Reports have come out saying that Marvin Bagley is healthy, feeling 100 percent, and is ready to play when the NBA resumes come July 31. But considering Bagley’s injury-plagued season plus poor team performance when active, where will Marvin fit into a team that was excelling just before the NBA’s suspension?
Whether you believe it or not, Bagley is a weapon. He is 6-feet-11-inches, runs like a gazelle, and has incredible athleticism not just for a man of his size, but in general. Once Bagley adds more skill to his superb athleticism, the sky is truly the limit barring injuries.
Marvin is said to have put on some muscle during his time away from the court to add strength to his lengthy frame. This will help him out with rebounding and being in the post on both ends.
He is also said to have been working on his shooting which will hopefully increase the 18% three point percentage from this season.
Some are hesitant to believe Bagley is the right fit for the team especially after Richaun Holmes gelled with the team so smoothly and quickly. Adding to the skepticism, the Kings are 2-11 when Bagley takes the floor.
Some fans have Bagley-short-term memory loss. Some are just so quick to forget both his dominance at the end of the 2018-2019 season, and that the 2-11 record with Bagley only includes one game where he was fully ready and not easing his way back from injury.
Even in those 13 games this season where he averaged under starter minutes at 25.7 a game, he’s still averaging 14.2 points and 7.5 boards a game.
Walton will have to utilize Bagley the best he can and find a way to fit him somewhere in the rotation during the NBA’s continuation games. Bagley is too much of an x-factor not to use.
The long break from basketball was definitely a blessing in disguise for Bagley. It seems he used the time wisely to heal and work on his game. Kings fans should be excited that he is ready to give it his all when the season resumes.
Considering how well the Kings were playing prior to the suspension, if Walton can seamlessly add Bagley to the mix, a solid Sacramento team could get even better.
