Most Cost Efficient Player from Every NBA Team

As the NBA lockout continues, one issue that keeps popping up in discussions is the fact that GMs tended to overpay players over the course of the last CBA.  This certainly cannot be disputed, as average players like Zaza Pachulia and Sasha Vujacic made much more money than they were worth last season.

In looking at some rosters, it's shocking how in some cases, a team's most valuable player is also one of its cheapest.  A man who fits this description perfectly is reigning league MVP Derrick Rose. 

These instances must be an owners' dreams, as a cheap superstar is hard to find these days.  Thus, let's dive right in.

Here is each NBA team's most cost-efficient player.

Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague

He may have only averaged 13.8 minutes per contest during the regular season, but Jeff Teague proved that he could have a bright future in the NBA last postseason. 

Filling in for an injured Kirk Hinrich, the former Wake Forest guard averaged 11.8 points and made 51 percent of his field goals.  Hinrich is healthy again, but Teague has shown that he can be a reliable man off the bench in the near future.

The best part?  He's only due slightly over $1.5 million next season.  That's a pretty good price considering that three of the Hawks starting five make $10 million or more.

Boston Celtics: None

Nothing against the Boston Celtics, but they are a team that tends to go by the old adage, "one must spend money to make money." 

Four of the five regular starters make over $10 million and all of the cost-efficient players they had last year are about to become free agents.  Until that part of the offseason begins and their roster is more than the starters and guys who barely play at all, it is impossible to name the man who fits this label best.

Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson

Considering that the Charlotte Bobcats already have one of the lowest payrolls in the league, this was a tough choice.  Yet after looking at the roster and analyzing each player under contract with the team for next season, the clear choice is guard Gerald Henderson.

He may not have impressed on paper last year, as the former Duke Blue Devil averaged just 9.6 points per game.  Yet over the final two and a half months of the season Henderson earned his $2.25 million, as he averaged 13.9 points and showed that he could be a shooter in the making.

He still has a lot to learn with just two seasons under his belt, but look for head coach Paul Silas to turn Henderson into one of the league's better shooters.

Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose

Last season, 22-year-old Derrick Rose was the NBA MVP.  The former Memphis Tiger posted averages of 25 points, 7.7 assists and even 4.1 rebounds as he led the Chicago Bulls to the best record in the NBA.  Those numbers are indicative not just of an effective player, but a superstar in the making.

At the same time, the Bulls front office must be doing a little dance.  Why?  Rose is only due $6.9 million next season.

That's pretty unbelievable considering that, barring a major career downturn, the man will demand LeBron James-like money once he hits free agency in two years.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Omri Casspi

In his two NBA seasons, Omri Casspi has proven to be a valuable asset off the bench.  The Cavaliers traded for him shortly after this year's draft in the hopes that he would bring a spark to the bench of a team desperately trying to recover from the trauma of the LeBron James departure.

In terms of skill, Casspi is someone who always plays hard.  He can drive to the basket well and is even a valuable threat from behind the three-point line. 

He only makes $1.3 million next season, but could be due for an extension worth much more if he continues to play the way he has thus far.

Dallas Mavericks: Rudy Fernandez

After falling out with team management in Portland, Rudy Fernandez was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night.  Like the Boston Celtics, the team has many free agents to worry about and on top of that, most of the key players under contract next season make well over the league minimum. 

Yet considering the role in which Fernandez might be used next year, he is the team's most cost-efficient player as of now.

Keep in mind that as a veteran of the European League, where offense is heavily valued, Fernandez is someone who can nail three-pointers with ease.  In three NBA seasons, he has made 36 percent of his shots from long-range while coming off the bench.

He only makes slightly under $2.2 million next year, so it will be interesting to see what head coach Rick Carlisle decides to do with him.

Denver Nuggets: Ty Lawson

Last season, both as a starter and a bench player, Ty Lawson broke out.  He averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists.  On top of that, he proved to be a frighteningly accurate shooter as he made 50 percent of his field goals and 40 percent of his three-pointers.

