Marvin Bagley, the No. 2 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings, has the ability to be the Rookie of the Year in 2018-19. Let’s take a look at why Bagley can take the top prize for NBA Rookies this upcoming season
Marvin Bagley will be the best player to come out of the 2018 NBA draft class.
Going into the NBA Draft, the question was: “Who do you take No. 1?”
With apologies to Luka Doncic, the choices were Deandre Ayton of Arizona and Marvin Bagley of Duke. Whoever Phoenix didn’t take, Sacramento was going to take between these two talented big men.
Ayton went first to the Suns. Once that decision was made, Sacramento really didn’t have a choice. The Kings quickly swallowed up Marvin Bagley.
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Bagley spent one year at Duke under Coach K. He had a solid freshman season at Duke.
Marvin Bagley averaged 21 points, 11.1 rebounds, shot 61 percent from the field, and nearly 40 percent from the 3-point stripe. His one weakness was the free throw line where he shot 62 percent.
Those stats were more than good enough for the Sacramento Kings to draft him.
Bagley, a left handed player, is unique combination size and speed. His ability to get his shot off from the outside, the ability to take it to the rim, and posting up to get buckets makes him a triple threat on the court.
"[via NBA.com]“I can do a lot, inside and out. Offensively and defensively.” Bagley said."
While at Duke, Bagley wouldn’t shoot much from the 3-point line (1.8 attempt/game), but he did shoot 40 percent from deep. If he can develop that 10-15 foot jumper, Bagley will become just about unstoppable.
Marvin Bagley is a player who runs the floor very well. He has a fluid motion to getting up and down the floor which is something that many other big men don’t have. It shows some of the athleticism that Bagley possesses.
Plenty of chances to show his offensive and defensive skills will come being with the Sacramento Kings. Bagley will get the chance to be the go to guy right from the start of the season due to the lack of depth and talent in Sacramento.
Bagley has also showed that he can use a minor slight to motivate himself to prove that others made a bad choice. He doesn’t like to finish second even if it’s the 2018 NBA Draft.
"[via AZ Central]“I’ve been put so much into this game-every single day. I’ve sacrificed a lot. And it’s kind of disrespectful in a way. Kind of just knowing what I do every single day and knowing how hard I go, you never want to be second. You want to be first. You want to be on top. I use it as drive.” Bagley said."
The competitive fire within Marvin Bagley will be challenged at different points during the season. He will have to find a way to compete when the Kings are getting blown out or when his shot isn’t falling. Bagley will have to learn how to contribute to the team and lead the team when things are not going well for the Kings.
Sacramento is a young team that needs a leader. Bagley can be that guy. Sacramento needs their “give me the damn ball” guy. Bagley can be that guy. Sacramento is a team that needs a superstar. Bagley can be that guy.
Bottom line for Marvin Bagley is that he can be everything that the Sacramento Kings want him to be which includes the NBA Rookie of the Year.