NBA: Selecting the Best Player on Every NBA Team's Roster

While the Detroit Pistons aren't having a great year, sitting at 4-20 overall, they do have something positive to hold on to, and that is the play of second year center Greg Monroe, who happens to be the best player on their team.  There aren't many that thought Monroe would be this good in only the second year of his career, but the Pistons sure are happy that he is, because without him on the team they might still be looking for their first win of the season.

Monroe is averaging 15.7 PPG and 9.7 RPG, with a PER of 23.38.  The main reason why Monroe is playing at such an efficient rate is because he's also shooting above 50.0%, with a field goal percentage of 50.7%.  Monroe is without a doubt the future of the Detroit Pistons, and with players like Ben Gordon, Brandon Knight and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons future isn't as dark as it might seem.

Greg Monroe has become quite a solid player, and if he continues to develop his offensive skill the Detroit Pistons could return to their glory days of being a playoff team year in and year out.  There's no doubt that Monroe can't carry the entire Piston's franchise, but if the Pistons are able to make some smart moves moving forward in both the draft and free agency, the Pistons might be able to build a solid team around Monroe, the Pistons best player.  

Atlanta Hawks: PF Josh Smith

Joe Johnson should be the best player on the Hawks roster, mainly because he's making $6 million more than any other player on the Hawks' roster, but unfortunately for the Hawks he's not the best player. That honor goes to power forward Josh Smith.  Smith, who's only 26 years old, is slowly developing into a complete player, averaging nearly a double-double on the year.

Josh Smith is currently averaging 15.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG and 2.0 BPG, with a PER of 19.98, which is an impressive feat for the often trigger happy Smith.  Smith's athleticism at the power forward position is also one of the reasons why the Hawks have done well in the past, and are doing well this season, with a 16-6 overall record.

While Joe Johnson scores at a higher rate than Smith, he doesn't defend or crash the boards nearly as well as Smith does, and that's what really sets the two players apart.  With Smith continuing to develop into a more complete and more mature player, the future for the Atlanta Hawks, especially when they get Al Horford back, is looking pretty bright. 

Boston Celtics: PG Rajon Rondo

Here's a tough one to pick.  Do you go with one of the Celtics big three, in Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce or Ray Allen?  Or do you go with the youth of the franchise in point guard Rajon Rondo?  While I hate to do it, the nod here goes to Rondo.  He's the most talented player out of the four of them, and he has the most potential moving forward.

Rondo is currently riding the bench with a wrist injury, but before that he was averaging 15.0 PPG, 9.4 APG and 5.1 RPG, with a solid PER of 20.43.  While a lot of people knock Rondo for his "inability" to score, just know that this year he was shooting at 51.7 percent from the field before going down with a wrist injury.  Rondo is the kind of player that will succeed and make a team better, no matter what kind of talent you bring around him, and that's what makes him so special.

While this spot could arguably go to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo or Paul Pierce, I think the franchise ability of Rondo is what sets him apart from the others.  No matter what the fate of the big three is, whether it's retiring as Celtics or being traded away at some point, the Celtics future is in good hands with Rajon Rondo running the point.  

Charlotte Bobcats: SG Gerald Henderson

Picking the best player on the Charlotte Bobcats isn't an easy task, and it's not because there's so much incredible talent on their roster.  It's because there's just not enough.  It comes down to two players in my mind, Gerald Henderson and D.J. Augustin, and while Augustin is improving, the amount of production out of Henderson this year sets him apart, making him the best player on the Bobcats' roster.

Gerald Henderson is a sleeper candidate for the Most Improved Player of the Year award, averaging 15.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 1.2 APG, which are all impressive increases in production when compared to his career totals.  The only problem with Henderson is that he's playing at a very inefficient level, with a PER of 13.41.  You can't really blame him though, he's playing on the worst team in the NBA.

The Bobcats don't really have much going for them, with an NBA worst 3-20 record overall.  The good news for Charlotte is that they have some athletic players in Henderson and rookie Kemba Walker, that they'll be able to build around, especially with the number one all but guaranteed lottery pick in this year's upcoming draft.  Gerald Henderson, you're the best player on the Bobcats, but that's not really saying much.   

