NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 underrated guys in this year's class

NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 underrated guys in this year’s class

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 26: Rodions Kurucs #00 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on December 26, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 27: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls defends against Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on October 27, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Kevin Huerter

The Hawks drafted Huerter to be Trae Young’s version of Klay Thompson. Ironically, it may be the former Maryland star who’s enjoying the better rookie season.

At the very least, he’s been much more efficient than Young. Huerter really does a nice job spacing the floor for Atlanta. He’s got a comfortable jump shot that extends well beyond the 3-point arc. He’s only shooting a shade over 38 percent from 3 on the year, but it’s easy to see that number jumping to over 40 percent with the way the ball looks coming out of his hand.

The key for Huerter as the season progresses is to take a more expanded role in his team’s offense. He’s not going to take the ball out of Young’s hands very often, but the coaching staff should start to stagger the duo’s minutes. That would allow Huerter to handle the ball a little more with the team’s second unit.

Even if that part of his game doesn’t develop very quickly, he’s still in a position to take more 3s as a part of the regular offense. He really just needs to display more confidence out there. Once he acts like he belongs in the NBA, he really has a chance to blossom into a 3-point bomber. That’s exactly what the Hawks need him to do.

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