Respect Earned: The NBA's Most Improved Player Team

New York Knicks teammates David Lee and Nate Robinson have both earned themselves a spot on the Most Improved Player squad. Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

This season's Most Improved Player award will more than likely go to New Jersey Nets' point guard Devin Harris. So instead of trying to debate something that has probably already been determined, let's go outside the box a bit.

Harris may be the MIP, but he isn't the only player that has taken his game to new heights. With that said, it's time to throw a team together that consists of this season's newest gems.

First Team

• Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets (Year: 5th)

As of today, Harris is the front runner for the MIP award. Aside from making his first All-Star appearence, Harris has averaged 25.7 PPG in the month of February, including a 42-point game against Chicago.

Harris has emerged as one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference, and perhaps even the entire league. He has also come through in the clutch a few times this season, hitting some game winners, including the crazy one attached here.

Quick off the dribble, Harris can pretty much finish at the basket whenever he wants to. He, alongside Vince Carter, have formed one of the best scoring duos in the Eastern Conference.

The only bad news is, if the playoffs began today, Harris and the Nets would be sitting at home.

Harris averages 22.7 PPG this season.

• Roger Mason, San Antonio Spurs (Year: 5th)

Because of San Antonio's big three, it's rare that a new player comes in and makes an immediate impact on the offensive end for the Spurs. But Mason has been that player this season.

Mason is among the league leaders in three-point field goal percentage and three pointers made, while also averaging 12 PPG this season.

Mason has also came through in the clutch this season for San Antonio, sinking a game-winning shot Phoenix and hitting a big three down the stretch against Boston.

• Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder (Year: 2nd)

The reigning Rookie of the Year has improved in several categories. Not only has Durant's scoring total gone up this season, but his three-point field goal percentage has increased drastically, going from 28 percent to 43.

His field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, and steals are also up from a season ago. Durant has been on scoring rampage of late, averaging 33.1 PPG this month.

Unfortunately, only two of those 10 games resulted in wins for his team.

• David Lee, New York Knicks (Year: 4th)

Lee's game has flourished this season under new head coach, Mike D'Antoni. His scoring and rebounding have increased from a year ago, and currently, he has an impressive streak of 22 consecutive double-doubles going. If that doesn't impress you, then what can?

He has also became more of a vocal leader for the Knicks this season.

Lee is averaging 16.5 PPG and 11.9 RPG this season.

• Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers (Year: 4th)

Though the Lakers have been on a roll since Bynum went down with the torn MCL, Bynum's made a huge impact, especially in the month of January. Before the injury, Bynum had five consecutive double-doubles—one of which went along with a 42-point effort.

He was just starting to come back into his own and BOOM!, another injury occurred. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol can both produce down low, but neither guy has the physical toughness Bynum possesses.

Without Bynum, they can surely win the West again—but they can't survive Boston again in the NBA Finals.

Second Team

• Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics (Year: 3rd)

Rondo already has a championship ring under his belt in just his second season as a full-time starter. His scoring, assist total, and field goal percentage have all improved this season.

And to think, people questioned whether he could be the starting point guard for a championship-caliber team.

• Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (Year: 4th)

Like Harris, Granger also made his first All-Star appearance this season. And though his shooting percentage is down for both two- and three-point field goals, Granger has had a bigger impact in Indiana this year.

Granger is sixth in the league in points per game, eighth in free throw percentage and third in three-point field goals made.

• Jeff Green, Oklahoma City Thunder (Year: 2nd)

The Thunder have two great building blocks in Green and Durant. Though their record doesn't show it, Green and Durant have been a solid tandem this season.

Green's three-point percentage has improved a lot since a year ago, and his scoring has increased by seven points. Green is a decent defender, but his rebounding could be better.

• Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (Year: 5th)

Although he's no Kevin Garnett, AJ has developed into a man-child and Minnesota's newest franchise player. Jefferson is among the elite at his position and is one of only two players averaging at least 20 points and 11 rebounds. Dwight Howard is the other.

And while he's out for the season with a torn ACL, Jefferson's shot-blocking improved this season along with his free throw shooting.

• Spencer Hawes, Sacramento Kings (Year: 2nd)

Hawes has only started 29 of the 55 games he has played this season, but that hasn't stopped him from averaging double figures in points this season. Hawes' numbers have also increased in rebounds and blocked shots.

The Maloof brothers are on the right track in their rebuilding process with Hawes, Kevin Martin, and rookie Jason Thompson.

Third Team

• Nate Robinson, New York Knicks (Year: 4th)

Not only can Robinson be a candidate for MIP, but he is also the front runner for Sixth Man of the Year. Robinson's scoring has sky-rocketed since the All-Star break.

Aside from dethroning Dwight Howard of his slam dunk title, Robinson has had a great month, averaging 24.7 PPG and turning in a 41-point performance off the bench against Indiana.

• Von Wafer, Houston Rockets (Year: 4th)

Wafer is the only player on this team that isn't averaging double figures in scoring this season, but he's been a nice addition for Houston. He, too, can be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, but it's a long shot.

Houston has plenty of offense in their starting lineup, but Wafer has brought some scoring off the bench, and Houston now has another threat from the outside.

• Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers (Year: 2nd)

Philly traded Kyle Korver last season to open up things for Young, and he hasn't disappointed. Young's scoring has increased by five points from last season.

The 76ers now have two solid building blocks in Young and Andre Iguodala.

• Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz (Year: 3rd)

Millsap's production has been desperately needed this season due to Carlos Boozer being sidelined for a number of games. Millsap has filled in well, putting 14.5 PPG along with nine rebounds.

Deron Williams was also banged up a little this season, but without Millsap, there is no way Utah would be 13 games over .500 right now.

Now that Boozer has returned to the lineup, Millsap's numbers will decrease, but he still plays a vital role in Utah's offense.

• Luis Scola, Houston Rockets (Year: 2nd)

The second-year player out of Argentina has kind of been under-the-radar this season because of Yao Ming, the Ron Artest acquisition, and the season-ending injury to Tracy McGrady. But Scola's numbers have improved this season.

Not only his scoring, but also his rebounding, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage have all improved from his rookie season.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com.