Each year players appear from seemingly nowhere during the 82 game marathon who capture the fates of their teams and ultimately alter the complexion of the season. 

Young and old, these players have quietly emerged as central figures and look to take their recent surges into the New Year. 

Channing Frye – Phoenix Suns
Even after a dismal start, the hybrid forward is on track to have the best season of his career. Frye’s turnaround began on November 15th when the veteran big man was inserted into the starting rotation and since then Frye has scored in double figures in all but one of those appearances. A 6’11’’ center who shoots above 40 percent from three point land? That’s a gift to get excited about. 

Mike Dunleavy – Indiana Pacers
Left for dead after Brandon Rush was granted a starting role, Dunleavy has returned to glory in the Hoosier state and presented himself as a viable number two option behind All-Star Danny Granger. The former Dukie has put a disadvantageous ’09-’10 season behind him and returned to the form that earned a contract with the Pacers in 2005. A large reason for his success has been an improved shooting touch that saw Dunleavy shoot a mere 21 percent from three and cough up a one for one assist to turnover ratio. 2011 looks to be much kinder than 2010 for the veteran forward. 

Wesley Matthews – Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers weren’t sure what they had acquired in the 24 year old Matthews after a mid-summer swap with the Utah Jazz. This season the former Marquette Golden Eagle has been an effective scorer hovering around the 15 PPG mark all year and demonstrated his role as a lock-down defender seen in his 1.2 steals per contest. With questions swirling around Brandon Roy’s health it seems evident that Matthews may be the heir to a steep scoring workload. 

Leandro Barbosa – Toronto Raptors 
Who would have thought Barbosa could survive without Steve Nash and the track meet that is known as the Phoenix Suns’ offense. Though he may not be a part of Toronto’s first five, the Brazilian sharp shooting guard has been explosive off the bench with a handful of 20 point December scoring performances. Toronto will undoubtedly be in the conversation for the league’s worst record in April but in the meantime it’ll be hard to ignore what Barbosa is accomplishing north of the border. 

Daniel Gibson – Cleveland Cavaliers 
It seems that the Cavaliers have dispelled their allusion of themselves as a contender and instead are looking towards the future. In the process, one of the game’s best shooters has entered into the Cavs’ starting five and given ample opportunity to develop as a scorer. Gibson will unquestionably set career highs in minutes played and in scoring, rebounding, and assists. It’s time for fans of Daniel Gibson to sit back and watch as he evolves from just a great shooter into a great scorer. 

Serge Ibaka – Oklahoma City Thunder
Ibaka has compiled a collection of double-double performances this season to supplement his defensive prowess (2.5 blocks per contest.) We often forget just how young Ibaka is and that he’s only been able to (legally) enjoy a beer with his teammates since September. The Thunder continue to feed the young big man minutes and he hasn’t disappointed. Expect the spike in playing time to give Ibaka time to develop his offensive game and become a valuable multi-tool player. 

J.J. Redick – Orlando Magic
Suddenly Redick finds himself in the shuffle of a crowded backcourt competing for time against Jameer Nelson, Gilbert Arenas, and Jason Richardson. While many are selling Redick’s stock faster than Kindles this holiday season, here’s a chance to buy low a player the Magic have committed significant money to (3 yrs. $20 MM). Ultimately Orlando won’t stash the sharpshooting guard on the pine in favor of their new acquisitions. He may see a dip in playing time but a player with Redick’s talent will certainly spike in productivity. 

Chris Douglas-Roberts – Milwaukee Bucks
The third year man out of Memphis has a new home in the cheese-head state and has relished the opportunity. Though he’s bee hampered by nagging injuries it’s safe to say that CDR is one of the game’s most productive players when he’s able to suit up. CDR is among the leaders for forwards in 3PT percentage at 44 percent and boasts an above average 84 percent conversion rate from the charity stripe. The young Bucks have plenty of young pieces who will be able to flourish in Scott Skiles’ system. 

C.J. Miles – Utah Jazz
At only 23, Miles is considered an NBA veteran. His six years of service have finally come to fruition as Miles is displaying his most impressive season yet. At over 12 points and 3 rebounds per game, Miles has filled it up in limited action for Jerry Sloan’s Jazz. A catalyst off the bench, Miles is a scorer-in-waiting should an crack at the starting rotation present itself. Keep an eye on Miles and don’t be surprised that he’s a building block for a very talented Utah team. 

DeAndre Jordan – Los Angeles Clippers 
Chris Kaman’s injury has provided the opportunity that may allow young DeAndre Jordan a chance to prove himself as a top up and coming big man. After bolting Texas A&M after just one season, Jordan has learned to grow at the NBA level and stayed patient behind LA’s plethora of big men. This season Jordan has nearly started more games than he has his entire career previously and considering the uncertainty of Kaman’s injury we may see Jordan playing alongside rookie Blake Griffin for a long, long time. 

Written by Conor Gereg exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com.

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, Fantasy Basketball, NBA, Conor Gereg, Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns, Mike Dunleavy, Indiana Pacers, Wesley Matthews, Portland Trail Blazers, Leandro Barbosa, Toronto Raptors, Daniel Gibson, Cleveland Cavaliers, Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder, J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Milwaukee Bucks, C.J. Miles, Utah Jazz, DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers