Fansided

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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Jan 6, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard P.J. Hairston (15) during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard P.J. Hairston (15) during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

1. P.J. Hairston, Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets decided to select guard P.J. Hairston with the 26th overall pick in the draft, and are expecting him to come up with a huge season as a rookie. He won’t receive as big of a role as Charlotte thought he might when they drafted him, due to the signing of Lance Stephenson that takes away the starting shooting guard slot. Despite that, he is still going to have a major role coming off of the bench, and will have the green light to shoot the ball.

Charlotte desperately needed three-point shooting help last season, and that is exactly what Hairston brings to the floor. He ended up playing in the NBA D-League last season, and averaged 21.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Hairston wasn’t able to shoot the ball up to the standards that he holds himself to, but he still finished at 35.8 percent from behind the arc.

If Hairston is able to keep his attitude issues and check and keep focusing on improving his game, he has the potential to be one of the more impressive rookies this season. He is going to have a role this year and will be asked to spot up and knock down the three-ball. Expect to see him put up good numbers this season, and have a key role down the stretch of the year and into the playoffs.

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