The NBA's 10 Best Players Under $2 Million

Each professional sports league possesses a unique economic structure, varying degrees of a salary cap (or lack thereof), and specific draft rules and regulations. Professional basketball requires a minimum age of entry, implements a soft salary cap structure, and offers lucrative contracts primarily to its veteran players. The NBA's institution of a sliding scale for lottery draft picks and the absence of guaranteed contracts for non-lottery picks, contributes greatly on the league's economic dynamic and places a premium on maximizing future value via the draft. The 2009 draft has delivered an infusion of rising stars including Tyreke Evans, Brand Jennings, Stephen Curry, Ty Lawson, and Dejaun Blair. The following list examines the NBA's best bargain-bin values; players who demand 2009-2010 salaries less than $2 million dollars. (All stats and salaries current as of January 29, 2010)

The 10 Best NBA Players Making Under $2 Million (Allen Iverson Not Included)

10. Al Thornton, SF
Los Angeles Clippers, 3^rd year
11.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 1.1 APG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,900,200
Thornton's diminishing role with the improving Clippers may signal an upcoming departure for the steady Seminole scorer. Thornton still shows the potential to valuably contribute to a more veteran team in a more defined and accepted role, unless the 11 25-plus point games in 2008-2009 were simply an aberration.

9. Omri Casspi, SF
Sacramento Kings, Rookie
12.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 APG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,167,000
The Kings' Israeli rookie is exceeding expectations, establishing himself as a streaky scorer during an increased role of late. With more experience, Casspi should improve considerably over the course of his contract to give the struggling Kings a steady contributor at small forward.

8. Dejaun Blair, F
San Antonio Spurs, Rookie
7.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, .5 BPG
2009-2010 Salary: $850,000
The Spurs' front-office added instant toughness with its sensational 2^nd round pick of former Pitt Panther, Dejaun Blair. Around NBA circle, Blair's is well-documented. The forward rebounds tremendously and serves the enforcer role from the bench. If the aging Spurs want to strike playoff gold once more, the unbelievably efficient rookie will need more minutes down the stretch. Also of note, Blair demands the lowest salary on the list at a paltry $850,000 price tag.

7. Ty Lawson, PG
Denver Nuggets, Rookie
9.2 PPG, 3.6 APG, .9 SPG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,438,680
Nuggets' playmaker Lawson garners the top rookie spot on the list. Expect Lawson's continued development, thanks to a fortunate cast of sensational surrounding talent. If the Nuggets hope to challenge the Lakers for the West Conference Title, Lawson and Denver's superior depth may prove the difference.

6. Channing Frye, C
Phoenix Suns, 5^th year
12.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1 BPG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,990,000
The rare perimeter threat (an astounding 44% 3-point marksman) at center, Frye, fits perfectly with the up-tempo Suns. Frye's prior experience and versatility will be invaluable to aid a resurgent Suns' deep playoff run.

5. Roy Hibbert, C
Indiana Pacers, 2^nd year
11.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,575,360
Impact centers in the NBA are few and far between. Quietly in his 2^nd year, Hibbert has established himself amongst league leaders in blocks, in addition to an improved offensive game. Hibbert's progress at the line (75%), from the field (49%), and overall efficiency in under 24 minutes per game deserves recognition.

4. Rodney Stuckey, PG
Detroit Pistons, 3^rd year
18.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 1.4 SPG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,805,040
The Pistons' struggles continue as the once-dominant nucleus has long-since dissolved. Stuckey's development provides a rare bright-spot for the mediocre Motor City squad. Although skilled defensively, Stuckey shoots a lowly 40% from the field and lacks any semblance of a perimeter game.

3. Wilson Chandler, SF
New York Knicks, 3^rd Year
15 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2 APG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,255,440
Chandler gives the once-proud New York franchise a valuable 3^rd scoring option behind Lee and Harrington. The Depaul-alum has contributed solid numbers across the board the past season and a half for the Knicks, including prowess at the foul stripe (82.5%), consistency from the field (47.1%), and the occasional 25 point-plus performance.

2. Chris Douglas-Roberts, SF
New Jersey Nets, 2^nd year
13.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG
2009-2010 Salary: $736,420
CDR's improved performance deserves recognition, in spite of the Nets' historically-inept 1^st half of the regular season. Since his scoring days at Memphis, Douglas-Roberts has displayed an uncanny knack for getting to the rim and an NBA-ready sense of basketball savvy. The Nets' forward shoots well from the field (45%) and sensational from the free throw line (85%). Young talents such asCDR, Lopez, and Jianlin give Nets' fans a slightly better future outlook.

1. Aaron Brooks, PG
Houston Rockets, 3^rd year
18.7 PPG, 4.9 APG, .8 SPG
2009-2010 Salary: $1,118,520
Brooks undoubtedly provides the best value in the NBA for under $2 million. Brooks' emergence as the Rockets' leading scorer is not only surprising, but flat-out remarkable. The undersized point guard from Oregon not only delivers instant energy and rare quickness to the Rockets, but Brooks also contributes as a lethal three-point threat. Expect Brooks to lead the Rockets to a 2^nd half surge to secure a berth in the postseason.