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Every NBA Team’s MVP So Far This Season

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By @AllDave_AllDay

Every NBA Team's MVP So Far This Season

Washington Wizards v New York Knicks
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The NBA season has pretty much ended its first quarter, which seems as good of a time as any to examine each team's best player so far. Obviously, not all of these guys will be in consideration for league MVP, but they have all made an impact in one way or another. Here is every team's most valuable asset.

30. Atlanta Hawks -- Jeff Teague

New Orleans Pelicans v Atlanta Hawks
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30. Atlanta Hawks -- Jeff Teague

New Orleans Pelicans v Atlanta Hawks
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Jeff Teague could be making a real case for an All-Star selection after leading the Atlanta Hawks to their 13-6 record as of Wednesday morning, and he has his team playing great basketball so far. Teague is averaging 17.5 PPG and 7.1 RPG while also being stout defensively.

29. Boston Celtics -- Rajon Rondo

San Antonio Spurs v Boston Celtics
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29. Boston Celtics -- Rajon Rondo

San Antonio Spurs v Boston Celtics
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Rajon Rondo has made more headlines for his meeting with Kobe Bryant than anything else, but the point guard has still proven to be a blur on the court.

28. Brooklyn Nets -- Brook Lopez

Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets
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28. Brooklyn Nets -- Brook Lopez

Atlanta Hawks v Brooklyn Nets
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Brook Lopez is on the trade block just like all of the Brooklyn Nets, but the center has been their most effective player during this current season. His 16.1 PPG and 1.7 blocks PPG are the only things keeping Brooklyn competitive.

27. Charlotte Hornets -- Al Jefferson

Miami Heat v Charlotte Bobcats - Game Three
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27. Charlotte Hornets -- Al Jefferson

Miami Heat v Charlotte Bobcats - Game Three
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Big Al Jefferson is a double-double threat every game that he plays, but his team is struggling due to Lance Stephenson's issues in the early year.

26. Chicago Bulls -- Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler
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26. Chicago Bulls -- Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler
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This one should be obvious to any Chicago Bulls fans. Jimmy Butler will get an All-Star nod if he continues his current play, and he has been far more impressive than both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Butler is getting to the free throw line more than almost anyone.

25. Cleveland Cavaliers -- Kyrie Irving

San Antonio Spurs v Cleveland Cavaliers
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25. Cleveland Cavaliers -- Kyrie Irving

San Antonio Spurs v Cleveland Cavaliers
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LeBron James comes to mind when you think of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Kyrie Irving's heroics have won them a few more games than they probably deserve at this point.

24. Dallas Mavericks -- Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis, Dallas Mavericks
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24. Dallas Mavericks -- Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis, Dallas Mavericks
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It was tempting to put Dirk Nowitzki here, but Monta Ellis has been far too impressive to ignore. Elbow issues could plague his campaign if they flare up more in the coming month.

23. Denver Nuggets -- Kenneth Faried

Memphis Grizzlies v Denver Nuggets
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23. Denver Nuggets -- Kenneth Faried

Memphis Grizzlies v Denver Nuggets
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His experience on Team USA definitely helped him coming into this season, but he needs to step up his game for the Denver Nuggets to even sniff the playoffs.

22. Detroit Pistons -- Stan Van Gundy

Stan Van Gundy NBA Pistons
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22. Detroit Pistons -- Stan Van Gundy

Stan Van Gundy NBA Pistons
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Okay, this slide is kind of a joke, because the Detroit Pistons are not anywhere near as good as Stan Van Gundy expected early on. Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith both need adjustment time to this new system, and the Pistons should be lottery bound again this offseason.

21. Golden State Warriors -- Stephen Curry

Warriors basketball Steph Curry
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21. Golden State Warriors -- Stephen Curry

Warriors basketball Steph Curry
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Please do not tell me you are surprised. Stephen Curry is an NBA MVP candidate and has the Golden State Warriors off to a start that could land them the Western Conference's top seed by season's end. His electric shooting has been offset by elite passing as well, and he is making a legitimate case as the league's best point guard.

20. Houston Rockets -- James Harden

Golden State Warriors v Houston Rockets
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20. Houston Rockets -- James Harden

Golden State Warriors v Houston Rockets
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James Harden has stepped up his defensive game this season, and he could find himself voted league MVP as a result. Even more impressive is doing most of his damage with Dwight Howard sidelined.

19. Indiana Pacers -- Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
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19. Indiana Pacers -- Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
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He may have been quite soft in last season's playoffs, but Roy Hibbert is still a big man of extraordinary size, skill and intelligence. He also has a tremendous work ethic that dates back to his Georgetown Hoya days and could just grind the Indiana Pacers to a playoff berth.

18. The Los Angeles Clippers -- Chris Paul

PORTLAND V LA CLIPPERS
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18. The Los Angeles Clippers -- Chris Paul

PORTLAND V LA CLIPPERS
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Chris Paul, a stealth NBA MVP candidate, has not gotten much attention due to a sluggish start for the Los Angeles Clippers, but the point guard is building momentum for a crucial December run. Blake Griffin's recent 3-pointer at the buzzer added a bit of swag to this team.

17. Los Angeles Lakers -- Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets
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17. Los Angeles Lakers -- Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets
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Respect the hustle. Kobe Bryant will soon surpass Michael Jordan on the All-time scoring list, and for that I must give the "Black Mamba" his due. The Los Angeles Lakers are headed to the lottery though, and no one can save them.

16. Memphis Grizzlies -- Marc Gasol

Memphis Grizzlies v Golden State Warriors
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16. Memphis Grizzlies -- Marc Gasol

Memphis Grizzlies v Golden State Warriors
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Who else? You have to give credit where it is owed. Marc Gasol has improved every single season he's played, and the center is now one of the league's best. The Memphis Grizzlies are off to a blazing start thanks to him.

