Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due: NBA Stars Who Shine in Media Darkness

4. Stephen Jackson (Golden State Warriors)

Jackson is one of my favorite players on this list. The name on the front of his jersey explains it all—he is a warrior.

Jackson is averaging 20.2 points per game on a Warrior team that last year became only the third eighth-seeded team in NBA history to defeat a number-one seed.

Jack is 6-8, long and versitile, and is a good defensive player who gives opposing players a hard time with his length.

3. Hedo Turkoglu (Orlando Magic)

This 6-10 product from Turkey is a real sleeper. Averaging 19.3 points and playing on a young and talented Orlando Magic team helps your stock rise.

Turkoglu has scored over 20 points 23 times this season and has earned his spot as an Eastern All-Star reserve.

2. Monta Ellis (Golden State Warriors)

Ellis is another high schooler who is schooling the vets when he has the ball in transition. I am not in the NBA, but Monta is the fastest player with the ball in the league.

Ellis is averaging 17.7 points a game for a good Warrior team looking to make another trip to the playoffs.

Against New Jersey on January 24, Ellis scored a carrer high 39 points as the Warriors won 121-119.

1. Caron Butler (Washington Wizards)

No Gilbert Arenas? No problem.

Butler can pick up where Arenas left off for him. This 6-8 Connecticut product was the tenth pick in 2002 by Miami, only to be traded to the Lakers after two seasons.

Now Butler is lighting it up in the nation's capital as he averages 22.0 points per game on an over-achieving Wizards ball club.

Butler has scored in double digits in all but one game this season, and even scored 40 against the Bucks, earning him the title of most under-the-radar player in the NBA.

HONORABLE MENTION

Bobby Jackson (Hornets)

James Posey (Celtics)

Gerald Wallace (Bobcats)

Brandon Roy (Blazers)

Jason Maxiell (Pistons)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?