Marvin Bagley is a former No. 2 overall draft pick from the 2018 NBA draft class. While he hasn't become a superstar quite yet, he still had a solid season in 2020-21, putting up averages of 14.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG. He's only 22, and it's clear that he has some untapped potential that could yet be unlocked.
However, players can't reach their potential without playing time. Marvin Bagley has recently been informed by the Kings that he will not be in the rotation on opening night. Bagley's agent, Jeff Schwartz blasted the decision and called the team out for refusing to trade him when there were offers on the table. It's certainly strange to see a young player who put up solid numbers get frozen out of a team's rotation.
Sacramento has informed Marvin Bagley that he is not in the opening night rotation, which is completely baffling. It's clear they have no plans for him in the future, and yet, passed on potential deals at last year's deadline and this summer based on "value". Instead, they chose to bring him back but not play him, a move completely contradictory to their "value" argument. This is a case study in mismanagement by the Kings organization.
Marvin Bagley has hinted at his desire to leave the Sacramento Kings before, and it's clear that his current situation is sub-optimal for his development. It's clear that he should go to a team that needs a big man, and that will be willing to give him developmental minutes. Players can't become better without game experience.
It remains to be seen if Marvin Bagley will eventually be traded, or whether the Sacramento Kings will hold on to him as they have done thus far. It would certainly be good to see him flourish in a place that will utilize him well, and hopefully, Marvin Bagley gets the opportunity to do so.
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