NBA Surprise Players: Top Underdogs For Each Team in 2009-10

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

With quite a few big names moving around the league this season, many fans have been a little too caught up in the hype to look at some of the less publicized names that could enjoy a breakout year in 2009-'10.

Players often experience unexpected success when their surroundings change, whether it be getting a new coach, moving to a new team, seeing a teammate move to a new team, or seeing new additions to their current team.

Last year I predicted the breakouts of players like Wilson Chandler and Jeff Green, so who are the under-the-radar players that could enjoy some unexpected success in the upcoming season? I'll take a look team-by-team and offer my opinion on which players for each squad have the best chance to surpass expectations out this year.

Let's get it started:

Atlanta Hawks: Solomon Jones, F/C

Zaza Pachulia is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and if he walks, Jones could be in line for a drastic increase in minutes as Al Horford's backup.

Last year, as Horford's backup, Pachulia enjoyed averages of 6.2 PPG and 5.7 RPG in 19.1 MPG, while also picking up 26 starts. And that was with Jones picking up 10.7 MPG. If Pachulia leaves it's not unrealistic to expect Jones to pick up somewhere around 22-23 MPG, which would give him a chance to pick up some solid stats.

He may not put up solid starter numbers, but he could prove to be a very nice backup behind Horford, which is more than people may be expecting from a fourth-year player with eight career starts.

Boston Celtics: Bill Walker, G/F

The Celtics haven't made a whole lot of moves this offseason and so most players are expected to have essentially the same roles as last season. One player who might see his role change, however, is second-year player Bill Walker.

Walker is in a unique situation because he is looking to man a position that has been in flux over the past few years; Paul Pierce's primary backup. Last year, the spot was manned by a combination of Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen. Needless to say, an upgrade would be welcome. If Walker can step up his play enough this offseason and in Summer League to earn the role as Pierce's backup, he could see some respectable production.

Like Solomon Jones, he shouldn't be expected to put up solid starter numbers, but just putting up any numbers would be a huge improvement for Walker over his rookie season.

Charlotte Bobcats: D.J. Augustin, G

Last season, the Bobcats discovered that putting Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin on the floor at the same time created a nice back court duo, giving them two legitimate scoring threats and ball handlers at the guard positions.

This season, Augustin's minutes should increase, and he may even push Raja Bell for the other starting guard spot in Charlotte. And if that happens, look for some nice numbers from the second-year pro.

In his 12 games as a starter last year, Augustin posted averages of 17.8 PPG, 5.6 APG and 1.1 SPG while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and an impressive 53.4% from beyond the arc. Especially if he earns a starting job this season, expect Augustin's numbers to resemble those in 2009-10.

Chicago Bulls: John Salmons, G/F

The Bulls have done a good job building their team and picking up solid talent over the past couple years, adding players like John Salmons, Derrick Rose and Brad Miller.

This year, Salmons could prove to be one of the most valuable pickups made at the trade deadline last season.

I say that because Salmons will more than likely be a starter, and will also likely be the No. 2 - if not No. 1 - scoring option for Chicago this season. Last season, Salmons started at small forward for the Bulls with Luol Deng sidelined. This year, with Ben Gordon hitting the free agent market, Chicago is losing its leading scorer at 20.7 PPG, and should be looking to Salmons to fill the void at shooting guard. Salmons was second on the team in scoring at 18.3 PPG last season. If Derrick Rose does not take over as the team's go-to scorer, Salmons will be able to pick up the slack.

Regardless of whether Salmons is the No. 1 or No. 2 scoring option, he is in line to see his PPG total pick up significantly, as he will be counted on more heavily to do what he does best for his team, which is score.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Delonte West, G

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