Vegas Summer League 2012: Underrated Players Who Will Step Up

One of the great things about the NBA Summer League is how it gives rookies some exposure to the speed and athleticism of the game. 

It's not a perfect way to integrate them into the league, as they are just going against fellow rookies and young players, but it's better than nothing. Instead of highlighting the obvious players who will shine on this stage, we want to take a look at the underrated players ready to step up their game. 

Here are the overlooked studs you need to pay close attention to in the Vegas Summer League. 

Marquis Teague, PG, Chicago Bulls

Teague already enters this season with a lot of hype, as he was the point guard of the Kentucky Wildcats. To make matters worse, he has to play Derrick Rose's position until the former MVP is able to return. 

Fortunately, Teague is well equipped to shine on this particular stage. He is still very raw with tremendous potential. Since he has such great natural ability, playing against young, fairly untested talents will allow him to showcase what he can do. 

There are going to be a lot of teams who regret passing on Teague when he shows off his skills in this league and in the NBA next season. 

Jared Sullinger, PF, Boston Celtics

After the concerns about Sullinger's back pushed him down to the Celtics in the draft, the Ohio State product had a lot of work to do to prove that he was going to be the player everyone expected him to be after last year. 

I am still skeptical about his offensive potential due to physical limitations, but the more I see him, the more I like his potential to be a dynamic rebounder. 

He is the perfect kind of player for the Celtics to build their future around. He just has to prove he is capable of taking on a reduced role in the pros. 

Bernard James, C, Dallas Mavericks

James was one of the best stories of the 2012 NBA draft, but now that he is a part of the league, there is a lot of work for him to do to make it to the big stage. 

The first test for James will be to make it through the Summer League. He is not a great prospect, thanks in large part to his age (27), but he does have good ability down low. He is big, physical and plays stout defense. 

Look for him to emerge as one of the biggest stars in the Vegas Summer League.