An NBA player doesn’t control where they get drafted. With that in mind, it’s unfair to judge them by their draft pedigree. Sometimes, teams get it wrong – that isn’t a player’s fault.
Yet, it’s nearly impossible to separate a player from their draft position. Some teams make such egregious mistakes that we forever associate a player with their draft spot. They could have had who? They took who instead? Such has been the story of Marvin Bagley III of the Detroit Pistons.
When the Sacramento Kings selected him, they could have had Luka Doncic. One of Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Jaren Jackson Jr. would have been a better option as well. Yet, after landing on the Pistons two seasons ago, Bagley III has been sneakily productive. Could they send him to the Los Angeles Lakers anyway?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: G Gabe Vincent, G/F Cam Reddish
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Marvin Bagley III
With that said, every NBA player doesn’t take the same path, either. Some lottery picks never develop into quality players. At the same time, undrafted players can make an impact. Just look at the Lakers’ most recent signing.
It’s official. Christian Wood is a Laker. What a strange, winding career it’s been for Wood. As an undrafted player, he wasn’t even supposed to be here. In fact, Wood started his breakout on the Pistons. For a while, nobody understood how he went undrafted. Wood appeared to be on a fast track to stardom.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Marvin Bagley III, Detroit Pistons & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Under a larger microscope, some of Wood’s flaws became magnified. As a Houston Rocket, it became clear that defensive effort and tunnel vision were issues for Wood. We’ll see if he can shed that reputation on the Lakers. If he can’t, could they replace him in their rotation with Bagley III?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
That’s effectively what’s happening here. The Lakers would be acquiring Bagley III because Wood isn’t working out. If he is, they’ll probably prefer to hang onto Vincent. If he isn’t, the Lakers could be looking to bolster their frontcourt depth.
With that said, the Lakers aren’t likely to miss Reddish. If he breaks out, bookmark this. Find us, and tell us that we were wrong. In the meantime, Reddish feels like a flyer. He’s given little indication that he’ll be ready to contribute to a title run – which is exactly what the Lakers will be trying to make next season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Marvin Bagley III, Detroit Pistons & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the other hand, Bagley III was actually productive last season. He’s a great ball-handler for a player his size, a productive rebounder, and a decent inside scorer. He should provide more defensive value than Wood as well. Should the Pistons give this young player up?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
For the Pistons, this is about roster construction. This team has a logjam of big men up front. With Bagley III, Jalen Duren, and James Wiseman on the roster, something is going to have to give. Meanwhile, the Pistons could use a young wing.
Reddish is a young wing. Yes, we just got through with questioning his ability to contribute to the Lakers. The Pistons are in a much different situation. This would be a good opportunity for Reddish to take a step forward on a team that’s in a position to give him a meaningful role.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Marvin Bagley III, Detroit Pistons & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, the Pistons have a logjam of young guards too. At the same time, none of them have Vincent’s skillset. He’s a great off-ball player with some defensive value – in all likelihood, he’d edge Killian Hayes out of the rotation. After all, Hayes’ draft position won’t save him for much longer either.
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