For me, that player on the Kings has been Maurice Evans.
A 6'5" guard, he is replacing Bobby Jackson off the bench for that needed lift. Not the prolific scorer that Jackson is, he has been cleaning up around the rim by getting there with outstanding atheleticism and finishing. Last night at the Garden, his contributions and defense on Marbury were probably the difference in bringing about one of the rare wins the Kings have had in New York since moving to Sacramento, who is now only 2-18 in the Big Apple.
Evans was never drafted by an NBA team out of Texas in 2001, but was invited to the Timberwolves camp in 2002. He became a star in the European League, however, earning the MVP of the Italian League All Star game in 2004, the same year his team, Benetton Treviso, won the Italian Cup.
His apparent reason for not sticking with an NBA team before now? At 6'5", he is considered undersized for a shooting guard in today's NBA. He has a decent jump shot, is very strong and atheletic, and has excellent jumping ability.
Since he is replacing the 6'1" Bobby Jackson off the bench, I suppose his added 4 inches don't look so undersized to opponents right now.
Elsewhere, my choice for the surprise player goes to Miami's third prong of their new attack offense - Damon Jones.
Undrafted out of Houston in 1998, his NBA journey has taken him to NINE NBA TEAMS in seven years. Until this year, when his scoring average has been 11.3, he never was on the floor enough to get more then 7 points a game. Last year in Milwaukee, his assists per game reached 5.8, a career best.
Van Gundy has put him on the floor as his starting point guard and has been rewarded with some clutch shooting, decent point guard work, and a three point average of 42.9, which ranks 10th in the League, though he shoots more three's then anyone listed above him.
Not too bad for a classic "Who's He??" guy.