Considering how he stepped into the starting point guard role after Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups were traded to the New York Knicks, it's as though the latter never left the Mile High City.

He only has two years under his belt, so it's no surprise that the former North Carolina Tar Heel comes at a cheap price.  His $1.65 million salary makes him an absolute steal.

Detroit Pistons: Austin Daye

Considering how much of a mess the Detroit Pistons were last season, it's hard to find one consistently productive player on the team let alone a cost-efficient one.  Yet, after scouring the players under contract for next year, Austin Daye stood out as the man who fit that label best.

The 6'11" forward only averaged 7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 20 minutes per contest last year, but his versatility is what sets him apart from the rest.  Seriously, how many 6'11" players out there will shoot 40 percent from three-point range?

For the extremely low price of $1.9 million, it's hard to argue with those skills.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry

Like Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry is a player whose salary is an absolute steal right now.  This young man proved last year to be one of the most dangerous guards in the NBA. 

Not only did he average 18.6 points and 5.8 assists, but he also made an incredible 44 percent of his three-point shots.

How much is Curry, who will demand top dollar somewhere down the road, going to make next season?  Well, better hold on to your seats, folks.

Next season, Curry is due nothing more than $3.1 million.  Considering that his teammate Monta Ellis will be making $11 million for similar skills, that's an amazing price.

Houston Rockets: Chase Budinger

After establishing himself as an effective shooter with decent rebounding ability at Arizona for three years, Chase Budinger entered the 2009 NBA draft and was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round before immediately being traded to the Houston Rockets. 

Last season, despite averaging just 9.8 points on the year, Budinger really stepped it up once given some starting opportunities over the season's final two and a half months.  Over that stretch, he averaged 12.4 points.

That being said, it's near certain that Budinger will be a regular this coming season.  He'll work on his rebounding and become an effective threat on both ends of the court.

The best part is that he will do it all for just $884,293.

Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert

At 7'2", it's no doubt that Roy Hibbert is valued for his defensive ability.  With his first taste of free agency coming at the end of next season, the former Georgetown Hoya posted career highs in all major categories last year: 12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

If Hibbert can capitalize on that season and improve even more in the coming year, then the Indiana Pacers will have a hard time retaining his services once he becomes a restricted free agent, as the lucrative offers will surely be flying in.

Yet, for $2.5 million, the team will surely be grateful to hold onto him for at least one more season.

Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin

The unanimous choice for NBA Rookie of the Year made a tremendous impact last season. 

In starting all 82 games, Griffin averaged an astounding 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds.  In doing so, he proved to be one of the league's most dangerous, physical and electrifying young players.

If Griffin can prove to be more than just a one-year-wonder, and we all know he won't be, then he has a big payday coming in his future.  This coming season, however, the Clippers will only owe him $5.7 million.  That's an absolute steal for someone who will probably demand Kevin Garnett money ($21.2 million next season) somewhere down the road.

Los Angeles Lakers: None

As fun as the Los Angeles Lakers are to watch, they have zero cost-efficient players on their roster.  The entire starting lineup combined will make a grand total of $69,049,283 next year and sixth man Lamar Odom makes $8.9 million.

The only player who could be considered remotely cost-efficient is bench forward Matt Barnes and his $1.9 million salary, but he doesn't contribute nearly enough to be considered a steal.

Thus, while always entertaining, the Lakers aren't exactly the model of smart spending.

Memphis Grizzlies: Sam Young

Filling in for an injured Rudy Gay, Sam Young really stepped it up last year. 

He only averaged 7.3 points, but his production over the final two and a half months of the season, also known as the Grizzlies' playoff push, really stands out.  Over that stretch, the former Pittsburgh Panther averaged 11.1 points.

His role next year remains a mystery since Gay is returning, but the fact that Young was able to make such valuable contributions and help the Grizzlies get that far despite Gay's absence will not go unnoticed.  For $1.1 million, he will surely get some valuable minutes off the bench.

