Shopping List

Top free agents available, as ranked by Newsday: More than 190 free agents will be on the open market as soon as the new collective-bargaining agreement is signed, which should be today or Tuesday. Here is a look at the three best free agents overall, followed by a listing of the top five free agents by position.

Top 3

Scottie Pippen shooting guard, Bulls Chicago has three choices: renounce his rights, keep him or use him in a sign-and-trade deal.

Tom Gugliotta power forward, T-Wolves Could end up with Lakers via sign-and-trade deal.

Antonio McDyess power forward, Suns

Could be Houston-bound.

Top 5 centers

Rik Smits, Pacers

Jayson Williams, Nets

Vlade Divac, Hornets

Matt Geiger, Hornets

Chris Dudley, Knicks.

Comment: In the end, Charlotte may lose both Divac and Geiger.

Top 5 power forwards

Tom Gugliotta, T-Wolves

Antonio McDyess, Suns

Charles Barkley, Rockets

Christian Laettner, Hawks

Derrick Coleman, 76ers Comment: Besides the five listed above, there are several other big names, including coveted fourth-year sleeper Jason Caffey, a keeper for Golden State.

Top 5 small forwards

Joe Smith, 76ers

Alan Henderson, Hawks

LaPhonso Ellis, Nuggets

Rick Fox, Lakers

Cliff Robinson, Suns

Comment: Except for Joe Smith, who hasn’t produced up to expectations for a No. 1 overall pick, most of the talent has chalked up a lot of miles.

Top 5 shooting guards

Scottie Pippen, Bulls

Jerry Stackhouse, Pistons

Rex Chapman, Suns

Johnny Newman, Nuggets

Jalen Rose, Indiana.

Comment: Will Pippen help lead the Lakers or Houston to a title, or struggle as the centerpiece of a new cast in Chicago? After him, the pickings are slim.

Top 5 point guards

Rod Strickland, Wizards

Damon Stoudamire, Trail Blazers

Kevin Johnson, Suns

Sherman Douglas, Nets

Charlie Ward, Knicks.

Comment: If Houston misses out on one of the big three, watch for the Rockets to make a run at Damon Stoudamire or Rod Strickland.