Five underrated college basketball products who should shine in the NBA this season

A select few college basketball prospects head to the NBA with star potential. Most are heading to the pros looking to make a career and find a role, however. These players might not grab headlines in the same way, but they can have a massive impact on the future of a team.

Rookie of the Year should be competitive in 2021-22, but the award invariably ends up in the hands of one of the top picks, and more often than not, it goes to a player with high usage on a non-contending team. Some teams at the top of the NBA Championship odds, which can be found at www.sidelines.io, will also have impactful rookies, though. 

Beyond the big names in a draft, though, teams can bolster their depth with shrewd picks. Sustained success in the NBA is dependent on finding affordable role players, particularly for small-market franchises. Capped out teams can complement their stars with cost-controlled young players.

We’re going to take a look at five underrated players from college basketball who can make an immediate impact in the NBA.

Chris Duarte

At 24 years old as a rookie, Chris Duarte isn’t a project player. The Pacers picked Duarte because he’s a sharpshooter and he can help them right away.

Indiana isn’t waiting around. They’ve got a good core of veterans, and hiring Rick Carlisle in the offseason means they’re aiming to bounce back after a poor season last time out.

Duarte’s shooting will make him valuable in the NBA for years to come.

Miles McBride

Leading West Virginia to a 19-10 record last season, Miles McBride led the team in scoring, assists and steals.

It wasn’t the flashiest college career, but McBride is evidence that there’s value to found in the later rounds of the NBA Draft.

Shooting lights out from three, McBride shone in Summer League with his athleticism and smooth stroke. He’s got a real chance at making the Knicks’ rotation.

Davion Mitchell

Going ninth overall doesn’t sound like you’re underrated, but some draft experts had Davion Mitchell as a top six pick. His Summer League showing suggests he will make an instant impact in the NBA.

The Kings want to win now with Tyrese Haliburton, De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Richaun Holmes. Mitchell was awesome for Baylor – he’s immediately going to have a major role to play in Sacramento.

Cameron Thomas

Cameron Thomas can score. He can shoot, and he can get to the rim. There are question marks about other parts of his game, but Thomas’ scoring at LSU should translate to the NBA.

The Nets need all the depth they can find. Thomas must prove himself as a defender to earn minutes, though, and for that reason, being on a contender should help his development in the next year or so.

After lighting up Summer League, many are already claiming Thomas as a steal.

Kai Jones

The Hornets took a gamble on Kai Jones. They traded for the 19th pick from the Knicks to take the Texas big man, and with good reason.

Jones is raw, but he’s got a high ceiling. The athleticism will make him impactful in the paint from the second he steps on an NBA court. Playing with LaMelo Ball should make for lots of easy points.

Although he’s a project at this stage, Charlotte isn’t in a rush, and Jones should get plenty of minutes to prove himself this season.