With no first round draft pick in 2019, it’s absolutely imperative that the Sacramento Kings nail their choice in the upcoming NBA Draft. They have several options to consider and several players to evaluate. This pick could determine whether the Kings can contend in the coming years, or be relegated to mediocrity for the next decade.
The name rising up draft boards and the new favorite Kings draft prospect is Marvin Bagley III. The forward/center from Duke has surpassed Luka Doncic as the consensus number two pick in recent mock drafts. The 19 year old will be drafted this year after reclassifying from the 2018 high school class and putting up a show during his lone year at Duke. But is he the right selection for the Kings at two?
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
Bagley is considered one of the most offensive minded players in the draft. Averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds at Duke certainly didn’t hurt his case. He can score from inside and at the arc, going .397 from downtown. Blocks and free throws are his biggest detriment at this point and should improve as he plays more. He also needs to improve defensively and improve on his screen setting. He may also need to add more size to make up for his relatively short wingspan.
FIT WITH THE KINGS
Bagley fits perfectly in line of the Kings drafting a big man in each of the last four drafts, and his production at Duke would be quite hard to overlook. And while several decent parts work well together, you need someone who can truly take over the game when needed, and Bagley could be that guy. Harry Giles may also benefit if Bagley can take off some of the anticipated pressure during their rookie seasons. He is also the only top 5 projected player to send medical records and work out in Sacramento. He’s even gone on record talking about his love for the city and willingness to be drafted there.
WHY IT’S RISKY
The biggest risks for this pick may not even be talent related. One potential issue is the logjam this could create at power forward. With Giles and Skal Labissiere there already, it could limit minutes for all three. It also doesn’t help the team fill a desperately needed hole at small forward. His wingspan at 7’0.5 is fairly short compared to other prospects like Mo Bamba, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Wendell Carter.
VERDICT
Bagley would be a good player for the Kings and would help to bolster their offensive game on the floor. He is considered a reach by many analysts and executives, especially with Doncic projected as a top 2 lock until earlier this month. If the Kings are absolutely sold on Bagley and see him as the best choice for them, then they have to take him at two because he won’t slide very far. However they need to keep in mind free agency targets as they will need to improve other areas as well.
