5. Kris Murray
Murray has seen an uptick in playing time - he's averaging 21 minutes a night over the Blazers' last four games with one start - and that appears to be more than just a trend. Regardless of his status as a rookie or Portland's status as a tanking team, the 23-year-old has earned the chance at more playing time.
His averages of 5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals don't jump off the page and he's only attempting 5.3 shots a night, but Murray still stands out. He may not shoot a lot, but he makes a high percentage of the ones he takes, and he has a knack for hitting ones that matter.
At 23, Murray's defensive skills were supposed to translate to the pro game immediately and make him an instant-impact rookie; it took until February, but his size (6-8, 220 pounds), length (6-11 wingspan) and IQ are finally showing up on an NBA floor. He's rotating more smoothly on defense and guarding on an island better than he was earlier this year.
Murray simply looks more comfortable now than at any point this season, and he's earned himself more minutes.