Chicago Bulls: PG Derrick Rose

This one is about as clear cut as they come.  When you've got the reigning NBA MVP on your roster, that all but proves who the best player is, and Derrick Rose is just that.  The Bulls are off to an impressive 18-6 record, which is in large part due to the explosive and consistent play of point guard Derrick Rose.  Although the Bulls are coming off losses to the Heat and the 76ers, the Bulls are still considered a top team in the Eastern Conference, thanks to Rose.

Derrick Rose isn't having quite the year he did last year, averaging 23.3 PPG, 7.8 APG and 3.5 RPG, but he's not that far away from his MVP numbers of 2011.  What makes Rose stand out from other point guards in the league is his rare combination of speed and strength, which makes him a nightmare to defend.  Rose also plays with the second highest level of efficiency at the point guard position (behind CP3) with a PER of 25.02.

The Bulls are set for the next few years with Rose at the helm, and players like Carlos Boozer, Rip Hamilton and Luol Deng fitting nicely into the roles that the Bulls need them to fit into.  If the Bulls can add a more legitimate offensive center than Joakim Noah, they might be able to turn the corner and get back to the NBA Finals.  Even if the Bulls keep Noah at center, Derrick Rose is the kind of player that can carry the Bulls to an NBA Finals if he wants to, and that's what makes him their best player.   

Cleveland Cavaliers: PG Kyrie Irving

8-12 wouldn't be a great record for most teams, but for the Cleveland Cavaliers it's a nice start to the 2011-12 NBA season.  WIthout doubt, the best player on the Cavaliers is rookie point guard Kyrie Irving, who is playing at a "Rookie of the Year" caliber so far.

While Irving is impressive, averaging 18.1 PPG, 4.9 APG and 3.3 RPG, those aren't even the most impressive statistics of the rookie's stellar year.  What's most impressive about Irving is that he's shooting above 50 percent, with a 51.1 field goal percentage, and he's playing at a thoroughly efficient rate, with a PER of 22.68.  When you look at what Irving is doing, with the talent that is around him, it's more than impressive.

After losing LeBron James to South Beach, many thought the Cavaliers were doomed to struggle for the next bazillion years.  While Kyrie Irving isn't the next LeBron, he's doing a solid job of helping Cleveland move on, which is something not a lot of people thought he could do in his first year in the NBA.  One thing is for sure, and that's that Irving is without a doubt the future of the Cavaliers, and he's quite an impressive talent to build around.  Watch out for Irving and the Cavaliers come playoff time. 

Dallas Mavericks: PF Dirk Nowitzki

I know it shouldn't be, but this was a toss up between Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, with Nowitzki ultimately getting the nod because of the incredible career he's had in Dallas.  There's no doubting though that Terry is nearly as valuable as Nowitzki, with his ability to hit clutch shot after clutch shot with ease. WIthout Nowitzki however, the Mavericks wouldn't be the same team they are now, and that's why Nowitzki is the Mavericks' best player.

Nowitzki isn't having the best year of his career, averaging only 16.7 PPG and 5.8 RPG, with a PER of 18.89, but luckily for the Mavericks that isn't holding them back from winning games.  The fact that Nowitzki is 7'0'' and plays the game like a small forward is really what makes Nowitzki such a great player.  He consistently creates defensive mismatches, which helps makes those around him better.

There's no doubt that Nowitzki will go down as one of the best Dallas Mavericks of all time, but you have to wonder if his best years are now behind him, nearing 34 years of age.  Either way, unless someone on the Mavericks really steps up their game, Nowitzki will be the best player on the team for at least the next few years. 

Denver Nuggets: SF Danilo Gallinari

The Denver Nuggets are off to an impressive 14-7 record, with wins over the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and the Philadelphia 76ers.  One of the main reasons why the Nuggets are playing so well this year is because of the emergence of point guard Ty Lawson and small forward Danilo Gallinari.  Ever since trading away Carmelo Anthony the Nuggets have looked like a more complete team, with the best player being Danilo Gallinari.

Gallinari is having the best statistical year of his career, with averages of 17.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG and 2.6 APG, with a PER of 20.09.  Gallinari has filled right in for Carmelo Anthony, and while he isn't the same type of player, he's more of a team player than Carmelo will ever be, resulting in the Nuggets becoming a better team.

This spot realistically could have gone to Ty Lawson, but Gallinari plays at a higher level of efficiency, which means more to a Nuggets team that lacked efficiency and consistency over the past few years. The Nuggets are starting to build a solid team around Gallinari, Lawson and Nene, resulting in a team that will undoubtedly be a legitimate contender in the West for the next few years. 

