Fansided

NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 guys team should be concerned about

By Rucker Haringey

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Lloyd Pierce speaks with Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Dallas Maverickson December 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Lloyd Pierce speaks with Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Dallas Maverickson December 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 02: Moritz Wagner #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers is tripped as he drives to the basket against Deandre Ayton #22 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Staples Center on December 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 02: Moritz Wagner #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers is tripped as he drives to the basket against Deandre Ayton #22 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Staples Center on December 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

4. Moritz Wagner

Wagner didn’t come into the NBA with sky-high expectations, but the Lakers hoped he could contribute immediately for a team that is trying desperately to earn a playoff berth. Instead, he’s played a grand total of five games in his NBA career.

In fairness, an injury during the preseason really put the former Michigan big man behind the eight ball. He’s a guy who would have really benefited from a lot of time on the floor before the games start to really count. Instead, he’s been forced to try to catch up on the fly.

It’s important to remember that we’re talking about a 21-year-old with a lot of major college experience here. He should have arrived in LA pretty close to fully formed. John Beilein has an excellent reputation of giving his players a solid base of fundamentals to work with.

To date, every time Wagner hits the floor he looks like he’s in the wrong league. It’s fair to wonder whether or not he has the athleticism required to be an NBA rotation player. That’s not a good sign for a guy who was selected with the No. 25 pick.

Wagner may develop into a solid backup center in time, but the Lakers would have hoped for more out of their first-rounder. His career is not off to a promising start.

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