5 under-the-radar NBA rookies to watch: McCain, Larsson stand out

Rookies don't have to be a high-profile lottery pick to make an impact.

Every year, front offices are left head-scratching when hidden gems are unearthed deep in the draft.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis are some of the most recent first-year players selected beyond the top 14 to leave their mark in Year 1.

Here are five under-the-radar rookies to watch this season.

2023-24 with Duke

McCain won't receive immediate minutes behind Kelly Oubre Jr. and Eric Gordon, but don't be surprised if the Duke product works his way into Nick Nurse's rotation at some point this season. The 76ers needed to add more outside shooting around Joel Embiid, and the former McDonald's All-American fits the bill.

McCain ranked sixth in the ACC with 87 threes. The 6-foot-3 guard is an efficient shooter off the dribble and catch. His eight triples in the Blue Devils' second-round win over James Madison set a school record in a men's NCAA Tournament game. When opposing defenses run McCain off the 3-point line, he's more than capable of putting the ball on the floor and finishing at the rim.

McCain had three 30-point performances during his lone collegiate campaign. Philadelphia could use some of that offensive punch after ranking 23rd in bench scoring last season.

2023-24 with Illinois

Despite having arguably their best-ever campaign, the T-Wolves left much to be desired at the offensive end. Chris Finch's squad finished 17th in offensive efficiency, 21st in bench scoring, and 25th in transition points. Minnesota's front office went into the offseason knowing it needed to make some upgrades. The selection of Shannon is geared toward that.

Few players lit up the scoreboard more than Shannon. The Illinois standout placed third in the NCAA's scoring race last season and topped the 30-point mark on seven occasions, including a Big Ten Tournament-record 40 points against Nebraska. Shannon has the speed to blow by players, the ability to pull up off the dribble, and a knack for getting to the charity stripe. His shot-creation skills are a much-needed addition to the second unit.

Shannon's strong perimeter defense is a seamless fit on a stingy T-Wolves unit. The All-American has an NBA-ready frame and showed sound instincts at the college level, often jumping passing lanes to create turnovers, which fuels his transition game.

2023-24 with Arizona

The Heat lost some size and shooting on the wing when Caleb Martin left the club in free agency this summer. Larsson has similar traits and may get a shot to fill that void. The Arizona product was a career 39.7% 3-point shooter in college, serving as a reliable catch-and-shoot threat. He's a stout defender at 212 pounds with the ability to guard multiple positions. Larsson punishes overly aggressive closeouts, using his frame and athleticism to finish through contact on drives to the basket. He can also handle the rock if needed and create for others out of the pick-and-roll.

Miami's 21st-ranked offense will certainly benefit from Larsson's array of tools. The Swede teased his potential with an all-around display in the Summer League semifinals, posting 21 points, six assists, four boards, and four steals. The Heat's renowned player development system always seems to maximize its talent. Larsson could very well be its next success story.

2023-24 with UConn

Spencer was the last of four UConn players drafted this year, but he was arguably the most indispensable player from last season's national championship squad. The 6-foot-4 guard did whatever the Huskies asked of him. He was an efficient movement shooter, a dual threat when running the pick-and-roll, and constantly set the tone with his hustle plays. When Spencer probes the paint, he does a great job of reading and reacting to what the defense gives him. His IQ and versatility turned an already potent UConn offense into KenPom's top-rated unit.

Spencer's play on the opposite end of the floor was equally impressive. While the 24-year-old is undersized for his position, he makes up for it with his high compete level, elite instincts, and proper positioning. The Grizzlies are in win-now mode and need players like Spencer who can immediately fill any role.

2023-24 with Kansas

McCullar improved immensely as a perimeter scorer and playmaker during his final two seasons at Kansas. Those skills will certainly serve him well at the next level. But the best way to earn Tom Thibodeau's trust and some early minutes is simply to give it your all on the defensive end.

McCullar was a three-time semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. The Texas native tallied 217 steals over his collegiate career, which ranks 11th all time in the Big 12. He was 11th nationally in defensive box plus-minus (5.3) during the 2022-23 campaign.

McCullar smothers opposing players at the point of attack, guards one through four, contests shots at the rim as a help defender, and chases his defensive assignments when they're in motion without the ball. The Knicks are loaded on the wing, but teams can never have enough 3-and-D options. OG Anunoby has made 50 or fewer appearances in three of his last four seasons. McCullar could easily find himself in action if Anunoby misses time once again.