Top 5 Hidden Gems of the NBA Rookie Class
Overlooked to undrafted, these hidden gems have the chance to make huge impacts on their teams
The bright lights of the Barclay’s Center shine down upon a black stage as the excitement of draft night radiates throughout the arena. For a handful of young men, this night will change their lives forever, and with proper financial management, set them up for life. Yet for others the night may bring disappointment as they watch their hope (and draft stock) dwindle throughout the night. Let’s be clear, even the 60th (last) pick in the draft will make nearly a million dollars in annual income, but the disparity between the first ten picks and the last ten is still noticeable (300%). This leads to the conclusion that finding serviceable, and possibly all-star level, players later on in the draft really boosts a teams value both financially (maintaining cap space) and proficiently.
We classify “hidden gems” as these players who fit the profile of being overlooked or underrated which caused them to be picked later on in the 2021 NBA draft.
5. Greg Brown, forward, Portland Trailblazers (Pick 43)
Brown is an athletic forward out of Texas who was a top ranked recruit coming out of high school. As a lengthy forward with a great motor and athleticism, Brown can develop nicely into a great defensive player for the Blazers. He fell in the draft after underperforming at Texas, though his game may translate better at the next level. The Blazers are in desperate need of a solid defensive big and Brown could fill this role even though he is still extremely raw. His jump-shot is below average and he still needs to fill out his frame as well as improve his IQ but the Blazers got a great prospect in Brown at 43.
4. Brandon Boston, guard, Los Angeles Clippers (Pick 52)
Boston was the 7th ranked recruit coming out of high school, but another player who underperformed at the collegiate level. He is also extremely lengthy, has a serviceable jump-shot, and good patience for finishing. The Clippers already have Terrance Mann on the roster, and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are under contract for the foreseeable future so Boston may not get the opportunity to see court at the NBA level for a while. He has shown flashes of brilliance in summer league and should be on the radar of many teams in the process of rebuilding. He is also extremely raw and must fill out his frame, but he has a great feel for the game and could develop nicely.
3. Cam Thomas, guard, Brooklyn Nets (Pick 27)
Even though Thomas was technically taken in the first round, it wouldn’t feel right not including him on this list just because of how amazing he’s been in summer league. Thomas showed the potential to not only be a hidden gem, but possibly the best player in the entire draft. He showed his remarkable scoring ability, while also displaying his capacity to hit big buckets in clutch moments. Averaging 27 points per game, Thomas lead all players in summer league. He still needs to work on improving his efficiency as he shot only 42% from the field and 36% from three in summer league, but he showcased just how overlooked he was going into draft night. If not for the fact that he was taken in the first round, Thomas would find himself higher on the list. Another player whose situation may prevent them from reaching their full potential in the immediate future, Thomas finds himself on a title contender without many minutes up for grabs. This being said, he could be the Net’s 6th man going into season should he maintain the rate at which he is headed.
2. Sharife Cooper, guard, Atlanta Hawks (Pick 48)
The fact that Cooper dropped all the way to the 48th pick honestly was shocking. Going into the draft, a lot of teams had concerns about Coopers size and his ability on the defensive end. Event though he is undersized, Cooper has displayed a creativity for finishing around the rim that resembles a young Kyrie Irving. On top of that, Cooper has displayed a solid jump-shot and a remarkable ability to find his teammates for good looks. He also displayed his clutch factor hitting a buzzer beating 3 down 2 to win the game. Cooper has great vision and already operates off of the high pick-n-roll at an NBA level. Getting him at 48 was an amazing pick by Hawks GM Travis Shlenk, though I would’ve wanted to see Cooper go to a team where he could be in a more immediate roll. Having Trae Young, another ball dominant guard, locked in as the Hawks franchise player may limit Cooper in his development, but I think he’s good enough to still develop nicely.
1. Omer Yurtseven, center, Miami Heat (Undrafted)
Even though Yurtseven has bounced around the G-league briefly, this will still technically be his rookie season. Yurtseven went undrafted in 2020 and just recently signed a two year deal with the Heat. As a 7 footer, Yurtseven has exceptional touch and shooting ability as well as a knack for rebounding and defending the paint. In addition, he can fill a role the Miami Heat have desperately needed as of late. I love Bam Adebayo and think he’s an amazing player, but he’s better suited as a 4 rather than a 5. Yurtseven can stretch the floor and rebound while providing some length on the defensive end. The one question mark is Yurtseven’s strength as this is an area of concern as he is faced up against veterans in the league. He is on the weaker side, but getting him into an NBA weight lifting program could do wonders for the young man. As an undrafted player who averaged 22.4 ppg and 11.4 rpg in his five summer league games, Yurtseven is one of the best players no one is talking about.