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          Seven most surprising NBA rookies

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          • Chad Ford
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            Chad Ford
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Senior NBA Writer for ESPN.com
            • ESPN Insider NBA Draft Analyst since 2002
            • Writes ESPN's NBA Draft Top 100 and Lottery Mock Draft
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          • Kevin Pelton
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            Kevin Pelton
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
            • Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
            • Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
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          Feb 5, 2016, 01:00 AM ET

          For the past several years, ESPN Insider's Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton have simulated the kind of discussions that are taking place in front offices around the NBA -- in which scouts and statistical experts break down NBA prospects using their "eyes, ears and numbers." This season, those conversations are extending beyond the NBA draft to include prospects in their rookie or sophomore seasons.

          Ford: A month or so ago, we ranked the top 10 rookies. All but one -- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson -- were lottery picks and three of our top five (Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis and D'Angelo Russell) were among the 2015 draft's first five picks.

          Let's try something different today. Who are the most surprising rookies so far this season -- players who might have been underrated on draft night?