NBA's hidden gems: Some players exceed expectations

One of the fun things about being at all of the Utah Jazz's home games is getting surprised at how well some guys can play basketball.

You know what you're going to get when LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant come to town, and the superstars are electrifying on the basketball court. Let's face it, outside of a few big stiffs in the league, everyone in the NBA can play.

But there are guys who fly under the radar and don't get the recognition they deserve because they don't play in a big market or on a winning team. They aren't featured in continuous highlight loops on SportsCenter.

In the last week, I noticed a few guys at EnergySolutions Arena who are playing well, are somewhat under the radar — and are fun to watch:

D.J. Augustin, Bobcats: It took some time — and a coaching change — for Augustin to blossom in his first season as a starter, but he's starting to look worthy of the lottery pick the Bobcats invested in him in 2008.

Augustin took off as Charlotte's starting point guard when Paul Silas replaced Larry Brown as head coach in December. He scored in double figures in 19 of his first 20 games playing for Silas. Against the Jazz, he showed some explosion, a nice shooting touch and that he's hard to defend because of how low he positions his body when he dribbles.

"He's a very confident player now," Silas said. "He's knows what I expect. He shoots open shots. He's pushing the basketball very well."

Perhaps all it took for Augustin to break out was to have someone show some confidence in him. Silas did just that and Augustin's play has improved and the Bobcats' fortunes have changed.

"He wanted an opportunity and he's taking it now," Silas said. "But the biggest difference with him now is his confidence."

Kwame Brown, Bobcats: Don't laugh. Considered a huge bust as a former No. 1 overall pick, Brown didn't even have a team to play for as late as August. After riding the bench under former coach Larry Brown, he is another player who has benefitted from Silas' presence.

Brown began starting for the Bobcats on Jan. 3. Charlotte is 10-8 and Brown has scored in double figures seven times since then.