NBA Preseason 2012: Surprising Players to Watch During Final Exhibition Week

The success of players like Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins comes as no surprise this preseason. We've seen them dominate during the regular season and even during big-time playoff games in Rondo's case. 

But for a trio of under-the-radar NBA talents, this fall's preseason has provided a stage for showcasing their talents. 

Let's take a closer look at some surprising players to keep an eye on during the final week of the NBA preseason.

Wesley Johnson, Phoenix Suns

Third-year small forward Wesley Johnson was viewed as a disappointment by many after two unproductive seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But through most of the 2012-13 preseason, the 25-year-old has thrived with his new team, the Phoenix Suns.

Johnson is averaging 14 points per game this October, and is shooting nearly 46 percent from the field. He shot slightly under 40 percent during his time with the T-Wolves. 

The former Syracuse standout is also lighting it up from beyond the arc this preseason. Johnson is shooting just under 41 percent from downtown and knocking in more than two three-pointers per game as a Sun. If Phoenix is going to challenge for a playoff spot without Steve Nash, then they will need Johnson to be hitting from deep.

Suns fans are certainly excited about the potential of reading tweets like this one from Ryan Fussner all season long:

"

Wesley Johnson lighting it up again! #Suns

— Ryan Fussner (@AZ_CincyFan11) October 20, 2012"

With his superb play in Phoenix this preseason, Johnson is doing an excellent job of proving that he's no bust. Of course we'll have to wait and see what the regular season has in store. But for now, Johnson looks ready for a bounce-back season with a franchise renowned for providing players with second chances.

NBA fans can watch Johnson play Monday vs. Sacramento, Tuesday at Golden State and Friday vs. Denver before the regular season tips off next week. 

Nick Young, Philadelphia 76ers

Quiet, yet explosive shooting guard Nick Young has been playing phenomenal offensive basketball this preseason, scoring 16.2 points per game for the Philadelphia 76ers in five appearances.

The hot start is reminiscent of Young's incredible performance for the Clippers in their first playoff game last spring, when he knocked down three straight three-pointers to help L.A. erase a massive fourth-quarter deficit. 

Young, who was traded from Washington to the L.A. midseason last year, has landed in Philly, and will look to provide Doug Collins' Sixers with instant offense and efficient outside shooting. Young is shooting better than 48 percent from the field this October, and 50 percent from beyond the three-point line.

The veteran's numbers are impressive considering he's only a 43-percent shooter from the field for his career. Not terrible, but certainly nothing to write home about. Sixers fans are hoping Young will remain just as focused once the regular season tips off. 

Philly will visit Boston on Sunday and host New York on Monday to finish up the preseason. Look for Young to continue his scorching start to the fall in both of those matchups.

Omer Asik, Houston Rockets

The former Chicago Bulls backup center is making a name for himself this preseason with the Houston Rockets, who paid an enormous amount of money for him this past offseason.

Asik, a 7-footer from Turkey, is averaging a remarkable 11 rebounds per game in just under 24 minutes per game this preseason. That leads the NBA this October. 

The Rockets went after Asik for that reason. Houston ranked 15th in rebounds per game last season, and will be much improved in 2012-13 with Asik controlling the paint in Clutch City. After all, he averaged 5.3 rebounds in less than 15 minutes per night last season with the Bulls.

Take a look at this stat from ClutchFans.net via Twitter:

"

Omer Asik averaging 21.8 rebounds per 48 minutes in first 4 preseason games. A rate of 18.8 reb/48 led the league last year.

— ClutchFans.net (@clutchfans) October 16, 2012"

Asik may not be the most exciting player to keep an eye on this preseason, but he has certainly been one of the most surprising. NBA fans will likely get two more chances to see him dominate on the backboards. 

Houston will play at New Orleans on Wednesday before concluding the exhibition season at Orlando on Friday night. 

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