The 25 Most Valuable Players in the NBA Right Now

Image via Complex Original

That's the million dollar question, who's the MVP? Who knew this lockout-shortened season would be so good and bad at the same time? On one hand, us paying customers have witnessed some atrocious basketball. On the other, there are still those players that set themselves apart from the rest. And now that everybody's where they're going to be (at least until June), it's time to start talking Most Valuable Players, and not just for this season.

Our criteria was based not just on stats, but also on impact to the team and what the player means to their respective franchises, whether it's luring other stars or team chemistry. Kyle Lowry, for example, is having a career year and has the Rockets knocking on the playoffs' door. CP3 has changed the culture in Sterlingland, which should give him the MVP off GP. Then there's Rajon Rondo daring Boston to trade him (they're crazy if they do). So, who's your MVP? LeBron? Durantula? Check out our picks of the 25 Most Valuable Players in the NBA Right Now.

25. Carmelo Anthony, Knicks

Stats: 21.1 PPG 3.8 APG 5.8 RPG 1 SPG
Salary : $18,518,574
Had we made this list a month ago, Jeremy Lin would no doubt have Carmelo Anthony's spot. But now that the Linsanity craze is over and the trade deadline has passed, everyone (including the Knicks front office) knows Melo's value to the team. Mike D'Antoni wasn't running the team's offense through the 5-time All-Star and that has resulted in Anthony's lowest PPG average since 2004-05. If interim head coach Mike Woodson starts giving Melo those opportunities that D'Antoni wasn't, then the Knicks may be able to snag the 8th seed in the East.

24. LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers

Stats: 21.5 PPG 8.1 RPG 2.4 APG 1 SPG
Salary: $11,800,000
Trading Tyrus Thomas for LaMarcus Aldridge was one of the few times a move has worked out in the Blazers favor. As he has watched a plethora of injured and unmotivated players crumble, Aldridge has been the only consistent piece to that team. He was selected as an All-Star for the first time this year, but we're positive he'd give it back in a heartbeat to have a playoff-worthy squad. The Blazers used the last two days before the NBA trade deadline to basically announce that they have given up on everybody except Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, making those two the centerpieces to an upcoming full rebuild. By letting all expiring contracts go this offseason (good riddance, Raymond Felton), the team's payroll drops from $78 million to $49 million. We think Aldrige and his silky-smooth jumper makes for a perfect fresh start. 

23. Roy Hibbert, Pacers

Stats: 12.8 PPG 9.2 RPG 1.8 BPG
Salary : $2,588,590
Area 55 is just what the doctor ordered for the Pacers. His emergence has placed them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. He plays great defense like all Georgetown centers do and has a decent post game. Yes he's slow and can't jump, but don't let that deceive you, the kid has a smooth game and has a very high ceiling. Danny Granger is the most talented player on the roster; Roy is the most important.

22. Paul Pierce, Celtics

Stats: 18.3 PPG 5.2 APG 4.8 RPG 1.3 SPG
Salary: $15,333,334
Since Pierce came back from injury the Celtics have looked a lot like the Celtics. Despite being 34 years old and 14 seasons deep into his career, he's still the leading scorer on the Celtics. Rondo is the floor general but in close and late situations when Beantown needs buckets Pierce is the guy they all look to. Boston still lacks some size, but when you have one of the most cold-blooded scorers in the game, you'll always have a chance.

21. Steve Nash, Suns

Stats: 13.9 PPG 11.1 APG 3 RPG
Salary: $11,689,062
The mediocre Suns are no longer among the league's contenders like they were in the mid 2000s. The little star power and appeal that they still have is personified in 38-year-old Steve Nash. The veteran guard just made his eighth All-Star team, is averaging his third consecutive double-double season, and without him, the Suns would go from mediocre down to the depths of teams like the Wizards. #oldmanswag

20. Kyrie Irving, Cavs

Stats: 18.5 PPG 5.4 APG 3.7 RPG
Salary: $5,144,280
When LeBron left for the warmer weather of Miami, things got cold and cloudy in Cleveland. The Cavaliers were officially in rebuilding mode. Luckily, owner Dan Gilbert scored the first pick in last year's NBA Draft and took Kyrie Irving. And it's been so far, so good for the Cavs, who've seen Irving put up stellar numbers this season. Averaging 18 points and 5 assists per game, can Kyrie become the third player ever to receive both the Rookie of the Year and MVP honors? Probably not. But after he does capture the ROY award (yup, we went there), the sky is the limit for this 19-year-old point guard.

