Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley’s comments promise bright future
By Dalton Sell
Sacramento Kings’ big man Marvin Bagley has had a rough second season in the NBA but he recently shared some words of positivity amid plenty of criticism.
This season has not been a memorable one for second-year Sacramento Kings big man Marvin Bagley III as he has been in a constant battle with injury. When asked about some recent criticism, the 20-year-old shared some words of confidence.
The big story around the league this season has been reigning Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic‘s follow up year that has him in talks for the MVP award.
Doncic was famously selected one pick behind Bagley at the number three spot in the 2018 NBA Draft and has been spectacular ever since.
Having played in only 13 of a possible 45 games due to nagging injuries, the big has received large amounts of slander due to the play of Doncic.
When asked about this criticism, Bagley did not hold back. He stated, “Just keep that same energy. That’s my go-to. Once things start to come around, or I start putting up these good games, don’t change positions.”
Not shying away from his comments, Bagley has been putting up decent numbers in four games since returning, averaging 15.5 points per game on 48.3 percent shooting and 8.8 rebounds.
More from Sacramento Kings
- Sacramento Kings: Re-grading the team’s 2019 free-agent signings
- Sacramento Kings: Why Fans should be excited about new GM Monte McNair
- Sacramento Kings: Introducing the Harry Giles conundrum
- Sacramento Kings could land the steal of the 2020 NBA Draft in Elijah Hughes
- Sacramento Kings can afford to re-sign Bogdan Bogdanovic
However, the big man is shooting a vile 12.5 percent from three-point range during this stretch, which has held him back.
Aside from three-point shooting, these numbers come as a welcoming sign for Bagley, who is in the midst of a sophomore slump.
With his averages in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and points all dropping from last season, finding a steady rhythm should be the first priority for Bagley.
However, the injury-riddled Bagley finds himself sidelined once again as he has missed the two previous games.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
The injury has been diagnosed as foot soreness and continues to hold back Bagley back in a critical stretch of the season as the Kings are hopeful for a late-season playoff push.
The Kings have struggled this season, currently standing at 16-29 in the Western Conference and riding the 13th spot. Regardless, the postseason cannot be ruled out as places 8 through 14 are all jam-packed and can switch on a nightly basis.
Nemanja Bjelica has done a fantastic job at the power forward spot this season. However, if Sacramento wishes to end their lengthy playoff drought, Bagley’s health becomes an essential factor to compete.
The forward was drafted with the second overall draft choice for a reason but has been unable to showcase it this season.
At only 20-years-old, Bagley has a long career ahead of him. In only his second season, it is impossible to judge a player’s potential ceiling, particularly when he has only played in 13 games.
The 2018-19 All-Rookie will look to get healthy and become a key piece in this young Sacramento Kings’ team.
Hopefully, Marvin Bagley can use this vast amount of criticism as motivation and backup his confident words with some excellent play for a Kings’ team that desperately needs it right now.
Next. Sacramento Kings: 4 predictions as the trade deadline approaches. dark
With no indication when a possible return could take place, the big man should be in no rush to return until fully healthy after the type of season he has had.