Miami Heat: Udonis Haslem

He may have only played in 13 regular season games last year, but Udonis Haslem made the most of that time as he averaged 8.2 points and eight rebounds before returning to help his team in the playoffs.

Now, you're probably all wondering how the Miami Heat could have any cost-efficient players after making headlines last offseason with the money they spent on the "Big Three."  Well, believe it or not, Haslem comes pretty cheap considering his stellar defensive abilities.

Let's look at Haslem's fellow defensive ace, James Posey.  The Pacers owe him just under $7.6 million next season and he is nowhere near as good as Haslem, who will make just under $3.8 million in the coming year.

Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings

Two seasons ago, when he was a rookie, Brandon Jennings made an immediate impact when he scored 55 points in just his seventh career NBA game. 

The shooting may have cooled, but he finished the season with a respectable average of 15.5 points per game.  Last year, he improved upon that and finished with an average of 16.2 a game.

As he keeps learning, Jennings is slowly becoming one of the league's top offensive point guards.  He is just 21, so he has a long career ahead of him.  If he continues to improve and becomes an effective leader, he will surely earn a giant pay raise.

Yet for now, the Bucks front office will be perfectly content to pay him the $2.49 he is owed next year.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love

Though an extension appears imminent once a new labor deal is in place, double-double machine Kevin Love remains an absolute steal until it happens.  Last season, he averaged 20.2 points and led the league with 15.2 rebounds per game.  Even more amazing, he shot 41 percent from three-point range.

Assuming that the extension will take effect once his current contract runs out, Love will continue to be an absolute bargain player next year.  In 2011-2012, he is due just $4.6 million.

New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez

Easily one of the most underrated seven-footers in the league, Brook Lopez averaged 20.4 points, six rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season. 

He is a restricted free agent after next season and if he continues to produce consistently, he will be due quite the raise. 

If Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov is serious about making his team a contender, he simply must consider paying Lopez more than the $3 million he is due this coming season.  The former Stanford Cardinal is currently a steal, but he will not be for very much longer.

New Orleans Hornets: None

A complete and utter financial mess, the New Orleans Hornets are on the verge of losing eight players to free agency.  The sad part is that since the team is being run by the NBA, they are unlikely to be major players in trying to land some top free agents themselves.

With Chris Paul more than likely leaving for another team after this season, it is hard to find a top producer who plays for a low salary.

New York Knicks: Toney Douglas

Easily the team's top shooter off the bench, Toney Douglas averaged 10.6 points last year while shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc. 

More often than not, this fan favorite has proven to change games with his electrifying shooting in clutch situations, though he still has a lot to learn regarding shot selection.

Still, for $1.1 million, it's hard to argue that Douglas isn't an absolute bargain.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook

In each of his three NBA seasons, Russell Westbrook has continued to improve.  Last year, he averaged a career-high 21.9 points and 8.2 assists per game as he and teammate Kevin Durant led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Western Conference Finals.  Considering how Durant is due $13.6 million this season, Westbrook will come at a cheap price as he enters his contract year.

You see, the former UCLA Bruin is due just over $5 million in the coming season.  That's pretty incredible considering how he just continues to get better.

Orlando Magic: Ryan Anderson

Considering how many bad contracts the Orlando Magic have taken on in the past year, it's hard to find a top producing player who is cost-effective.  Yet one name that stands out is that of forward Ryan Anderson.

Last year, Anderson averaged 10.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.  Even more amazingly, he shot 39 percent from three-point land.

Anderson may not be an A-list name or someone people fight over in a fantasy draft, but you have to admit that his skills come at a great price.  That's because the Magic will only pay him $2.2 million next year.

Philadelphia 76ers: Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday truly stepped it up last year as he became the starting point guard in Philadelphia.  In just his second season, Holiday averaged 14 points and six assists. 

To add onto his effective year, he made 36 percent of his three pointers and was also a force in driving hard to the basket.

