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NBA: 5 Rookies That Will Exceed Expectations

By Colby Giacubeno

Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) dunks against the Yale Bulldogs during the first half of a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) dunks against the Yale Bulldogs during the first half of a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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An enormous amount of pressure sits on every rookie’s shoulders. Who will be the ones who exceed their expectations in 2016-17?

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Taurean Prince (Baylor) puts on a team cap after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Taurean Prince (Baylor) puts on a team cap after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Plenty of rookies come into the NBA with expectations that are simply too high to satisfy. Luckily for us viewers, we’ve seen the past few drafts feature a number of players who are on the verge of becoming superstars.

The landscape of the NBA Draft has change significantly over the years. Much more weight is put on potential and upside rather than experience and overall success that the respective player had at the college level.

The problem is, that gamble on a 19-year-old can either turn out extremely good or terribly bad depending on how they adjust to being an NBA player both on and off the court.

Because of the younger players having higher draft stock, fewer expectations are placed on the seasoned college prospects.

Related Story: NBA Draft: Best Player Ever Selected in all 60 Spots

This year’s draft had a handful of the upperclassmen, many of them who had decorated collegiate careers, who will make a seamless transition to the NBA. Will it force teams to re-think their plan of attack in future drafts?

Probably not, but it’s always a breath of fresh air to see a player put the work in and improve throughout his years in college, all to have it all pay off at the highest level.

Let’s take a look at five NBA rookies who will exceed their expectations in 2016-17.

Next: No. 5