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Marvin Bagley is the NBA’s Forgotten Rising Star

All of the attention surrounding the 2018 NBA Draft Class revolves around Luka Doncic. The topic of conversation is always how big of a mistake it was by the Suns and Kings to let Doncic fall to three. The trade involving Luka and Trae Young is discussed on a daily basis. While there is no question Luka has proven he is an amzing talent and should have been the 1st pick, the 2nd pick in that draft, Marvin Bagley, has been quite productive and nobody seems to be taking notice.

Marvin Bagley has done nothing but impress in his playing time thus far in the NBA. Partly due to missing so many games because of injuries and partly because he plays for the often ignored Sacramento Kings, Bagley has flown completely under the radar. When one takes a closer look, it is clear to see Bagley has been great in the early stages of his career.

During his rookie year, Bagley played 62 games and averaged 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. His Sophomore campaign proved to be a very short, but impressive stint. His averages were very similar at 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. However, Bagley was in the process of significantly improving an area of weakness in his game, free throw shooting. It was only 13 games, but Bagley was converting free throws at a clip of 81%. This is an improvement from 69% his rookie year and 63% at Duke. Improving in one of the weaker areas of his game is a very positive sign for his development. He already possesses so many quality traits, improving at the free throw line makes him that much more dangerous.

Bagley still displays the scoring prowess and dominant rebounding ability that made him a superstar at Duke and the #2 pick in the draft. He still possesses the incredible “2nd jump” that makes him a menace on the offensive rebounds. He remains a match up nightmare. Still just 21 years old, Bagley has not even come close to scratching the surface of his potential.

His former coach, Dave Joerger, knows how high his ceiling is. He is on record as saying Bagley is the next Kevin Durant. While there may be an element of “coach speak” to that comment, it shows that Bagley is viewed by many as having the chance to be great.

Bagley will have plenty of opportunities to remind the NBA world of how great he can be. He has been the forgotten man in the 2018 NBA Draft Class, but that is likely to change very soon. Bagley has already exhibited both stellar play and significant improvements to his game. He has all the making of a future star. The NBA community will be taking note of this very soon.