2015 NBA Draft Prospects Who Ended Up on the Wrong Team
Not every 2015 NBA draft pick was a perfect match, and not every prospect landed on the right team.
Front offices draft players for various reasons, whether it's to fill a need, acquire the best prospect available or grab a prime trade chip.
These decisions are made with the best intentions for the franchise's well-being, but they often don't produce the healthiest partnerships from the players' perspective. Sometimes the draftee winds up in a less-than-ideal situation.
A handful of 2015 first-round picks ended up on the wrong team. We focused on those who are in poor developmental environments, landed on teams with a logjam at their position or don't have a clear long-term role.
Willie Cauley-Stein, Sacramento Kings C
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From the Sacramento Kings' viewpoint, adding Willie Cauley-Stein could greatly improve the club's defense.
The Kings surrendered 109.2 points per 100 possessions last season, which ranked 27th in the league. Kentucky's hyper-athletic, exceptionally versatile 7-footer will help turn that trend around.
However, if you're Cauley-Stein, this is probably not the best destination.
If Sactown hangs on to DeMarcus Cousins, it will be tricky to find ways for them to coexist.
Boogie is versatile enough to play from the elbow or short wing, face up and shoot or drive. But he's not a three-point shooter, and he does his most impactful work near the basket. He's one of the most lethal post-up threats in the Association, and the Kings certainly want to continue utilizing a healthy dose of that interior skill.
What does that mean for Cauley-Stein, who, despite glimpses of a jump shot, delivers all of his scoring in close proximity to the rim? It will be nearly impossible for Sacramento to utilize him away from the basket, and he'll be hard-pressed to find in-game opportunities to sharpen his offense.
Cauley-Stein will adjust nicely to playing alongside Cousins defensively, and head coach George Karl may get creative to make things work on offense at times. But this marriage is not ideal.
Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers C
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Duke's Jahlil Okafor is a true center, a traditional, back-to-the-basket behemoth who does his best work from 10 feet and in.
He now joins a Philadelphia 76ers squad that already has two quality 5s. While Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel and Okafor aren't the same player, they are all ultimately centers.
Embiid can step out and sporadically hit jumpers, but like Okafor, his most gorgeous handiwork comes close to the basket. And although Noel is versatile enough defensively to guard 4s, he, like Okafor, cannot space the floor.
"The real problem here, of course, is fit," said Andrew Unterberger of CSNPhilly.com. "Okafor is a seven-foot center, and the Sixers already have a couple of those: Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid, the team's top acquisitions each of the last two drafts. None of them really stretch the floor, none of them really offer much positional versatility."
Okafor's development and productivity may be hindered until Philadelphia figures out its optimal rotation moving forward.
The Sixers will probably make some trades or roster changes, but even if Okafor emerges as the featured weapon, what will his supporting cast look like? Who are his table-setters, and who are the wings he'll collaborate with?
Okafor would have been much better off landing on a club that had a clear-cut role for him and at least some well-established teammates to collaborate with. It's odd to think of the hapless Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks as attractive destinations, but that's exactly what they are for Okafor in comparison to Philly.
Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks PF/C
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Landing on the New York Knicks may be a dream come true for Kristaps Porzingis.
However, it wasn't the best lottery destination for him.
While the Knicks have groomed some stars over the course of their history (see: Patrick Ewing), the 21st-century 'Bockers aren't known for player development. And perhaps most importantly, Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher's current system and personnel aren't superbly suited for the Latvian import.
In the triangle offense, Porzingis will frequently be asked to play with his back to the basket, make reads as a passer and control the middle of the floor. He'll struggle with all that initially because he has a slender frame and is not an impressive passer. Porzingis averaged just 0.5 assists per game in Spanish League and Eurocup play last year.
The other reason this isn't a great fit? Carmelo Anthony. The 31-year-old veteran has transformed into what is essentially a stretch 4, and that's Porzingis' most comfortable role.
In addition, Melo is reportedly unhappy with the Knicks' selection, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News. Isola reported that Anthony asked a friend, "Are we supposed to wait two or three years for this guy?" If that is any indication, Porzingis may not receive the smooth welcome that's ideal for a developing project.
This was a nice acquisition for the Knicks because the youngster has such high upside, but it shouldn't have been his first choice.
He would have been better off on a squad like the Orlando Magic or Sacramento Kings. Both of those teams would have utilized him as a floor-spacer in more optimal offensive schemes.
Terry Rozier, Boston Celtics G
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Unless a trade is in the works, Terry Rozier should not be pumped about his draft destination. Louisville's speedy guard was plucked by the Boston Celtics at No. 16, which was much earlier than most anticipated.
The Celtics are a storied program with a brilliant up-and-coming head coach and playoff aspirations. They're also a club that has three point or combo guards already. Both Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas are signed through 2018, and Boston just picked lottery prize Marcus Smart last year.
Rozier brings quickness, slashing skills and defensive potential. But as a 6'2" prospect who's not a true point, he doesn't offer anything that really separates him from the pack and ensures he'll carve out a distinct role.
"He’s a defensive-minded guard with great length, but it’s hard to see how Rozier fits in Boston, which is loaded with young talent in the backcourt," said Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
The newcomer has the athleticism to compete in the NBA, but it's tough to imagine that his upside is higher than Smart's or his playmaking is more dynamic than Thomas'.
If Celtics president Danny Ainge has a trade brewing, Rozier may enjoy a smoother transition to the league elsewhere. But for now, it's safe to say he landed on the wrong team.
Larry Nance Jr., Los Angeles Lakers PF
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Even though the Los Angeles Lakers are a rebuilding team needing help in several areas, they're not the optimal franchise for Wyoming's Larry Nance.
It will be tough for Nance to flourish and find a substantial role in L.A., where the Lakers already have Julius Randle and Ryan Kelly at the 4.
Nance is a phenomenal athlete who has a great feel for the game, but he doesn't boast an advanced offensive skill set to stand out for head coach Byron Scott. He doesn't have a vast array of moves, and he was a 31 percent three-point shooter over his four years in college.
"There's nothing they can really do with him given their direction," CBSSports.com's Matt Moore wrote. "We´ll see if they keep him long-term."
No matter where Nance wound up, he was destined to be a role player. But he could have been a more prominent role player in other locales.
For example, it would have been great if he had landed on the New York Knicks. They could use a strong, athletic bench player who can make decisions and passes with his back to the basket.
Dan O'Brien covers the NBA draft for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter: @DanielO_BR
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