Detroit Pistons: C Greg Monroe

While the Detroit Pistons aren't having a great year, sitting at 4-20 overall, they do have something positive to hold onto, and that is the play of second year center Greg Monroe, who happens to be the best player on their team.  There aren't many that thought Monroe would be this good in only the second year of his career, but the Pistons sure are happy that he is, because without him on the team they might still be looking for their first win of the season.

Monroe is averaging 15.7 PPG and 9.7 RPG, with a PER of 23.38.  The main reason why Monroe is playing at such an efficient rate is because he's also shooting above 50 percent, with a field goal percentage of 50.7.  Monroe is without a doubt the future of the Detroit Pistons, and with players like Ben Gordon, Brandon Knight and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons future isn't as dark as it might seem.

Greg Monroe has become quite a solid player, and if he continues to develop his offensive skills the Detroit Pistons could return to their glory days of being a playoff team year in and year out.  There's no doubt that Monroe can't carry the entire Piston's franchise, but if the Pistons are able to make some smart moves moving forward in both the draft and free agency, the Pistons might be able to build a solid team around Monroe, the Pistons' best player.  

Golden State Warriors: PF David Lee

David Lee gets the nod here over guards Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry because he's hands down the more complete player of the bunch.  Without David Lee's presence on the boards, the Golden State Warriors would be even worse than they currently are, specifically because Ellis doesn't do much more than score. 

David Lee is .1 rebounds per game away from averaging a double-double on the year, with averages of 18.6 PPG and 9.9 RPG. Lee is also playing at a relatively efficient level, with a PER of 19.28, which is higher than court-mate Monta Ellis who has a PER of only 17.48.  Lee's presence on the defensive side of the ball is also one of the reasons why he finds himself on this list instead of Ellis or Curry.

The Warriors give up the third most points per game with an average of 99.8, and the Warriors aren't going to get better as a team until they start playing more consistently on the defensive side of the ball, which is something Lee does decently.  David Lee, in his seventh NBA season, is becoming one of the best power forwards in the league, and if the Warriors can find some talent in the paint to compliment Lee, the Warriors could be a dangerous team. 

Houston Rockets: SG Kevin Martin

The Houston Rockets are starting to heat up, with a surprising 12-10 overall record, and that is in large part to the fact that Kevin Martin is scoring at the most efficient rate of his career.  While this spot could have gone to stellar point guard Kyle Lowry, who's having the best year of his career, it ultimately goes to Martin because his offensive production is one of the main reasons why the Rockets are doing as well as they are.

Martin is averaging 20.5 PPG, 3.0 APG and 2.6 RPG, with a PER of 18.73, which isn't amazing, but it's enough to help the Rockets win games. Kevin Martin is helping the Rockets become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference with his impressive offensive production, which forces defenses to key on him, losing containment on Lowry and forward Luis Scola.

While Martin needs to increase his performance in rebounding and assist production, if he wants to help the Rockets turn the corner, he is still playing at an impressive level.  Kevin Martin better watch out though, if Kyle Lowry can keep up his near double-double averages he might take over this spot in the near future. 

Indiana Pacers: C Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert has exploded onto the scene this year for the Indiana Pacers, transitioning from a player with a lot of potential to becoming a legitimate center in the NBA.  While this spot could go to Danny Granger, I think Hibbert's presence in the paint is more important for the Pacers, and the fact that he is a more efficient player makes him the better player, but just by a little bit.

Hibbert is averaging nearly a double-double this year, with averages of 14.0 PPG, 9.8 RPG and 1.8 BPG, with a PER of 20.92.  Hibbert's ability to control the paint defensively and produce at a consistent rate on the offensive side of the ball is one of the main reasons why the Pacers are currently sitting at a 15-6 overall record.

Hibbert's play this year has taken the offensive pressure off All-Star Danny Granger, and it's helped the Pacers become a serious playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. which shows how important he truly is to the team.  The Pacers will go as Hibbert goes.  If he continues to develop, there's no limit to the success that he and the Pacers can achieve.    

Los Angeles Clippers: PG Chris Paul

Lob City has two superstars in Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, and picking between the two when it comes to who the better player isn't an easy task.  While Blake Griffin was just as dominant of a player without Chris Paul on the roster, Chris Paul is doing what Griffin couldn't do alone, and that is win games.  Paul's ability to help the Clippers win games is what makes him the best player on the roster.

