Most Underrated NBA Draft 2023 Players

There’s already a lot of hype surrounding the 2023 NBA Draft. Everyone’s talking about Victor Wembanyama and other top prospects, but what about the most underrated NBA Draft players?

Are there any hidden gems in this year’s draft? Is there a player who could greatly exceed expectations when he enters the pro ranks? Several guys can be better than the projections, and I explore them in this post.

• Age: 20
• College: Wake Forrest
• Position: Power Forward

Bobi Klintman isn’t getting nearly enough attention at the moment. The power forward out of Wake Forrest is an interesting prospect for several reasons. His physical gifts and massive upside will appeal to a team that’s willing to develop him.

Although Klintman wasn’t the most productive player in college, he’s already shown a lot of potential. The freshman power forward shot 36.8% from three-point range and was efficient at scoring. His shot-making abilities could improve dramatically if he’s in the right system.

The ceiling for Klintman is sky-high. His big frame, good mobility, and decent skill set should be enough for a first-round pick, but the forward will likely fall into the second round.

• Age: 23
• College: Florida
• Position: Center

Here’s another one of the most underrated NBA Draft 2023 prospects. Colin Castleton has all the makings of an elite player at the center position. He’s great at protecting the rim, having averaged 3.0 blocks per game during his final year in college.

Castleton’s best asset is his ability to defend without drawing any fouls. He’s a cerebral player with a good understanding of the ebbs and flows of basketball. During his final two seasons at Florida, Castleton also took his game to a whole new level on offense.

Unfortunately, Castleton suffered a season-ending injury that would prevent him from playing in the NIT tournament. Will that affect his draft stock? I don’t think so because the versatile center has such a strong feel for the game.

On the downside, Castleton’s jump shot isn’t NBA-ready. He scored his first three-pointers in his final year in college. Most mock drafts expect the big man to go undrafted, but I’m sure we’ll see him as an excellent role player somewhere in the future.

• Age: 23
• College: Furman
• Position: Small Forward

Jalen Slawson is also among the most underrated NBA Draft 2023 players. You probably heard his name back in March during the NCAA Division I tournament. Slawson led the charge when Furman upset Virginia during the first round.

Slawson is easily one of the most underrated NBA prospects at small forward. He’s got all the physical tools and acumen to succeed at the next level. Slawson can be impactful off the ball, and his offensive efficiency shows a lot of promise.

If you add the power forward’s transition skills, you can see easily see how Slawson could build a respectable NBA career.

• Age: 23
• College: Baylor
• Position: Point Guard

Remember when Baylor won the NCAA Division I title in 2021? Adam Flagler played a key role for the Bears off the bench during their championship run. Now, he’s among the underrated NBA Draft prospects in 2023 who deserve a lot more recognition.

Flagler is a very intelligent player with the ability to learn from his mistakes and make adjustments. Although he’s not the most coveted prospect, Flagler could land somewhere in the second round. He’s an elite shooter who can provide a lot of offensive support for an NBA team.

Although Flagler is known for his shot-making abilities, he’s also improved as a passer. His defensive efficiency is also encouraging – he did an excellent job guarding the top point guards in the Big 12.

He probably won’t become an NBA star, but he could be a starter on a decent team down the line.

• Age: 23
• College: Indiana
• Position: Power Forward

The lack of recognition toward Trayce Jackson-Davis is disrespectful at this point. He earned AP First Team All-American honors during his final year in college. Jackson-Davis was also super productive, averaging 20.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game!

In 32 games last season, Jackson-Davis finished the year with 16 double-doubles. This includes a game in which he had 31 points and 15 rebounds against Michigan State. Jackson-Davis was an absolute monster in college, consistently shredding Big Ten competition.

Is Jackson-Davis a good fit in the NBA? He’s an excellent playmaker and has the athleticism to compete at the next level. Jackson-Davis. The forward is also a versatile defender good at forcing mistakes and protecting the rim.

There’s a lot to like about Jackson-Davis. He’s projected to be a late first-rounder, but I think he deserves a spot in the lottery. The former Indiana PF looked NBA-ready in his final college year, so a team that needs help right now will greatly benefit from selecting Jackson-Davis.

• Age: 21
• College: Gonzaga
• Position: Small Forward

Julian Strawther is a familiar name among college basketball fans because of his career at Gonzaga. In 2022-23, he took on a bigger role with the team, and the results were pretty amazing. Strawther averaged 15.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the season.

Strawther stands out from the other prospects because he converted 5.1 three-pointers per game in college. NBA teams are desperate for players who can score from the perimeter. His shot-making abilities could allow him to sneak into the first round of the draft.

In terms of size and athleticism, Strawther has a lot to offer at small forward. He could develop into a solid wing player while also defending multiple different positions.

The guy’s an attacking threat with excellent size, so a good 3-and-D player on a strong team is the minimum I expect.

Are you ready to begin betting on the NBA Draft in 2023? I recommend visiting the top basketball betting sites and checking out all the action. You can compare prices and shop around before you place any wagers.

I also wrote about the best NBA Draft prop bets for 2023. I talk about all the betting markets you should target to help you spot good betting opportunities.