With almost 40 games in the books and the halfway point in the season nearing, it is time to look at some of the most surprising players at each position.  This week I will be discussing three players who are strictly listed as guards (PG and/or SG) according to Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball.  These three may may not be the best in their position but they have played well during the first half of the season.

1. Aaron Brooks – Coming fresh off his 43 points in 59 minutes in a three overtime thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Aaron Brooks has been ballin’ this year.  He has been averaging 19 points and 5 assists this season, and has really picked up his play with Yao Ming out for the year, and Tracy McGrady not playing and seeking a trade.  He is also shooting 40% from behind the arc and making over 80% of this free throws.  His biggest asset is being a constant match-up problem for opposing point guards every night.

2. Rajon Rondo – With injuries knocking out Paul Pierce of some games this year and Kevin Garnett still out due to injury, Rondo has picked up the slack.  He has one triple-double this month and has eclipsed the 2o point mark in three of the five games Rondo has played this month.  He is averaging 14 points, almost 10 assists, and 4 rebounds a game.  He is shooting 53% from the field, but is only shooting 19% from three point range and 60% from the free throw line.  If he could ever develop a jump shot and be a consistent free throw shooter, he would put up monster numbers.

3. Jamal Crawford – Crawford has been the spark off the bench the Hawks desperately need.  Off the bench, Crawford is instant offense, scoring 17 points a game.  He has also done it on 45% shooting from the field.  Once he is on the court it is hard to take him out, which is why he is averaging 30 minutes a game.  The best part about Jamal Crawford, is his unselfishness.  He could definitely start on a lot of teams, but he has accepted his role with no qualms.  He would rather see the team succeed rather than himself, which is why I like him so much.

-JB