Chris Paul missed a few games with a hamstring injury, but when he's been on the court he's been an absolute force to be reckoned with.  Paul is averaging 18.1 PPG, 8.9 APG and 3.4 RPG, with a PER of 25.90, which is all around his career averages.  What's most impressive about Paul this year has been his ability to take over games, which is what the Clippers lacked last season.

The Clippers haven't necessarily taken over as the best team coming out of Los Angeles, but with Paul at the helm they are definitely one of the best teams in all of the Western Conference.  While you can make an argument for Blake Griffin being better than Chris Paul, there's no doubting the fact that Chris Paul is more complete of a player, which in my mind makes him the best player on the Clippers' impressive roster.  

Los Angeles Lakers: SG Kobe Bryant

The Kobe show in Los Angeles is going as expected, with Kobe leading the league in scoring and the Lakers as a team playing above average, sitting at 13-9 overall.  Kobe is the main reason why the Lakers are currently above .500, and he's also the main reason why the Lakers aren't doing better than they currently are.

Kobe is averaging 30.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 5.4 APG, with a PER of 26.53, which is solid production for the now 16-year NBA veteran.  The only problem with Kobe's play is that he's jacked up a league leading amount of field goal attempts, with 534 on the year.  That amount of field goals is nearly 150 more attempts than the next player, LeMarcus Aldridge, who has 386 on the year.

The way Kobe plays will always help the Lakers be a playoff contender in the Western Conference, but it will always be one of the main reasons why the Lakers struggle.  With Kobe on the roster, who is undoubtedly the best player on the team, players like Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol don't get as many touches as they need, which results in the Lakers losing games they shouldn't.  Kobe's the best player on the Lakers, but he's also the guy that keeps other players from getting better. 

Memphis Grizzlies: C Marc Gasol

After a ridiculous run in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Grizzlies entered the 2011-12 season with lofty expectations.  While they aren't necessarily lighting the basketball world on fire, they are a respectable 11-10 overall, and that record is in large part due to the dominant play of Marc Gasol.  While Rudy Gay is playing well this year, the Grizzlies team is centered around Marc Gasol.

Gasol is averaging a double-double on the year with averages of 14.9 PPG, 10.6 PPG and 2.3 BPG.  In addition to that production, Gasol is also playing at an efficient level with a PER of 19.95, which is bringing a level of consistency to a Grizzlies team that desperately needs it.

Gasol's 2011-12 season is the best of his now four year career, and if he continues to develop the way he has so far, the Grizzlies are going to be a dangerous team in the Western Conference.  With a trio of Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, there is a lot of reason to be excited in Memphis—the best member of that trio being Marc Gasol.   

Miami Heat: SF LeBron James

The Miami Heat are the most star studded team in the NBA, and while it may seem difficult to pick the best player between LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, in reality it's as easy as a decision as the one LeBron made when he took his talents to South Beach.

LeBron James is the most complete player in the NBA, and he's also the most efficient, and that's what makes him the best player on the Miami Heat's stellar roster.  LeBron is averaging the highest point/rebound/assist combo in the league, with an average of 29.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 7.1 APG. He also has the highest PER in the NBA coming in at 33.41.  We could sit here all day talking about LeBron's "clutch issues," but there's no doubt that he's the best player on the Miami Heat.

The most impressive part about LeBron James' production this year is that he's also shooting a career high from the field, with a  55.1% field goal percentage.  This debate may have been closer before Wade missed nine games, but without Wade, LeBron was able to lead the Heat to a 8-1 record, which just proves who the best player in South Beach really is.   

Milwaukee Bucks: PG Brandon Jennings

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently 10-11 overall, which isn't such a terrible record when you consider the talent that the Bucks have on their roster.  With center Andrew Bogut out for at least the next eight weeks, the Bucks lost one of their best players, placing more pressure on third year point guard Brandon Jennings.  Lucky for the Bucks, Jennings is more than capable of handling that pressure.

Jennings is having the best year of his young career, averaging 20.0 PPG, 5.5 APG and 3.3 RPG, with a PER of 20.53, and he's the main reason why the Bucks are still relevant this season.  Jennings has also increased his shooting percentage significantly, from a career average of 38.8 percent to this year's average of 44.3 percent.

