Fansided

Jarnell Stokes could surprise as top rookie of 2014 class

By Josh Hill

Mar 19, 2014; Dayton, OH, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Jarnell Stokes (5) goes up for a shot while being defended by Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (3) in the first half of a college basketball game during the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at UD Arena. Tennessee defeated Iowa in overtime 78-65. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2014; Dayton, OH, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Jarnell Stokes (5) goes up for a shot while being defended by Iowa Hawkeyes guard Peter Jok (3) in the first half of a college basketball game during the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at UD Arena. Tennessee defeated Iowa in overtime 78-65. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA season is right around the corner and while there are storylines involving veterans like Derrick Rose, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, there are also stories starting with the new rookie class of this season.

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All eyes are on the top drafted rookies of the class as names like Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, Joel Embiid and others will be closely watched this season. But there are other names that were drafted who could creep up and surprise and one of those players is playing his rookie ball in Memphis.

According to Alex Kennedy from Basketball Insiders, one rookie to keep an eye on could be Jarnell Stokes, who the Memphis Grizzlies got as a steal int he draft and could reap the benefits of that in the near future.

"He’s someone who can make an impact from day one in Memphis and he’ll have an opportunity to play after the departure of Ed Davis. He should get minutes behind Zach Randolph. I’m a big fan of Stokes’ game and anyone who watched him during the NCAA Tournament knows that he’s capable of dominating in the paint and on the glass. I spent some time with Stokes while he was doing his pre-draft training at IMG Academy in Bradenton and he’s a very hard worker. He’s probably my favorite “under the radar” rookie."

Stokes was getting first-round grades by some in the basketball community but he fell tot he second round and to the Grizzlies. But that’s just something that seems to be trending lately as second round picks are becoming more and more talented players and Stokes is a guy who bares a first-round grade but the label of a second rounder.

All of that is motivation for the rookie to surprise many and even possibly be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year.

Be sure to check FanSided.com’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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