19. Rudy Gay, Grizzlies

Stats: 18.8 PPG 6.7 RPG 2.4 APG 1.7 SPG
Salary : $15,032,144
Z-Bo who? That's the Daily Double right there. Many wonder if Z-Bo's return (which will likely happen this weekend) will ruin chemistry. We hope not, because this team can get your heart rate up and should be even more exciting when they get their double-double machine back from maintenance. Rudy is a potential star, if he can stop getting hurt for once. He's scored in doubled-digits in all but three games this season. His jumper is turning into water, he plays great D, and he can slam it with the best of them.

18. Marc Gasol, Grizzlies

Stats: 15.5 PPG 9.8 RPG 3 APG 2 BPG 1 SPG
Salary: $12,992,194
Marc has been the quiet Gasol brother over the years as Pau has won two championships and is getting plenty of shine in La La Land. But Marc is the better pick for the future, though. The 7-foot-1 center made his first All-Star team this year and is averaging career-highs in rebounds, points, assists and blocks. Dude is looking something like 50 back in 2002.

17. Andre Iguodala, 76ers

Stats: 12.6 PPG 6.3 RPG 5.7 APG 1.8 SPG
Salary: $13,531,750
Iggs is the super for the Sixers: He does a little bit of everything. Philly's the surprise team this year. Nobody had these guys running away with the Atlantic. Doug Collins and these boys straight juxed the division from the aging Celtics and have proven to be a better constructed team than the Knicks. Andre isn't a superstar, but he can shut a superstar down with ferocious defense on any given night; he's essentially the perfect number two. If Jrue Holiday can reach an All-Star level, the 76ers are going to be a problem for years to come.

16. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs

Stats: 20.3 PPG 6.6 RPG 2.1 APG 0.8 SPG
Salary: $19,092,873
Dirk is back, folks. People forget that this is a lockout season and Dirk was just basking in championship glory. He started off slow and the Mavs even gave him a week off to get his legs back. It looks like it worked. He's been putting up Dirkulean numbers since the All-Star Break (22 PPG over 12 starts). If he continues it'll be hard not give him an MVP vote. His ugly fadeaway is still the most unguardable shot in basketball, which always makes the Mavs a threat. Never underestimate the heart of a champion.

15. Josh Smith, Hawks

Stats: 17.8 PPG 9.6 RPG 3.6 APG 2 BPG
Salary: $12,400,000
The biggest All-Star snub is his team's most valuable player. The Hawks would be floating around .500 without this guy. He scores, rebounds, defends—everything. In all honesty, Josh should be making Joe Johnson numbers. People have called him immature, but this year he's putting all those heads to bed. And once he gets that 15-18 footer popping, the Hawks will be scary good.

14. Kyle Lowry, Rockets

Stats: 15.9 PPG 7.2 APG 5.3 RPG 1.8 SPG
Salary: $5,750,000
Yup, Kyle Lowry. Check the stats. This dude started the season balling out of control. Can you blame the Rockets for cutting Lin in favor of this guy? The Rockets have him on the cheap, too, for the next couple of years. Unfortunately, he's been out since March 10 with a bacterial infection that's likely to keep him sidelined for another week or two. We'll see how Houston fares with out their team leader as they desperately try to hang on to their 7th place playoff spot in the West.

13. Kevin Love, T'Wolves

Stats: 25.7 PPG 13.7 RPG 1.9 APG 0.9 SPG
Salary: $4,609,704
After averaging 20 points and 15 rebounds per game, Kevin Love was going to have a hard time following up last season's marks. And while there has been a bit of decline in the boards department, the Minnesota power forward has upped his point total to 25.4. The T'Wolves didn't mess around with the possibility of losing someone this valuable, so they locked him up with a new four-year deal. We bet Wolves fans Love-d that decision. Or was it the front office fell in Love? OK, OK, we're done. Considering Ricky Rubio is out for the season, K-Love is more valuable than ever. 

