The Kings are encouraged by Marvin Bagley‘s performance through the first quarter of the season, but mostly they’re happy he has been able to avoid injuries, writes James Ham of NBC Sports. Bagley has appeared in all 18 of Sacramento’s games so far after being limited to 13 last season by a variety of mishaps.
“Just being able to be there for my team — available, that’s something that I wanted to do, and I did everything in the offseason to make sure I was ready for that,” Bagley said. “I’m feeling good.”
There has been a cloud hanging over Bagley’s career, not only due to injuries but because of the Kings’ decision to draft him ahead of Luka Doncic and Trae Young, who have already been to All-Star games. Sacramento hopes better health will lead Bagley on a similar course.
“We have to be patient,” coach Luke Walton said. “He hasn’t had the experience he needs. He’s still a very young player. He’s a very willing learner. He’s a very talented player and it just takes time.”
There’s more from Sacramento:
- Walton probably won’t have to worry about his job for a while, according to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee. Monte McNair is still assembling his long-term roster, and Anderson thinks the new GM will want to see what Walton can do with that group before making a decision on his coach. Anderson points out that the Kings have been through 10 head coaches in the past 15 years.
- Glenn Robinson III is one of several NBA players with a father who played in the league, notes Alex Kramers of NBA.com. The swingman, who’s in his first year with the Kings, said he has learned to rely on that connection. “Throughout the years and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve appreciated my dad more and more,” Robinson said. “Obviously, we both have the same career, and I’m able to call him and get advice, on and off the court. That’s something that I can never replace. I’m forever grateful for that.”
- Sacramento has assigned two players to the G League bubble, Anderson writes in a separate story. Because the Kings’ affiliate isn’t participating, Sacramento sent Jahmi’us Ramsey to play for the Clippers’ team and Robert Woodard to the Spurs’ squad. Both are rookies who were selected in the second round of November’s draft.
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