To most July 1 is just the date three days before that wonderful Independence Day celebrations where we get to drink beer, barbeque burgers, hotdogs and chicken and we get to cap off the day with a fireworks show. But July 1 has a very different feel to NBA fans and franchises.

July 1 is the first day of free agency and there will be some guys out there worth paying and paying well. In a sport where one player can change a team from possible contender to world champions like the last two years with Garnett and Gasol, free-agent moves are essential to improving a team’s line-up and depth.

Here are some of the best free-agents that will be available for hire on the first day of July.

Jason Kidd: The best point guard available, even if he is does have a little tread on the tires. He still shoots the ball well and has the command of his team, passing the ball when needed and making good decisions. Kidd was uncharacteristically carless in some of his games against Denver in the playoffs, giving up the ball far too much. Even with knocks against him, Kidd is still a Gold Medal winner and a man who can help out any team looking for leadership and controlled passes.

Carols Boozer: Boozer can opt out of his contract and has till the end of June 30 to do it. The Jazz have not been the contenders they were a few years ago and he could make some big bucks if he decides to shop himself around. Many teams would jump at the opportunity to sign a 6-foot-9 rebounder who can post 16.2 points per game. The best power forward available, if he chooses to do so, Boozer could get paid and work his way into a good team missing one piece.

Andre Miller: The second best point that will be taking calls this summer. Miller has been a good general for the 76ers since he arrived via Allen Iverson trade. He puts up over 16 points per game and helps feed the ball well with his 6.5 assists per game. Miller can help any young squad looking to get a point to handle the immaturity or lack of experience in their locker room or on the court and Miller may be looking for just the right spot to end his career.

Mike Bibby: The Hawks’ 32-year-old point guard may be the best on the market and after Atlanta made the trade for Jamal Crawford, it’s pretty likely that he will be wearing a new jersey. But his 14.9 points and 5 assists per game will get him a spot somewhere.

Hedo Turkoglu: Will test the free-agent market after pulling a little opt out action. The Blazers are expected to make a play for the 9-year veteran who accomplished a lot last season with the Eastern Conference Champion Orlando Magic. One of the most improved players over the past few seasons Turkoglu averaged 16.8 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists last season. Some consider him the Michael Jordan of Turkey.

Ben Gordon: The shooting guard for the Bulls who will not want to stick around if he can bring his light-it-up ways to a more mature contender. At 26, Gordon is a safe bet to get a longer contract and will bring his 20 points per game and 41 percent 3-point shooting accuracy with him.

Mehmet Okur: He has the ability to exercise an early termination option and, according to the Salt Lake Tribune, is leaning towards using it. It would be catastrophic for the Jazz if he and Boozer chose to blow town, but if he does he will get paid as the best free-agent center around. The 30-year-old has been able to put up 13.9 points, 7.2 boards and sink 81 percent of his free-throws in his seven year career.

Ron Artest: Yes, the “crazy’ guy who proved last season he can be one of the best and most physical defenders in the league. Artest put all his baggage behind him and has the NBA buying into what he is selling. He was second on the team in points with 17.1 and third in rebounds with 5.2 per game and if the Rockets choose not to keep him, he will be able to find a starting role on a team close to a championship.

Allen Iverson: One of the best scorers in the NBA. He may not give up the rock as much as he is supposed to and he couldn’t carry the Nuggets or Pistons to a championship, or even a first second round chance, but he can still ball. The right situation where he is conformable coming off the bench or playing in a system he buys into would benefit a team greatly with a Hall of Fame capable player looking to win a ring before he hands up his sneakers.

Chris Anderson: The “Birdman” was the biggest player off the bench for the Nuggets last season and finished second in the NBA in blocked shots when he didn’t even start. The Nuggets will most likely lock him up with a big deal, but if another team can swoop in and steal hi away they would definitely be happy with the high flying center.

Rasheed Wallace: Not the same player he once was but he can still help a team out. His 12 points and over seven rebounds a game should be able to benefit a team where ever he lands. The Detroit Pistons amazing runs at the finals are over and Wallace will certainly be the next casualty of the movement towards a new generation, but any franchise looking to improve their team in the short-term may want to at least glance at the ticket price.

So get your phones and email accounts ready. You can use this list when you call your favorite team’s front office or rant on the local sports talk radio station about why your team needs each of these guys to win next year, why they’re stupid if they don’t listen to you and how no matter how terrible your team was last season with the right free-agent pick-up the Lakers should run in fear of your new found personnel.

It’s free-agent time and the phones are just hours away from ringing: are you going to be ready?

Or even satisfied with what your team does?--I hope so.