NBA Draft 2012: Jared Sullinger and More Players Who Have Become Undervalued

The 2012 NBA draft is a little over a week away and many fans, analysts, scouts and GMs are finalizing their big boards.

While some prospects' stock has been skyrocketing due to workouts, interviews and hype—such as Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard—others have become undervalued during the pre-draft process.

Let’s take a look at some of these young players that will likely go later than they should.

Perry Jones III

PJIII was once considered a talent that would rival Anthony Davis and other studs for the No. 1 pick. Now he’s projected somewhere in the late-lottery to the early 20’s because of his apparent lack of a motor.

The Baylor Bears star just never seemed to be able to put it together on the court during his two seasons of collegiate ball. He showed flashes of incredible talent, but may have been playing out of position as a PF and didn’t seem motivated.

It will be interesting to see if a franchise takes a gamble on his incredible ceiling early in the draft.

Austin Rivers

It makes no sense, but a number of teams are apparently scared of Rivers because he might be tough to coach and is self-assured.

Considering his father is one of the best NBA coaches and that confidence is almost required of an elite SG in the league, Rivers represents supreme value late in the lottery.

He’s got to get better at moving without the ball, but the Duke product has the handles, range and ability to become an elite player.

Jared Sullinger

Sullinger isn’t going to wow anyone with his athleticism or play above the rim, but he’s a rock-solid post player that knows how to get his buckets and rebound.

He’s honed his game for two years at Ohio State and is likely going to be taken in the late lottery, which is a steal for a team that might need an instant impact rookie.