One of the most intriguing regular seasons in recent memory is reaching its halfway point, and with the race for the title as wide open as it has been in years, several players are breaking through to the big time.
It would be easy to write about the exploits of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Steph Curry or James Harden, all of whom have had excellent seasons so far but we thought it was time a few lesser known lights got some love. Here are six players who deserve to be mentioned in the same conversation as those and who may be just as, or even more, important to their teams come the playoffs.
Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
With Chicago uncertain of what it will get from former MVP Derrick Rose from night to night, two-guard Jimmy Butler has unexpectedly stepped up to be the main offensive force on a team that has often had to rely on its defensive prowess to succeed. Rose, still not back to his best after multiple knee surgeries, has only played in 28 of Chicago's 39 games and is averaging a career low 29 minutes per game, but the void has been filled by Butler, who is averaging nearly 21 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, all career highs, and is matching his career best shooting percentages despite the increased volume that comes with being 'the guy'.
Previously considered merely a strong defender and useful offensive option, Butler, whose childhood hardships (he was abandoned by his both parents by the time he was 13) also make him a wonderful human interest story, has kept the Bulls near the top of the Eastern Conference and rocketed him to the top of early Most Improved ballots and even into the MVP discussion. Butler is also due to be a restricted free agent this summer and has very much boosted his earning power with this surge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmnyYIWrMjU
Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
Another player timing his ascension to stardom well, the younger brother of Butler's Bulls team-mate Pau is also a free agent this summer and is staking a serious claim for a max deal at the age of 30.
The 2013 Defensive Player of the Year is the anchor for an old-school Grizzlies team that is among the most physical in the NBA, teaming with Zach Randolph to make a deadly low post combination. Gasol is scoring at a career-best clip of 19.5 points per game to go along with his eight rebounds, 50 per cent shooting and strong presence under the basket.
More unusual for a seven-footer is his 80 per cent free throw shooting and the 3.6 assists per game that add to his value to a Grizzlies unit that is right in the thick of a cutthroat Western Conference race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX6W6xRysRo#t=037
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
The surprise favourites to win the West after a blistering 29-5 start to the season, Golden State is being led by its backcourt 'Splash Brothers' duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
But one of the key ingredients to their success has been long-armed forward Draymond Green. The 2012 second pick has blossomed into a dangerous two-way player this season, averaging career highs of 11.9 points and 8.4 rebounds. His real value comes on the defensive end, though, where the rangy 6ft 7in Green can defend multiple positions (a major boost in the absence of injured big man Andrew Bogut) and averages a combined three steals/blocks per game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4G--wInpGs#t=045
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
The point guard who should rival Stephen Curry in the highlight reels for the next decade, Lillard is poised to make the leap to super-stardom.
Drafted by Portland out of unheralded Weber State, Lillard quickly showed he belonged in the pros and has improved his game in each of his three NBA seasons. The 24-year-old is not only a wonderful athlete but has quickly developed that innate ball-handling quality of knowing when to be a distributor and when to take over a game himself.
Averaging over 22 points, 6.3 assists and 4,8 rebounds, a first All-Star berth beckons as Lillard has teamed with forward LaMarcus Aldridge to propel the Blazers to the second best record in the NBA.
He dominated the champion San Antonio Spurs on both ends of the floor in a triple-overtime win last month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlzDIxWF7i8#t=265
Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
Fans north of the border have finally got a team their hardcore fanbase deserves and that is largely thanks to the exploits of point guard Kyle Lowry. After a poor start to last season, Lowry was nearly traded to the New York Knicks, but the deal fell through and Toronto's season took off, ending with an Atlantic Division title and a first-round play-off exit.
This year promises even more after Lowry signed what looks to be a bargain four-year, $48million contract, with Toronto on pace for their first ever 50-win season on the back of his heroics. In addition to his stellar 20 points, nearly eight assists and five boards, the 28-year-old has matured into the team's emotional leader and a legitmate MVP candidate, carrying the squad in the absence of last season's All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who is expected back soon after missing the past six weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7NgNhtQod4
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Yet another point guard in what appears to be a golden era at the position, Wall is finally delivering on the promise he has shown since being the first pick in the 2010 draft.
He remains one of the fastest players in the league but after three years spent mostly out of control, Wall has at last harnessed his lightning speed and become a much better team player. Notching up more than 17 points and 10 assists per game, Wall has helped fire the Wizards into the mix in a wide open Eastern Conference, all while retaining just enough of that crazy athleticism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYsQClY4_ZA
