Five under-the-radar NBA rookies who could be big contributors

1. Walter Clayton, Jr., guard | Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz traded up to snag March Madness hero Clayton, Jr. out of Florida with the No. 18 pick. Utah gave up three second-rounders to move up three spots to get the 22-year-old guard, who averaged 22.3 points per game in the Gators run to the national title.

Clayton is an older prospect, but he has a ton of opportunity with the Jazz after Utah traded Collin Sexton and released Jordan Clarkson this summer. That means Clayton has only Keyonte George and All-Rookie guard Isaiah Collier as competition at guard. Based on the ball handling and impressive shot-making Clayton showed in Summer League, the Jazz could be looking at another All-Rookie guard.

2. Johni Broome, center | Philadelphia 76ers

Like Clayton, Broome is an older draft prospect at age 22. And like Clayton, he was awesome last season for a very good Auburn team that made the Final Four. Broome averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks, earning first-team All-American honors from everyone who gives those out. He dominated Michigan State in the regional final in a game where he wasn't even fully healthy.

Broome may not be a spectacular athlete, but he's clearly skilled at basketball. For the Philadelphia 76ers, who can't expect Joel Embiid to be healthy, Broome could be one of their best options on a roster with very little big man depth. If Broome can consistently make shots on pick-and-pop plays, he could get significant minutes as a small-ball center or power forward next season — especially in back-to-backs.

3. Jase Richardson, guard | Orlando Magic

After an impressive freshman season at Michigan State, Richardson couldn't have landed in a more perfect situation. As a scoring-first guard who stands just over six feet tall barefoot, Richardson's defense and playmaking are open questions — he's not a true point guard.

But the Orlando Magic have plenty of perimeter defenders to cover for Richardson, and two playmaking forwards in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. What the Magic don't have is the outside shooting and shot making that Richardson excels at. It's a perfect, low-pressure spot for him to shine.

4. Kam Jones, guard | Indiana Pacers

Jones was a starter for three of his four seasons at Marquette, taking over as the primary creator last year and delivering excellent results. He averaged 19.2 points, 1.4 steals and 5.9 assists against just 1.9 turnovers. Jones is an elite finisher at the rim and shot a respectable 36.6% from three-point range for his college career.

The Indiana Pacers value the ability to get to the rim and have had success with older guards like Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard and Tyrese Haliburton in recent drafts. With Haliburton out for next season, Jones should have a real chance to carve out his spot in the league.

5. Rasheer Fleming, forward | Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns were short on athleticism last season, and Rasheer Fleming has a ton of it, plus a 7-foot-4 wingspan. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds last season while shooting 39% on three-pointers and 53.1% overall. He also averaged 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks.

The Suns traded Kevin Durant, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they traded some of the players ahead of Fleming on the depth chart, like Royce O'Neale or Grayson Allen. Even with those players there, Fleming's shooting, defense and motor should keep him on the court.