Brandon Jennings is without a doubt the future of the Milwaukee Bucks, and for good reason.  He's also without a doubt the best player on their roster, sans Andrew Bogut.  The Bucks have a bright future with Jennings at the point guard position, and as long as they're able to add some talent around him and Bogut returns to 100 percent, they could turn into a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.  

Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Kevin Love

There's really no argument here.  Kevin Love is hands down the best player on the Timberwolves young roster.  Sure, Ricky Rubio is playing at a stellar rate for a rookie, averaging 11.4 PPG, 8.9 APG and 4.7 RPG, but it's too early in his career to peg him as the best player on the T'Wolves roster.  Kevin Love on the other hand has produced at an absurd double-double rate this year and last, which gives him the nod.

Kevin Love, just like last year, is averaging a double-double per game, with averages of 25.5 PPG and 13.5 RPG, and a PER of 26.18, which ranks fourth in the entire NBA.  The Timberwolves were smart to lock Love down for at least the next four years, with their recent contract extension.  Unfortunately for Love, that contract extension might keep him from becoming the best player on a much better team in the next year or two.

Kevin Love is a double-double machine, grabbing a double-double in 20 out of the T'Wolves first 22 games, and that's more than enough to make him one of the  most dominant players in the entire NBA, nevertheless just the Timberwolves roster.  There's no doubt that Kevin Love is currently the best player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but if Ricky Rubio continues to improve, he will give Love a run for his money.   

New Jersey Nets: PG Deron Williams

The New Jersey Nets aren't having that great of a year, sitting at 8-15 overall, and still without coveted superstar Dwight Howard.  The one bright spot on the Nets underwhelming team is the play of Deron Williams, who just so happens to be the one piece of the puzzle the Nets have in solving the conundrum that is making a legitimate trade offer for Dwight Howard.

Deron Williams is the most consistent player on the Nets roster, averaging 20.3 PPG, 8.4 APG and 3.6 RPG, with a PER of 19.57, and that's why he also is the Nets' best player.  The one thing holding Williams back from becoming a better player, and helping the Nets win more games, is his consistent low shooting percentage, with his current average being 40.2 percent.

The New Jersey Nets aren't going to get much better this year, with their main focus being figuring out how to keep Deron Williams and lure Dwight Howard to New Jersey at the same time.  Picking Deron Williams as the Nets' best player is as easy as deciding whether or not to take free money.  Hands down, Deron Williams is the best player on the Nets' roster, but that could change if a miracle happens and Dwight Howard takes his talents to New Jersey.

New Orleans Hornets: C Emeka Okafor

I wanted to give this spot to Eric Gordon, but seeing that he's played in only two games as a New Orleans Hornet I just couldn't do it.  So who's the next best player on the Hornets' roster?  It was a toss up between point guard Jarrett Jack and center Emeka Okafor, but the nod ultimately went to the dominant big man, Okafor.

While Okafor's production is down this year as compared to his career totals, averaging 9.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG and 1.1 BPG, with a PER of 16.79, he's still producing at a high enough level to warrant being the best player on an pretty underwhelming team.  The one thing that Okafor does bring to the Hornets is excitement, enthusiasm and hard work, which will pay off for him and the Hornets in the long run.

There's not much Okafor can do to make the Hornets a better team, unless he can magically heal Eric Gordon and get him back on the court.  Even with Gordon, the Hornets aren't going to be a legitimate playoff contender because of their inexperience as a unit.  But with the right pieces in place, including Jack, Okafor and Gordon, the Hornets will be a team to keep your eyes on in the coming year or two.

New York Knicks: SF Carmelo Anthony

The New York Knicks aren't too hot lately, and a large part of their lack of success is rooted in the fact that their star players, Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, can't figure out how to mix their talents together.  While Carmelo definitely is at fault regarding the Knicks' inability to win games, Stoudemire is experiencing serious declines in his season averages as compared to his career average, which is the main reason why Melo took this spot.

Carmelo is having a solid year compared to his previous eight, averaging 23.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 4.3 APG, with a PER of 21.20, and while a lot of fans knock him for his inability to defend, at least his offensive production isn't lacking like Stoudemire's is.

