the most surprising deals at the trade deadline back in February, the Boston Celtics shipped veteran center Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City in exchange for Green.

The move left many scratching their heads and proclaiming that the Celtics’ championship window slammed shut with the deal.

{AUTHOR_BOX} Of course Boston’s performance in the playoffs did little to change opinions as the team was bounced easily in the second round at the hands of the Miami HEAT.

While Green struggled tremendously to fit into Boston’s veteran laden team culture over the second half of the season, the fact remains he possesses borderline All-Star potential.

The Celtics are expected to tender a qualifying offer to Green which will make him a restricted free agent and allow Boston to match any offer received for his services or use him to acquire talent in a sign-and-trade (provided it still exists in the new CBA).

The jury is still out on whether Green can be a full-time power forward as most think he’s the classic example of a tweener.

Regardless, Green is a starter on the majority of rosters in the league and there will be plenty of interest in the 24 year old this summer.

#4 Kris Humphries, New Jersey Nets – Unrestricted

Humphries was selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2004 draft and spent his first six seasons in the league as a marginal role player granted limited nightly minutes in Utah and Toronto.

But all that changed this season as Humphries earned a starting role in New Jersey and averaged 10 points and 10.4 rebounds per contest (Per 36 minutes – 12.9 points and 13.5 rebounds).

The Nets continue to maintain that re-signing Humphries is at the top of their priority list this summer, while Humphries has also been positive about his return to the franchise next season.

Humphries will be in demand in the open market, but there’s still a good amount of skepticism regarding his breakout campaign just happening to coincide with his contract expiring.

#5 Glen Davis, Boston Celtics – Unrestricted

Ever since Davis first entered the league he’s been able to answer the challenge of whatever role he’s been tasked with by the Celtics. He’s a player who has consistently been unafraid to do anything it takes to rack up victories on the biggest of stages.

From emerging this past season as a legitimate sixth man of the year candidate, to stepping up offensively for Boston in Kevin Garnett’s absence during the 2009 playoffs, Davis has been a key contributor on one of the strongest teams in the league in recent  years, which is much more impressive than racking up huge numbers on lottery bound franchises.

Now Davis, whose two-year $6 million contract expires, finds himself in a position to potentially cash in for all of his hard work and sacrifice.

The question is will Davis seek to carve out a new path as a team’s unquestioned starter at power forward or will he opt to return to Boston possibly foregoing millions to make another run at a title with Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

The Next Five:

Kenyon Martin – Unrestricted
Andrei Kirilenko – Unrestricted
Chuck Hayes – Unrestricted
Josh McRoberts – Unrestricted
Troy Murphy –  Unrestricted

Depending on individual team needs Martin could’ve easily been included in the top five. The aging veteran will bring a dose of physical and mental toughness to whatever team gets his signature on the dotted line. Kirilenko remains one of the league’s top all-around stat sheet stuffers in the frontcourt, being able to contribute points, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists routinely.  

While the 2011 crop of power forwards doesn’t have the same level of top tier talent as 2010 (Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh), there are numerous guys who will eventually become significant pieces to a team’s success in the future.