12. Blake Griffin, Clippers

Stats: 21.3 PPG 11 RPG 3 APG
Salary: $5,731,080
The Clippers should build a statue in his honor. He is the only reason Chris Paul agreed to put on a Clipper jersey (it still doesn't seem right). Blake is a weird fella, though. With his jumping ability, he should be averaging at least a block a game. His jumper is improving, his defense is decent and...who cares? The Blake Show is the most electrifying man in sports entertainment since the Brahma Bull. We will watch the Clips play the Bobcats just to see Lob City live and in color. Let's hope he doesn't succumb to the Clipper curse and somehow fade into obscurity.

11. Rajon Rondo, Celtics

Stats: 13.7 PPG 10.1 APG 4.9 RPG 1.7 SPG
Salary: $10,000,000
It was just weeks ago that Rajon Rondo was reportedly on the trading block. Yes, the same Rondo who's a three-time All-Star, averaged 11 assists per game last season, has made back-to-back All-Defensive First Teams, and played a pivotal role in their 2008 championship run. Aside from his play on the hardwood, Rondo also had the third highest-selling jersey in the league last year. For whatever reason, the front office was reportedly seriously thinking of trading the flashy guard. Then he gave them a nice reminder to the tune of 18 points, 17 rebounds, and 20 assists against the Knicks a couple Sundays ago. Y'all must've forgot! *Roy Jones Jr. voice*

10. Tony Parker, Spurs

Stats: 20.1 PPG 8 APG 2.9 RPG 1.1 SPG
Salary: $12,500,000
With a career-high in assists (8) per game, Tony Parker is leading the silent but deadly Spurs to the 4th-best record in the NBA at 28-13. While some people may consider this team just a bunch of old farts (see what we did there?), San Antonio is still showing some life with the help of their French point guard. Guess getting rid of that 'ol ball and chain was a good thing. Oh. who are we kidding?! Those are good problems.

9. Russell Westbrook, Thunder

Stats: 23.6 PPG 5.5 APG 4.7 RPG 1.7 SPG
Salary: $5,082,415
Russy takes a lot of unwarranted shit. You might say he doesn't pass enough, but the fact is he averages seven assists per game on his career. Plus, Kevin Durant is the NBA's leading scorer, so what the fuck are you talking about? OKC has the second best record and are a year removed from the Western Conference Finals. Yes, he takes bad shots, but guess what? He's shooting a career-best 46% from the field, homeboy. Let the man cook! We're looking at you Skip Bayless.

8. Dwight Howard, Magic

Stats: 21.2 PPG 15.2 RPG 2.2 BPG 1.9 APG
Salary: $17,885,400
If this were a list of the MVPs (Most Vacillating Players) in the league, Superman would be a clear No. 1. He's staked his rep on being loyal now, but he's changed his mind so many times in the past three days (much less the past two years) that it's hard to really think this thing is completely over. We kinda feel for dude (as much as working stiffs can feel for a multi-multi-multi-millionaire): He clearly doesn't feel 100% comfortable in Orlando, but now he's backed himself into a corner where he'll make LeBron James look like Mother Teresa if he leaves.

Still, his worth on the court is unwavering. With him, the Magic are a team that can challenge the Heat and Bulls for the Eastern Conference crown this year and beyond. Conversely, his decision to stay may have bequeathed the proud borough of Brooklyn what could essentially be a really good D-League team for the next few years.

7. Dwyane Wade, Heat

Stats: 23.1 PPG 4.8 APG 4.5 RPG 1.7 SPG
Salary: $15,512,000
This is the man behind the conspiracy that changed the NBA free agent landscape forever. It was his idea for the three of them to team up, don't blame LeBron. That alone should get Flash an MVP. With the injuries he incurred while carrying the Heat franchise on his back, Wade's smartest move was to team up with another star. Both are playing like savage beasts with no regards for any one's feelings. He regularly puts on full-court passing clinics and his defense is so relentless Jeremy Lin forgot how to dribble.