While Melo hasn't necessarily helped his teams "turn the corner" regarding NBA Finals appearances, or even getting out of the first round of the NBA playoffs, there's no doubt that he's one heck of a basketball player.  On a Knicks' roster that is struggling to find consistency, Carmelo is at least putting up the offensive production the Knicks expected him to, and that's why he is the best player on a struggling Knicks' team. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Kevin Durant

Picking between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for the best player on the Oklahoma City Thunder's roster is not an easy task.  With Westbrook's recent $80 million contract extension, he's getting paid about as much as Durant and he's playing at a more "complete" level, averaging a higher points/assist/rebound per game average than Durant.

The one difference maker between the two players is efficiency.  Durant is playing at a much more efficient level than Westbrook, with a PER of 27.00, as compared to Westbrook's PER of only 22.81. What this debate comes down to is which player I'd take to build a franchise around, and that player is hands down Kevin Durant.

Durant is averaging, 26.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG and 3.2 APG this year, which is an increase in every major statistical category over his career averages.  While the debate between whether Durant or Westbrook is the better player will rage on, I'm taking Durant 99 percent of the time, mainly because he plays at a more efficient and controlled rate than Westbrook does.

Orlando Magic: C Dwight Howard

Love him or hate him, there's no doubting that Dwight Howard is one of, if not, the best center in the NBA.  Putting all of his trade talk aside, he's also the best player that the Orlando Magic have, which is mainly why they're having such a hard time letting him go.  The Magic are afraid they won't get near the level of talent in return for Howard, which is probably true.

Dwight Howard is absolutely dominating opponents this season, averaging 20.0 PPG, 15.3 RPG and 2.0 BPG, with a PER of 24.02.  Some could argue that Ryan Anderson, who is also playing at a dominant rate, is making a case for himself to be one of the best players on the Magic, and he could very well be the best player once Dwight Howard leaves Orlando.

I personally don't think Howard is handling the whole "I want to be traded" situation that well, but there's no doubting the fact that he's one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and without a doubt the most dominant player on the Orlando Magic's otherwise underwhelming roster.  It's just a shame there's a high likelihood he won't stay in Orlando.

Philadelphia 76ers: PG Lou Williams

This spot was a real tossup between Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Lou Williams, but ultimately Lou Williams gets the nod, which undoubtedly will cause some debate. The reason why Lou Williams is the best player on the impressive Sixers is because for the first time in the past few years, he's brought a spark off the bench to a Sixers team that's desperately needed one.

Williams is averaging 15.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, and 2.9 RPG, with a solid PER of 22.58.  That production should be enough to earn Williams the starting point guard gig over Jrue Holiday, but Williams is most efficient when he's coming off the bench. He's helped the Sixers become one of the surprises of the 2011-12 season with a 16-6 overall record.

The Sixers will undoubtedly have to improve this season if they want to legitimately contend in the Eastern Conference, and they will have to do so by starting to beat the top teams in the NBA, which they haven't been able to do as of yet this season.  Maybe the Sixers should switch things up and start Williams. It might just be the spark that they need moving forward in the 2011-12 season.

Phoenix Suns: PG Steve Nash

Even at the age of 38, Steve Nash has still got it, averaging 14.3 PPG, 9.9 APG, and 2.3 RPG, with a solid PER of 22.12.  It's just a shame that the Phoenix Suns weren't able to ever help Nash out after Stoudemire left, failing to acquire legitimate talent for the star point guard time and time again.

Steve Nash isn't just one of the best true point guards in the game.  He is the absolute best point guard when it comes to running the pick-and-roll offense, which is why the Suns were so good when they had Amar'e Stoudemire.  In reality, Nash is the guy that made Stoudemire such a high-profile player, it wasn't the other way around.

Nash's years in the NBA are quickly fading, and if the Suns want to maximize the talent he's still got they need to make some moves to get back to the days of having one of the most athletic teams in the NBA.  Nash can still run the break with the best of them, and the Suns need to get back to that kind of offense because while Nash is hands down the best player on the Suns roster, he can't help the Suns win without some help.

Portland Trailblazers: PF LeMarcus Aldridge

When the Trailblazers lost Brandon Roy to retirement and Greg Oden to another season ending injury, many thought the Trailblazers would quickly become one of the worst teams in the NBA.  LeMarcus Aldridge made sure that wasn't going to happen, stepping in as the leader of a young team and helping the Trailblazers stay relevant with a 13-9 record overall.

