Six Players Who've Overachieved in the NBA's Second Season

Contributor Written on May 14, 2009

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BOSTON - MAY 12: Glen Davis #11 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot as Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic defends in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden May 12, 2009 in Boston, Massachuset

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In The Playoffs this year we've seen so many players solidify themselves as either rotation players for years to come or budding stars. Some players even proved they still have some left in the tank; just ask Denver

But some of these players it simply wasn't expected of them to be playing so well, most probably weren't even in the rotation at the start of the season.

This is the time of year where playing well matters most, regardless of who you are or what you bring to the table.

Chris Andersen

The Birdman was out of this league not so long ago, and when he made his comeback he was just supposed to be an end of the bench big man with athleticism who never really got "it".

Well believe you me Anderson has "IT" he has what Marcus Camby did not, he can swat shots and keep them in bounds saving the Denver Nuggets Plenty of points.

In truth I could nominate the entire Denver Team for playing so well these playoffs but I think Birdman is one key player they could not live without

Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee came from the mostly unknown school of Western Kentucky. He was looked over because he was a scorer who didn't play defense hard.

What Lee is now is the second best defender behind the Defensive Player of The Year on the Orlando Magic. In the Celtics series he's guarded everyone from Paul Peirce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Eddie House, and Stephon Marbury.

In game 4 he hit clutch shot after clutch shot in 4th quarter. One day Lee will be a top 25 talent in the NBA mark my words

Glen "Baby" Davis

BOSTON - MAY 12: Glen Davis #11 of the Boston Celtics passes the ball as Rashard Lewis #9 and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic defend in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden May 12, 2009

In these playoffs Davis has risen from third power forward on the depth charts to a key player in the Celtics 09 title run.

Coach Doc Rivers has given Baby the "green light" to fire his mid range jumper. This jumper even beat the buzzer to win a game against the Magic recently.

You could argue that Davis is one of the more important players on this team, take him away and you have Perkins, Scalabrine, and Moore manning the front line. That sounds terrible.

Davis is a free agent next year and surely will get well deserved money for his great play recently.

Delonte West

Delonte West has been an great complement to LeBron James this postseason. He has shot extremely well and he now demands a constant defender which no longer allows defenders to double on the wings on LeBron.

West has outplayed much more heralded teammate Mo Williams in these playoffs. He's showing why he should be and will be the starting shooting Guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers for the coming future.

Aaron Brooks

The second year pro out of Oregon University has taken the reins from former Rockets player Alston and ran with them.

Brooks is tiny listed at 6' but more like a tall 5' 10"

With that said if you've seen this guy play you know the key to his talents is his speed. He blows by defenders with ease.

They also have to respect him because of his better than average shot from long distance.

Kendrick Perkins

Perkins has manned the middle for the Celtics like a bigger stronger and slower less athletic version of his injured teammate Kevin Garnett. Perk has shown the ability to stop superman and if there's ever going to be another sequel to the movie Perk should be the kryptonite.

Also one thing I'm sure of is that Kendrick has become much more comfortable using his post moves to get his right arm free for little jump hooks. He's finally playing the the beast he was drafted to be six years ago

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written on May 14, 2009 Rankings/List

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