The NBA's most pleasant surprises

Let's take a look at some players that have elevated their games to the next level this season, and are surprising opposing players, coaches, and (especially) fans with their production.

Danny Granger-SF, Indiana Pacers

Granger fed into his "rising star" status with a solid season in '07-08, but he's in another stratosphere this year. Indiana's smooth-stroking small forward is currently fourth in the entire NBA in scoring, and he's in good company...

Granger trails only Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant -- the league's top three players. Though it goes Wade, LeBron, and Kobe in active scoring, if I were listing the best players in order it would be (1) Kobe, (2) LeBron, and (3) Wade. But that's a different discussion for another time. As for Granger, his 25.9 point per game average is incredibly impressive, and he's showing no signs of slowing down.

In fact, he appears to be getting stronger. Eastern Conference fans, watch out for the Pacers making a second-half run for a playoff spot, as Mike Dunleavy Jr. has returned to the lineup, and T.J. Ford and Marquis Daniels are due back very soon.

O.J. Mayo-SG, Memphis Grizzles

Sure O.J. was a highly-touted draft pick, but did anyone truly think he'd be this good, this fast? "Hold the Mayo" is averaging 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game, and he's playing with the offensive poise of a six or seven year veteran.

For such a young player, O.J.'s been surprisingly effective on the defensive end as well. He's committed to team defense, and has excellent hands and lateral quickness. It's a pleasure to watch Mayo operate on both ends of the floor, and his calm and collected demeanor suggests that, in the future, he'll be reliable in the clutch.

John Salmons-SF, Sacramento Kings

Here's a guy I've always liked, but his production hasn't backed me up until now. Sacramento's small forward is averaging 19 points per game, to go along with four rebounds and three assists. He's an outstanding mid-range player that uses pumpfakes to get into the lane and open up his accurate pull-up jumper.

Salmons is not afraid to go to the cup, and combining with Kevin Martin, he represents one half of a formidable 1-2 offensive punch for the Kings.

Andris Biedrins-C, Golden State Warriors

It's kind of a "cheese stands alone" situation for Andris in Golden State this year. Corey Maggette and Stephen Jackson are premier offensive players, but both have battled injuries and cannot seem to stay on the floor consistently. Explosive scorer Monta Ellis has been out the entire season, thus Biedrins has been the lonesome rock for head coach Don Nelson.

The lanky, active center is averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per game; the latter number is good for third in the NBA, behind Dwight Howard and Marcus Camby. Biedrins is shooting an astonishing 56% from the floor, though it must be said that most of his opportunities come within a couple feet of the rim. Still, those chances need to be capitalized upon, and Andris does exactly that.

Chris Duhon-PG, New York Knicks

As a Knicks supporter, I wasn't too enthralled when New York's brass decided to give Duhon the keys to the offense. I remain underwhelmed by his quickness (lack thereof) and physical conditioning (a tad flabby for his size and position), but I can't argue much with his numbers. Chris is sixth in the league in assists, dishing out over eight assists per contest.

The Knicks' floor general is very comfortable in the pick-and-roll with David Lee, and he's pretty efficient behind the three-point arc.

Anyone else that deserves mention? Don't hesitate to provide feedback and/or write directly to me.