Aldridge is well on his way to his first All-Star appearance, averaging 22.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 0.8 BPG, with a PER of 23.58.  There aren't many players in the league that are playing at that high level of efficiency, and that's why Aldridge is not only the best player on the Trailblazers, he's also one of the best overall players in the league.

With Aldridge alone, the Trailblazers won't ever be a true contender for the Western Conference title, but if the Blazers are able to add the right pieces to compliment Aldridge they have the potential to become a very dangerous team in the next year or two. 

Sacramento Kings: PG Tyreke Evans

There isn't much going right for the Sacramento Kings this year, winning only six out of their 21 games so far.  The one bright spot for the otherwise underwhelming Kings is that they have one of the brightest young talents at the point guard position in Tyreke Evans.

Evans, weighing in at 6'6'' and 220 pounds, brings a truly rare mix of size, strength and speed to the point guard position for Sacramento.  While Evans production has been in decline since his rookie season, averaging only 16.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 5.0 APG, with a PER of 17.18, he's still the best player on an otherwise lacking Sacramento Kings' roster.

Tyreke Evans is without a doubt the King's best player, but until they bring in some legitimate veteran leadership he won't be able to take the Kings to that "next level" in the Western Conference.  Evans must mature and become an even more complete player to help the Kings win, and when he does that there's no limit to how successful of an NBA player he can become. 

San Antonio Spurs: PG Tony Parker

This spot could realistically go to any of the Spurs "big three"—Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan or Tony Parker, and if Ginobli hadn't missed all but two games this season he might have grabbed it.  With all that being said, Tony Parker is continuing to be one of the most productive and most consistent players for an aging San Antonio Spurs team. 

Parker is averaging right around his career averages this year, with averages of 16.7 PPG, 7.8 APG and 3.0 RPG, with a PER of 19.80.  That production is one of the reasons why the Spurs, without Manu Ginobli, have been able to maintain their wining ways, earning a 14-9 overall record.

With the consistent play of Tony Parker at the helm, and the emergent play of DeJuan Blair and Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs' future is looking bright.  On a team with three All-Star players, it's hard to stand out, but Tony Parker has done just that by being the most consistent of the three stars throughout his years with the Spurs. 

Toronto Raptors: C Andrea Bargnani

Andrea Bargnani has been the one bright spot for a Toronto Raptors' team that has been all but underwhelming the past few years.  The good news for the Raptors is that Bargnani is the kind of franchise talent that they can build a successful team around moving forward, as long as they make the right moves.

This season alone, Bargnani has developed into an All-Star caliber player, averaging 23.5 PPG and 6.4 RPG, with a PER of 22.48.  While Bargnani hasn't turned the Raptors into a legitimate contender yet, in the next few years he could do it, as long as the Raptors compliment him with some legitimate talent.

DeMar DeRozan and Jose Calderon are both players that could have taken this spot, but they've never quite reached their potential.  If DeRozan and Calderon can pick up some of the slack on the offensive side of the ball, the Raptors can become a legitimate playoff contender in the Easter Conference, with Bargnani as their franchise talent.

Utah Jazz: C Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson has had quite a career, playing for three different teams over the span of eight seasons in the NBA.  While Jefferson's career has never really taken off, to the level many thought it would, he's quietly accumulated impressive career totals of 15.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 1.4 BPG.

This year, Jefferson is improving on that production with averages of 17.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 1.7 BPG, with a PER of 21.40.  That kind of production has helped his Utah Jazz get out to an impressive 12-7 overall record, and it just might be enough to earn him his first NBA All-Star appearance.

The Utah Jazz don't have incredible depth on their roster, and they don't really have a superstar, but Al Jefferson has done a great job of making all that irrelevent.  

Washington Wizards: PG John Wall

JaVale McGee almost stole this spot away from John Wall, but he just doesn't have enough polish on the offensive side of the ball to do so just yet.  Once McGee becomes a more complete player, he might very well become the best player on the Wizards' young roster.

Wall is one of the best young talents in the NBA, it's just a shame that he plays on arguably the NBA's worst team.  Wall is averaging 16.1 PPG, 7.1 APG, and 5.2 RPG, with a PER of 16.26.  That's some serious production for a guy who's only been in the league for two years.

The future is bright for Wall, and whenever he gets some legitimate talent around him in Washington, or he takes his talents elsewhere, he will be well on his way to becoming one of the best true point guards in the league.