15. Miami Heat -- Chris Bosh

Golden State Warriors v Miami Heat
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15. Miami Heat -- Chris Bosh

Golden State Warriors v Miami Heat
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Dwyane Wade was another candidate for this spot, but Chris Bosh has redefined himself as a man in this last month and should get some more credit as the Miami Heat build chemistry.

14. Milwaukee Bucks -- Jabari Parker

Milwaukee Bucks v New York Knicks
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14. Milwaukee Bucks -- Jabari Parker

Milwaukee Bucks v New York Knicks
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His numbers are not quite what I expected, but Jabari Parker remains the favorite for this season's Rookie of the Year selection. The only other candidate I would offer is Nikola Mirotic, but all bets are on Parker if the Milwaukee Bucks make the playoffs.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Andrew Wiggins

Minnesota Timberwolves v. Philadelphia 76ers
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13. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Andrew Wiggins

Minnesota Timberwolves v. Philadelphia 76ers
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Andrew Wiggins makes the cut here based on pure potential, and he definitely has some Tracy McGrady to his game. That would be a great ceiling for Wiggins to reach, although the Minnesota Timberwolves' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers was an embarrassment.

12. New Orleans Pelicans -- Anthony Davis

New Orleans Pelicans
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12. New Orleans Pelicans -- Anthony Davis

New Orleans Pelicans
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Another legitimate MVP candidate exists on the New Orleans Pelicans. If the power forward with a 32.96 PER can will his team to the playoffs, then Anthony Davis should most likely win the award. That is, admittedly, a long shot in the loaded West.

11. New York Knicks -- Carmelo Anthony

Utah Jazz v New York Knicks
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11. New York Knicks -- Carmelo Anthony

Utah Jazz v New York Knicks
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Could I have listed Phil Jackson here? Because the Zen Master has made a lot of waves recently with his "loser's mentality" comments. That said, Carmelo Anthony gets top billing for his recent feud with Tim Hardaway Jr. and the New York Knicks' astounding 4-20 record.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Serge Ibaka

Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Nuggets
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10. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Serge Ibaka

Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Nuggets
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Unfortunately, the recipient here is Serge Ibaka, because Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have been out for an extended period. They have both since returned, but it might not be enough for them to make the playoffs. Ibaka is averaging a career-high 15.3 PPG.

9. Orlando Magic -- Elfrid Payton

Orlando Magic v Sacramento Kings
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9. Orlando Magic -- Elfrid Payton

Orlando Magic v Sacramento Kings
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Elfrid Payton gets the nod here for his possible Rookie of the Year candidacy. Will he beat out Jabari Parker? Probably not, but the votes might be a lot closer than what people might think.

8. Philadelphia 76ers -- Michael Carter-Williams

Philadelphia 76ers v San Antonio Spurs
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8. Philadelphia 76ers -- Michael Carter-Williams

Philadelphia 76ers v San Antonio Spurs
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Michael Carter-Williams was last season's Rookie of the Year, but the Philadelphia 76ers have been so bad that they hardly deserve an MVP. I guess Carter-Williams fits the bill if no one else does though.

7. Phoenix Suns -- Eric Bledsoe

Phoenix Suns v Indiana Pacers
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7. Phoenix Suns -- Eric Bledsoe

Phoenix Suns v Indiana Pacers
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Goran Dragic was considered here as well, but his consistency is not quite at an elite level yet. Eric Bledsoe was my clear-cut choice after averaging 20 points per game so far in December.

6. Portland Trail Blazers -- LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Clippers
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6. Portland Trail Blazers -- LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Clippers
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LaMarcus Aldridge has drawn some MVP buzz, although the Portland Trail Blazers are not quite at contender status quite yet. His numbers (21.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG and 2.1 APG) have been impressive, and he also recently became the second-leading scorer in team history.

5. Sacramento Kings -- DeMarcus Cousins

Portland Trail Blazers v Sacramento Kings
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5. Sacramento Kings -- DeMarcus Cousins

Portland Trail Blazers v Sacramento Kings
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Even though DeMarcus Cousins got sidelined for a bit, it only highlighted his importance to this team. Here is hoping he still gets an All-Star selection.

4. San Antonio Spurs -- Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs v Oklahoma City Thunder
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4. San Antonio Spurs -- Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs v Oklahoma City Thunder
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So many options are here, but I have to go with the one who might retire after this season in Tim Duncan. Does he put up the biggest numbers? No, but his attitude sets the tone for his entire team. Doesn't that count for something? I say yes.

3. Toronto Raptors -- Drake

Brooklyn Nets v Toronto Raptors - Game Two
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3. Toronto Raptors -- Drake

Brooklyn Nets v Toronto Raptors - Game Two
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Okay, I will admit that the fair answer here is probably DeMar DeRozan, however, Drake has raised awareness for the Toronto Raptors to a global level. That kind of profile can't be ignored.

2. Utah Jazz -- Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz All-Star
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2. Utah Jazz -- Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward Utah Jazz All-Star
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Buzzer-beaters carry weight, and they especially do when your team has not made many other headlines. Gordon Hayward has fit the bill in that respect, but he will have trouble living up to his offseason contract.

1. Washington Wizards -- John Wall

john wall wizards
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1. Washington Wizards -- John Wall

john wall wizards
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John Wall has impressed me so much this year. His inspiring performance on Monday in a double-overtime victory over the Boston Celtics was stunning because it came shortly after Wall's friend Mya, a child cancer patient, died.

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