January 23 2022 Berkeley, CA U.S.A. Arizona guard Dalen Terry 4 brings the ball up court during the NCAA, College League, USA Men s Basketball game between Arizona Wildcats and the California Golden Bears. The Wildcats beat California 96-71 at Hass Pavilion Berkeley Calif. / CSM Berkeley USA - ZUMAc04_ 20220124_zaf_c04_037 Copyright: xThurmanxJamesx
The 2022 NBA Draft was full of talent. Some players will become long-term projects. Others will be thrust into starting lineups from day one. The draft this year was among the most extensive in recent history. It is worth asking which prospects are underrated and why. A few rookies always make an impact and come up with a better than anyone expected. Here are five under-the-radar prospects who will immediately impact their teams. Check out the top sports betting sites for betting on the NBA.
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JabariSmith is the most NBA-ready of all the top 10. Houston filled their wing spot with the Auburn forward, who is 6’10”. As the Rockets continue to strengthen their young core of Jalen Green, Smith can play both the small forward and the stretch four roles. Jabari Smith’s one-year tenure at Auburn saw him average 16.9 points, 7.4 boards, and 1.1 steals per contest. This was in addition to a 32.0 per cent three-point shooting percentage. The Rockets have Jabari Smith’s potential to be a defensive and beyond-the-arc player.
Dalen Terry–Chicago Bulls Pick 18
Dalen Terry, one of the most underrated picks in the 2022 NBA Draft, is entering into one of the best situations for a rookie. The Bulls need players who can play without the ball, with Zach LaVine likely to return and DeMar DeRozan remaining on the roster. Enter Dalen Terry. Arizona’s 6’7 guard is used to working in high-pressure environments and could be a cracker for Chicago’s rotation. Terry’s greatest strengths are his ability to transition and his mature decision-making. Terry might not be the most glamorous pick, but he could be one of the top sleeper picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on the NBA.
Malaki Branham-San Antonio Spurs, Pick 20
Malaki Branham, a 41 per cent Ohio State three-point shooting guard, maybe another steal for the San Antonio Spurs. Dejounte’s future with the team is still unknown. Murray could use Branham as an insurance policy, or he could be paired up with him in the backcourt. Greg Popovich’s pick looks like a great one. Although Branham will not be starting alongside Murray, he has the potential to serve as a solid backup. Branham’s future is bright if he can gain more muscle.
Patrick Baldwin Jr.-Golden State Warriors, Pick 28
They are not strangers to solid draftsmanship. They added to their team by choosing Patrick Baldwin Jr. from UW-Milwaukee. This is not a place that produces NBA talent. The potential is there, and the Warriors are aware of it. He averaged 12.1 points per game and 5.8 rebounds during his college season. The Warriors excel at developing young talent. Unfortunately, we didn’t see Baldwin’s full potential in college due to injuries. But, if there is one team that can unlock this kid’s potential, it is Golden State.
EJ Liddell-New Orleans Pelicans, Pick 41
Despite the Zion Williamson drama, the New Orleans Pelicans make clever but great moves. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum led them. EJ Liddell, a wing player with a lot of talent, is the ideal fit for New Orleans. Liddell, another wing, can stretch the floor and is constantly improving his game. He averaged 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounding, and 2.6 blocks per contest during his junior year at Ohio State. Although his talent is raw, Liddell will fit in well with the Pelicans’ roster of rag-tag players on the bench.
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