NBA: DeRozan, 10 Players Exceeding Expectations Early In 2016-17

NBA: 10 Players Exceeding Expectations Early In 2016-17

Nov 2, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Dallas Mavericks 97-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) looks on during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 116-80. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Zach LaVine

Speaking of overlooked young talent on the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ roster, Zach LaVine has a bigger case than anyone for that distinction.

Despite proving himself as a bench weapon last year, despite developing into an efficient spot-up shooter, and despite averaging a career-high 21.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game through the first four contests of the season, people still see LaVine as little more than a dunker.

Don’t get me wrong; LaVine is perhaps the league’s most exhilarating dunker — in-game or in the Slam Dunk Contest alike. But just like Blake Griffin‘s developing, well-rounded game was overshadowed by how hard he could dunk a basketball, so too will LaVine have to change the narrative heading into his third season in the NBA.

Shooting 28-for-59 from the floor (47.5 percent) and 13-for-28 from long range (46.4 percent) is a great way to start, as is posting the second highest scoring average on the team. If Thibs can put all that length to good use on the defensive end too, look out.