This is the second in my two-part series detailing the NBA players that give their teams the best "bang-for-their-buck". For my Western Conference All-Value Team, click here.
*Players eligible must make less than $5,000,000 this season
Starters
PG Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks (2011-2012 salary: $2,493,720) - Jennings has made strides in his third NBA season. After playing in Italy instead of college, there were questions how ready he might be to play against NBA-level competition. Jennings leads the Bucks in scoring, assists, and steals this year and has already had a 55-point game in his young career.
Stats: 35.9 minutes, 19.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 43.3% FG, 36.9% 3PT
SG MarShon Brooks, New Jersey Nets (2011-2012 salary: $1,110,120) - Brooks played for a very bad Providence team in college last season, prompting some to wonder whether or not his production was due to the fact he was the only good player on his team. While he likely was, Brooks is a fearless offensive player that has the wingspan (reportedly 7'1") to become a "plus" defender.
Stats: 29.3 minutes, 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 45.9% FG, 35.2% 3PT
C Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons (2011-2012 salary: $3,007,920) - Monroe made large improvements during the offseason (and lockout), and its showing. Despite playing on a bad Pistons team, Monroe has emerged as one of the better young big men in the league, showing a soft touch near the hoop, as well as a great understanding of passing out of the low-post. I wouldn't be shocked to see him in All-Star games in the future.
Stats: 32.9 minutes, 16.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 51.8% FG, 81.7% FT
PF Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic (2011-2012 salary: $2,244,601) - Not a typical "stretch four" in that he's actually a fairly effective operating out of the post as well, but he makes his money by stretching defenses playing off of Dwight Howard.
Stats: 30.7 minutes, 16.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 43.8% FG, 43.0% 3PT, 85.7% FT
SG/SF Paul George, Indiana Pacers - George has emerged as a solid two-way player for the surprising Pacers. A very good athlete that uses his athleticism on both ends of the court, and has really improved his three-point shot in his second NBA season.
Stats: 31.1 minutes, 12.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 46.7% FG, 46.7% 3PT
Reserves
C Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers (2011-2012 salary: $2,588,590) - A project player coming out of college, some believed that Hibbert was nothing more than a stiff, big body. Hibbert has shown steady improvement in each of his first four NBA seasons, has a decent mid-range jumper and does a good job of altering shots. A restricted free agent this offseason, there'll likely be at least a few teams interested in this big man's services.
Stats: 29.7 minutes, 13.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.8 blocks, 50.8% FG, 67.7% FT
PF Brandon Bass, Boston Celtics (2011-2012 salary: $4,000,000) - With Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O'Neal seeing reduced minutes due to both their age and compressed schedule, Bass has been the beneficiary of increased minutes. A solid face-up power forward, Bass is also active on defense and crashing the boards, and has provided quality minutes to every team he's played for.
Stats: 29.2 minutes, 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 47.6% FG, 75.0% FT
SG/SF Gerald Henderson, Charlotte Bobcats (2011-2012 salary: 2,250,040) - The Bobcats have been completely miserable, but Henderson (along with Kemba Walker and to a lesser extent, Byron Mullens) have been bright spots. While Henderson may never be an All-Star, he's a very good wing defender that is good at attacking the rim off the dribble, and has an improving mid-range game.
Stats: 33.8 minutes, 15.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 46.3% FG
PG Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers (2011-2012 salary: $1,455,960) - While Collison's scoring has dipped a bit this season, he leads an up-tempo attack that has the Pacers looking like a lock to reach the postseason, possibly as high as the #4 seed. Collison is also a very good three-point shooter (37.1% career), which is a nice compliment to his lightning-quick first step off the dribble. Collison is the third Pacer on this list.
Stats: 33.8 minutes, 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 41.4% FG, 41.0% 3PT
C JaVale McGee, Washington Wizards (2011-2012 salary: $2,462,400) - McGee sometimes struggles with focus, and his effort on the floor is occasionally inconsistent. When focused, McGee is one of the league's best shot-blockers, has elite-level athleticism and a decent mid-range game. Still just 24 years old, McGee has an opportunity to improve his low-post game and paltry free throw shooting (60.1% career) and take the step from being good to great.
Stats: 28.2 minutes, 10.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 50.4% FG
PG D.J. Augustin, Charlotte Bobcats (2011-2012 salary: $2,697,060) - Before landing on the inactive list with a bad toe, Augustin was playing very well at point for the Bobcats. Augustin could still use some work on his shot mechanics, but does a good job distributing the ball, as well as solid on-ball defense.
Stats: 32.6 minutes, 13.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 40.8% FG, 34.2% 3PT
SF/PF Jonas Jerebko, Detroit Pistons (2011-2012 salary: $4,500,000) - While he doesn't put up big numbers in blocks (0.4) or steals (0.6), Jerebko is a good defender that uses above average athleticism to guard both forward positions. He also does a good job on the boards, and has enough of an outside shot to open up occasional drives to the basket.
Stats: 25.6 minutes, 9.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 47.8% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 78.3% FT
Honorable Mention
C Byron Mullens, Charlotte Bobcats; SG/SF Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers; SF/PF Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee Bucks; PG Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks; SF Damion James, New Jersey Nets
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