NBA Draft: Grading Kings Pick Of Marvin Bagley
Jun 22, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:30 am
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Picks one through 30 are seen on the board at the conclusion of the first round during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The Kings took a step forward in building for their future Thursday at the 2018 NBA draft.
They selected Duke forward Marvin Bagley III with the No. 2 overall pick. Then they traded the No. 37 pick, Duke guard Gary Trent Jr., to Portland for a pair of future Round 2 selections.
The Bagley selection and subsequent trade of the No. 37 pick were met with mixed reactions from fans and national media, so we asked some of our hosts to give us grades for the Kings’ draft.
Carmichael Dave: B
Bagley may end up being an A, but could they have traded down and gotten him? And will passing on Doncic haunt them?
Kyle Madson: C+
Credit the Kings for taking the player they had at the top of their board instead of succumbing to public pressure to select Luka Doncic, or drafting exclusively for fit. Bagley’s athleticism and scoring ability are exciting, but he’ll need to be average something close to 20 points and 10 rebounds with improved defense to be worth the No. 2 pick.
Damien Barling: B+
I knew the guy I liked wasn’t going No. 2 (Jaren Jackson, Jr), but I think Bagley can be a really solid inside presence. At least on the offensive end. If him and Fox can build some chemistry, and Joerger gives him starter minutes, MB3 could lead the league in FG%.
Jason Ross: N/A
From the get go I wanted Porter for this team. I would have taken the risk. Keep in mind that I never saw the medicals and obviously teams were scared off by them. With that said, I am excited to see what Bagley can do with this team. A lot of very smart basketball people are impressed by him. The Kings have a logjam of bigs now, but the talent will decide this. Bagley will have every opportunity to prove his worth and seems extremely motivated to be a star.
Charles T. Hamilton: B+
I would’ve preferred Doncic, but the Kings still got a top-three talent. Bagley has potential to be a great pick-and-roll combo with De’Aaron Fox. I hate the fact that they traded their 2nd round pick to Portland with so many solid role players still available.
