NBA Draft 2011: Kenneth Faried and 5 Most Underrated Forwards in the Draft

The 2011 NBA Draft is only 16 days away. While fans are fixated on watching LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki in the NBA Finals, many teams are deciding who to select with their respective draft picks.

While this draft class may not have the most dazzling prospects in recent memory, there are some underrated forwards who could potentially have an immediate impact in the NBA.

Here are five underrated forwards heading into the Draft later this month.

5. Chandler Parsons: Florida Gators

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 26: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators talks to an offical during their game against the Butler Bulldogs in the Southeast regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 26, 2011 i

Chandler Parsons, a projected Second Round draft pick, played four years with the Florida Gators. As a senior, Parsons was named the SEC Player of the Year.

While Parsons will likely never be a prolific scorer in the league, his ability to move without the ball and athleticism give him the chance to be a good slasher in the NBA.

Can anyone say Chase Budinger 2.0?

4. Tobias Harris: Tennessee Volunteers

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 18: Tobias Harris #12 of the Tennessee Volunteers dunks the ball while taking on the Michigan Wolverines in the first half during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 18,

In his first and last season playing at the University of Tennessee, Tobias Harris ranked second on the team in scoring and rebounding.

Harris is slightly undersized (6’8’’) to play the power forward position in the NBA. If he is able to add a decent mid-range jump shot to his arsenal, Harris could have a productive future at the next level.

3. Chris Singleton: Florida State Seminoles

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 25: Chris Singleton #31 of the Florida State Seminoles dunks against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the southwest regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Alamodome on March 25, 2011 in San Antonio, Texa

Chris Singleton played three years for the Florida State Seminoles, earning his keep by becoming one of the best defensive players in the country.

Singleton was named to the All-ACC Defensive Team and led the Seminoles in rebounding and steals.

Given his three years of experience in the ACC and defensive mentality, Singleton could be one of the steals of the first round.

2. Kawhi Leonard: San Diego State Aztecs

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Kawhi Leonard #15 of the San Diego State Aztecs dunks the ball against the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, Calif

During the San Diego State Aztecs’ surprising run to the Sweet Sixteen last season, Leonard led the team in scoring and rebounding.

Leonard is very comparable to the Portland Trail Blazers’ Gerald Wallace. Neither player does anything really well, but both will often do the little things (hustle, deflect passes, rebound) that add up in the box score.

1. Kenneth Faried: Morehead State Eagles

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 19: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Morehead State Eagles dunks the ball against the Richmond Spiders during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pepsi Center on March 19, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justi

Kenneth Faried led the nation in rebounding last season. Considering he played in the unheralded Ohio Valley Conference, some believe his gaudy rebounding numbers may not hold up against more stiff competition.

During the NCAA tournament, Faried temporarily silenced his critics, averaging 15 rebounds in his two tournament games last March.

Rebounding is a skill that takes heart. No matter the competition, that’s not going to change for Faried.

Faried could easily make an instant impact in the NBA playing for a team that doesn’t need him to produce right away, but a team who can develop him more at their leisure.