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5 underrated NBA rookies to watch for in 2014

By Evan Massey

Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Cleanthony Early (11) reacts against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men
Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Cleanthony Early (11) reacts against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men /
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Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Cleanthony Early (11) reacts after scoring against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men
Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Cleanthony Early (11) reacts after scoring against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men /

The 2014 NBA Draft was one of the strongest drafts that the league has seen in quite a few years, and there are many players that will make an impact on the court immediately this season. Every year there are a select few players taken at the top of the draft that are expected to come in and play a major role immediately, but the players taken later in the draft are mainly not given a second look. This year, there were quite a few players taken later in the draft that will come in and have roles for their respective teams.

Obviously players like Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker are going to receive the majority of the attention, but there are players that were selected late in the first round and early in the second that could have huge impacts as well. They may not end up being franchise players or superstars in the future, but there are some that have the ability to be a huge part of a starting lineup or even potential star potential. It’s going to be a fun season to watch the 2014 draft class, and in 10 years people could look back and see quite a few stars.

All of that being said, there are five players in particular that have set themselves apart and look to be the most underrated rookies heading into the 2014 season. There are quite a few teams that are desperately needing their draft picks to step up, and there will be a lot of rookies with the green light to play their game. Expect to see a great season for rookies, and to have quite a few unexpected names rise to the top.

Which five NBA underrated rookies will end up proving themselves to the league and have major roles in their first season?

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