Last time out, we looked at players that were disappointing their fantasy owners and designated for waivers. It was the outhouse edition, please recall. This week, we are looking at players that are the exact opposite. Without question, these players are far out producing their average draft positions and their owners are thrilled to have them on their rosters. These players are the fantasy basketball pleasant surprises four weeks into the regular season. Of course, it is up to the individual owner to decide to attempt to trade said player while his value is high or to ride the wave and see how long it lasts.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG, Oklahoma City Thunder, ADP 27

The first pleasantly surprising player to be examined is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For a player that could be had in the third round of many drafts, Gilgeous-Alexander has blown the doors off his opponents through the first month of the season. In 12 games, he is averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Most amazing for a guard, he is shooting 50.8 percent from the field. His 37.3 three point percentage is above his career high.

It is in his last few games where Gilgeous-Alexander has really busted out, however. In three of his last five starts, he has scored 25, 31 and 33 points. On Friday against the Bulls, he also had 10 assists. It was his second double-double of the season. The Thunder have won four of their last six games and Gilgeous-Alexander’s play is a big reason why. Just the thought of his play brings a smile to his fantasy managers and is a recommended trade target for everyone else. Without question, Gilgeous-Alexander should be owned in 100% of leagues.

Zach LaVine, SG, Chicago Bulls, ADP 36

When the talk turns to pleasant surprises, Zach LaVine is at the top of the list. When reviewing his play, it is hard to believe that LaVine was the 36th player on average off the board. Question- who is the number one ranked shooting guard currently in the NBA? The answer is LaVine. In 13 games, he is averaging 26.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists. Last week In two games against the Clippers and Thunder, LaVine poured in 80 points. On Sunday in 31 minutes against the Mavericks, LaVine had a double-double.

Proving that LaVine is no flash in the pan, he had 33 points, seven rebounds and four assists Monday night against the Rockets. The Bulls have games against the Hornets and Lakers this weekend. If the country hasn’t had a chance to check out LaVine for themselves yet this season, Saturday’s game against Los Angeles should be widely available. Give LaVine a look and after coming away convinced, you might want to see who in the league owns him and make an offer.

Christian Wood, C/PF, Houston Rockets, ADP 52

No question, the world has been turned up side down in Houston the past week or so. First there were the antics of and then the trade of James Harden to Brooklyn. However, all is not bleak this winter for the Rockets. All one has to do is take a look at the season that Christian Wood is having as the starting center to know that the trade did not leave the cupboard bare. In fact, Wood has been taking his opponents back behind the wood shed since the opening tip of the season.

In eleven games, Wood is averaging 23.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Wood announced his presence right out of the gate against Portland with 31 points and 13 rebounds and he hasn’t slowed down since. In his last game out Monday, Wood scored 30 points. Further, Wood has six double-doubles on the year. Not too shabby for a fifth round on average draft selection, no? If Victor Olidapo plays like the all star he is, Wood and the Rockets may yet make noise in the Western Conference. That should make Houston fans and Wood fantasy owners plenty happy this season.

Julius Randle, PF, New York Knicks, ADP 63

As much as a surprise as anyone, Julius Randle is balling for the Knicks so far this season. Randle hasn’t missed a game, appearing in all 15 the Knicks has taken the floor. Randle is averaging 23.8 points, 11 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 37 minutes. He has scored 20 or more points in four straight and seven of his last nine. Randle is coming off two straight double-doubles and earlier in the year, he had a double-double in eight straight games.

Like Wood, Randle came off draft boards in the fifth round on average and he has soundly out performed those expectations. Randle has been the driving force behind the Knicks’ surprising current sixth place standing in the Eastern Conference. There is no reason to think that will change anytime soon and Randle’s owners can be confident in his performance for the entire season. Randle has definitely earned a place on this fantasy basketball pleasant surprises edition.

Jerami Grant, SF/PF, Detroit Pistons, ADP 93

There are few that are as qualified as a surprise this season than Jerami Grant. As an eighth round pick on average, Grant has so out performed his expectation, it is ridiculous. In 13 games, Grant is averaging 24.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, one steal and 1.4 blocks a game. After pulling a disappearing act in the first game against Minnesota with just nine points, Grant has scored more than 20 points in 12 straight games. Just to show that he has an all around game, Grant has upped his assist average to 4.3 in his last seven starts.

What’s more, Grant is currently the number six rated player at the small forward position by ESPN. His owners could not possibly have expected that when they selected him in this year’s draft. The Pistons are not going anywhere, as they are in last place in the East. However, as is noted frequently, team performance has little or no bearing on fantasy value. If Grant gets traded, perhaps that will make him even more valuable. Grant has shown sustained excellence this season and that should continue. Without delay, find his owner and make an offer.

Thanks all for joining me for this fantasy basketball pleasant surprises edition! As always, I welcome comments and suggestions on the players that should be added to or removed from the list. Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea, and be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Picks for all the latest NFL and sports news!