Long story short, if Holiday continues to get better with experience, he will become one of the league's better point guards.  With that label, he will be due a raise.  When I say raise, I mean a lot more than the $1.7 million he will make next season.

Phoenix Suns: Jared Dudley

Jared Dudley is one of those players who has a bright future, but most people outside Phoenix's fan base don't really notice it.  Last year, the 26-year-old averaged 10.6 points coming off the bench and made an astounding 41 percent of his three-pointers.

In terms of salary, Dudley is due $4.25 million this coming season.  That may seem like a lot but when you take into consideration that his teammates and complete non-factors Josh Childress and Mickael Pietrus are due $11.3 million combined, he is a steal.

Portland Trail Blazers: Nicolas Batum

Though both are in a completely different league in terms of skill, Nicolas Batum is much like Russell Westbrook in that he has improved in each of his three NBA seasons. 

Last year, as the team's small forward, Batum averaged 12.4 points and 4.5 rebounds.  Both were career highs for the Frenchman.

As he enters the final year of his current contract, Batum is playing not just to help the Blazers get back to the playoffs, but for a raise.  He is due the low price of $2.15 million this year, but that is sure to at least double in amount if he has an effective year.

Sacramento Kings: J.J. Hickson

After this year's draft, the Sacramento Kings traded for J.J. Hickson to add some size to complement second-year center DeMarcus Cousins.  Hickson certainly has size at 6'9" and 242 pounds and he will bring a valuable inside presence to the Kings.

Last year, he averaged 13.8 points and 8.7 rebounds as the top big man in Cleveland.  Considering his bright future and the financial situation of the Kings, Hickson is a decent steal with the $2.3 million he is due next year.

San Antonio Spurs: DeJuan Blair

He may be small for a big man at just 6'7", but DeJuan Blair's 270 pound frame makes him a dominant force on the inside.  Last season, in time split between the starting lineup and the bench, Blair averaged 8.3 points and seven rebounds.

With Tim Duncan getting up there in years (at least by NBA standards) and thus slowing down a bit, Blair is sure to see a lot more minutes this coming season. 

The best part for team management is that Blair will basically be working for peanuts.

You see, while Duncan is due $18.8 million next year, Blair will make nothing more than $986,000.

Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan

In his second NBA season since being drafted ninth overall out of USC, DeMar DeRozan broke out and was the lone bright spot in a dismal season for the Toronto Raptors. 

The 6'7" shooting guard averaged 17.2 points per game, driving hard to the basket and being an effective scorer despite having a borderline non-existent three-point game.

If he can step up as a leader and continue to be a top scorer in the coming season, DeRozan will be due a raise at least double the $2.6 million he will make this season.

Utah Jazz: None

Last year was a drama-filled season to forget for the Utah Jazz.  Jerry Sloan resigned as head coach after 23 years at the helm, presumably due to conflicts with players like point guard Deron Williams.  Tyrone Corbin (pictured) replaced him.  Shortly afterward, Williams was traded to the New Jersey Nets.

After that happened, the Utah Jazz finished the season just four games below .500, but were still a shell of their former selves.  With so many players entering free agency and no real low-priced player who stands out, save for Gordon Hayward and his 47 percent three-point shooting in just 17 minutes per game, there isn't really any player on this team who can be considered a steal.

Washington Wizards: Javale McGee

The Washington Wizards had a bad season marred by awful trades and lack of veteran leadership.  Yet, one of the few bright sides of the year was center Javale McGee breaking out as a top dunker and shot blocker.  The former University of Nevada center averaged 10.1 points, eight rebounds and an astounding 2.4 blocks per game.

McGee will be a restricted free agent after the coming season so he is playing not just to help the Wizards get back into contention, but for a bigger paycheck as well.  He is an absolute steal at $2.4 million this year, so if team management can find a way to unload Rashard Lewis's awful contract, perhaps McGee can be brought back as the team's big man of the future.