NBA: 10 Players That Exceeded Expectations In 2015-16

Jae Crowder, Boston Celtics

Stats: 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds

Coming into this season, I don’t think many predicted that Jae Crowder would be behind the Boston Celtics’ success this season. On top of that, not many even thought the Celtics would be this good, either.

Crowder is having a career year in Boston this season, averaging nearly 15 points and five rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. Besides the counting stats, Crowder has also been a big reason why the Celtics are in the race for third in the Eastern Conference.

Since he went down with a high ankle sprain a few weeks ago, the Celtics are only 2-3 in his absence. He matters, and without him this season Boston is an entirely different team.

Next: Kemba