One of the biggest challenges franchises face approaching the NBA draft is evaluating a class of prospects they hope to find success down the road in a game that's constantly evolving. A skill set that is coveted today may not be in demand two or three years from now, and the context a player faced in college could create a completely different set of circumstances in the league, with better coaching, teammates, a different set of rules and very likely playing a different position and role than previously asked.
This season's NBA playoffs provided plenty of examples of players that were undervalued as draft prospects but found considerable success and are on the verge of being rewarded for their ability to adapt and improve since college. All five of these players were either drafted or signed as an undrafted free agent by the same team that's benefited from their development and led to postseason success.
ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony examines the 2022 prospects that best fit the molds of Grant Williams, Gabe Vincent, Kevon Looney, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jordan Poole.