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Sacramento Kings: Grading Marvin Bagley’s rookie season

By Justin Fried

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a shot against the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center on January 10, 2019 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a shot against the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center on January 10, 2019 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Marvin Bagley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 14: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings high-fives fans after he made a basket against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center on January 14, 2019 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The Verdict

As a whole, it’s hard to be displeased with what we saw from Bagley in his rookie season. The Duke product provided a much-needed spark to the offense and flashed immense potential in the process.

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It’s not a stretch to say that Bagley could develop into a perennial All-Star before long, perhaps as soon as the next year or two. Next season will be a huge test of just how ready he is as he’ll undoubtedly be inserted into the starting lineup, a role he will hopefully hold down for the next decade or more if everything goes according to plan.

While Bagley still has plenty of room for growth — especially on the defensive side of the ball — the groundwork that has been laid provides optimism that he will reach his full potential. The things that he primarily struggles with are generally strengths that young players usually develop over time.

Expect Bagley to continue to develop his outside shot and improve upon his 31% three-point shooting in the 2019-20 season. The same could be said for his defensive game which will hopefully continue to improve as he gains more NBA experience.

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But at the end of the day, Kings fans should be thrilled about Bagley’s rookie season and be excited about future of both their 2018 first-round draft choice and the franchise as a whole.

Final Grade: B+

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