6. Deron Williams, Nets

Stats: 22 PPG 8.1 APG 3.5 RPG 1.2 SPG
Salary: $16,359,805
Yes the Nets have only 12 wins, but Deron is the only reason for hope they have at all. At all. He's been making statements since he was accused of starting the Linsanity craze, and by statements we mean dropping 38 on the Knicks and hitting the Bobcats up for 57. There's no question he's a top 5 point guard (his numbers prove it), but there's an argument to be made that no other player means as much to his current team as D-Will does. Could he convince another star to come play in Brooklyn with him now that Howard has doubled down on Orlando? Would Williams just say, "Fuck it, I want free egg creams and cheesecake for the rest of my life" and lead the Nets into Brooklyn? Our best guesses are "No" and "No," but if he manages to pull of either, he might get his own verse in this song.

5. Chris Paul, Clippers

Stats: 19.7 PPG 8.4 APG 3.6 RPG 2.2 SPG
Salary: $16,359,805
Last December, the Hornets (with plenty of help from David Stern) traded Chris Paul to the Clippers and everyone started taking note of that other team in Los Angeles. With two high-flying big men in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, people could only imagine the SportsCenter-worthy plays in store for Lob City. And even though CP3 is posting his lowest assist total since his rookie season, the addition of Paul to the point has undoubtedly turned this team from a middle-of-the-pack squad to a contender in the West.

4. Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Stats: 29 PPG 5.7 RPG 4.8 APG 1.3 SPG
Salary: $25,244,000
Kobe's trip to Germany saved his career. Sixteen years in and the god's playing like a kid again. He's leading the league in scoring and has the Lakers tied for first in the Pacific. Right now he's dropping 30 a night with that mask on and he's talking shit doing it (never mind the two straight losses to Detroit and Washington). He's been throwing verbal jabs at the likes of Dwyane Wade and the Thunder. As far as Kobe's concerned, he's in a class all by himself and rightfully so. Nobody has enough rings to challenge him.

3. LeBron James, Heat

Stats: 27.7 PPG 8.4 RPG 6.6 APG 1.9 SPG
Salary: $16,022,500
The world can't go a day, let alone an entire season, without another discussion about LeBron James being the most valuable player in the NBA. Some folks dismiss King James' success as a result of playing with the Big 3, but his career numbers break that case with ease. Aside from his rookie campaign, Bron Bron has averaged at least 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists per season every year. You know what that means, right? It doesn't matter if he's hooping in Cleveland or Miami, LeBron is consistent. No 4th quarter jokes, please.   

2. Kevin Durant, Thunder

Stats: 27.8 PPG 8 RPG 3.4 APG 1.4 SPG 1.2 BPG
Salary: $16,324,500
Durant is having one of the best seasons in his young career. That's saying a ton since he's already won Rookie of the Year honors in 2008, made three consecutive All-Star teams, and is the two-time-defending scoring champion. It's not like he's a ball hog though, the Thunder are the team to beat in the West because of his unselfishness. He remains one of the most clutch players in the game and if he had a problem with Westbrook, the Thunder wouldn't have given Russ that extension. With all the shots they take between themselves, OKC still manages to play team ball. That's all KD right there. Not once do you see him complain, he's a throwback to the era where stars behaved like stars. We feel really, really, really bad for Seattle.

1. Derrick Rose, Bulls

Stats: 22.8 PPG 8.0 APG 3.5 RPG 0.9 SPG
Salary: $6,993,708
The Chicago Bulls went through a drought after the Jordan era, which was to be expected after the sport's most famous athlete left the game. In the 10 seasons after MJ's departure, the Bulls compiled a record of 289-499, saw their popularity dwindle, and only made the playoffs on three occasions. Then they hit the lottery jackput (literally) and drafted hometown hero Derrick Rose first overall in the 2008 Draft ahead of Michael Beasley. Since then, the Bulls have made the playoffs every year, won a league-best 62 games in 2010-11, and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals that same season. The reigning MVP's impact off the court has been just as impressive. His jersey was the fifth highest-selling NBA jersey last year (a ranking that's sure to climb this season). This team is a contender and has one of the league's most popular stars with D-Rose. Without him, they're mediocre at best. $94 million? #wellworthit