Respect Earned: NBA's All-Impressive Squad

There is still a lot to be determined before the playoffs, but everyone can agree this has been one of the single greatest seasons in the NBA for quite some time.

Young players' excellent performances have been some of the brightest spots this year.  Many have taken their games to new levels, and even stepped up when their teams really needed it. 

Certain superstars—such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James—are always expected to have a great season.  But those of whom not much is expected are those who've made the Whittenberg All-Impressive Team, which means they have impressed me.

The list below consists of players who were under the radar before the start of the season.  And yes, even rookies count.  While some guys were known components before this season, the others weren't complete mysteries.

Whether their teams have winning or losing records does not factor into the players' inclusion in this team.  

First Team

• Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers (Years Pro: 1)

Farmar had his ups and downs his first season in the NBA.

He played briefly in games for the NBA's developmental league while with the Lakers.  But this season, Farmar has impressed.

The Lakers are currently on their magical 10-game winning streak and Farmar has averaged about 11 PPG.  He plays a vital role off the bench and his current performance, believe it or not, will be imperative come playoff time.

• Brandon Roy, Portland Trailblazers (Years Pro: 1)
  

Fresh off his Rookie of the Year campaign, Roy took another leap forward by making his first All-Star game appearance.

B-Roy has averaged 19.3 PPG this season, and his Blazers have been one of the more surprising teams in the first half.

• Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics (Years Pro: Rookie)
  

Yes he's a rookie, but Durant has already blossomed as the Sonics' new franchise player.

A handful of rookies have looked good this season, but KD pretty much had the Rookie of the Year award wrapped up after the first half.

Though Seattle is in atrocious condition, Durant has provided some hope, averaging 19.2 PPG.

• Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks (Years Pro: Rookie)
  

While Durant received most of the preseason rookie hype, Al Horford has been an under-the-radar guy.

His Atlanta Hawks aren't even out of playoff contention in a pretty mediocre conference, sitting ninth in the East.

The team has a bright future ahead, and a solid building block in Horford for years to come.  Horford averages 10 RPG along with nine points. 

• Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (Years Pro: 3)
  

For those who thought the Timberwolves didn't receive equal value for Kevin Garnett, think again.  This guy has the makings of a franchise player in Minnesota. 

Jefferson has been a freak of nature this season, averaging 21.4 points and 11.8 RPG per game.

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