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