NBA Draft 2018: 5 players that were taken by the wrong team

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Kevin Knox speaks with media after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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A big part of a player’s chance to succeed in the NBA is being selected by the right team. These five players won’t enter the league with that advantage.

There’s a frequent debate among NBA fans over just how important going to the right team is for a draft pick. It seems obvious that it’s a huge factor in a player’s ability to develop into a quality NBA player. For example, does anyone really think Kawhi Leonard would’ve developed into an All-NBA player if he were drafted by anyone other than San Antonio?

It’s clear that NBA teams are placing more emphasis on player development than ever before. Almost every new coach that’s been hired over the last year has been lauded for his ability to improve individual players. Certain agents definitely want to steer their clients to certain teams to make sure their player improves as much as possible. A big part of that is landing on the right team.

Unfortunately for these five guys, not every rookie lands in an ideal spot. Some players are clearly drafted by the wrong franchise. We start by taking a look at a big man who will struggle to find the floor for his new team.

5. Moritz Wagner — Los Angeles Lakers

This analysis depends somewhat on what the Lakers choose to do this summer. If they let Julius Randle leave in free agency, it makes the Wagner pick look decent. If they keep the talented scorer, then it’s hard to understand why the former Wolverine is headed to LA.

It’s not that Wagner isn’t a capable player. For the right team, he can be a useful substitute off the bench. He has surprising foot speed when running the floor and he has some offensive touch. Unfortunately, his lack of quickness and vertical leap is going to prevent him from developing into an NBA starter.

His fit for the Lakers is awkward, at best. Even if Randle leaves via free agency, Kyle Kuzma is going to get a lot of playing time at the four. Wagner just doesn’t seem to fit the style of play Luke Walton wants to play moving forward. Don’t be surprised if he really struggles to secure meaningful playing time as a rookie. He would’ve been much better off going to team with an easily identifiable need in the frontcourt.