With the Sacramento Kings selecting Marvin Bagley III in the draft, how does he fit into the team’s depth chart?
Well, Kings fans. The draft is finally over and we all know what Vlade Divac decided to do with the second overall pick. With Marvin Bagley III now officially a King, where does he fit in Dave Joerger’s depth chart?
In my opinion, I think Bagley will be playing the four and sometimes the five with the Kings. I know Vlade mentioned the idea of Bagley playing at small forward, but I do not see it panning out. Do not even play with it, Kings. Please.
With Bagley in the mix, the Kings’ big men now include him, Willie Cauley-Stein, Harry Giles, Skal Labissiere, Kosta Koufos, Jack Cooley, and Zach Randolph. Right now I am crossing Cooley off the list. I think he can still be part of the team, but he will spend most of his time in the G-League next season. Sorry, Jack :(.
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So with the Kings having six big men on their current roster, how does Bagley get minutes?
My Thoughts
First, Bagley has to earn his playing time as Dave Joerger is a huge proponent of this stance when constructing lineups. And I think Bagley will earn a spot in the rotation.
In my opinion, Bagley is either going to be the first or second option at power forward. I believe his competition at this position will be Labissiere and Z-Bo, which I believe Bagley has a good chance of outplaying both of them by the season opener.
If Bagley does win the starting power forward spot, expect him to play side by side with either Willie Cauley-Stein or Harry Giles at center.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, a lot can change with the Kings’ roster as Sacramento could decide to move some of their guys in order to clear up the blockage of big men on their team.
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But despite the Kings making any transactions this summer, I believe Bagley will still be a part of Joerger’s main rotation and could possibly be a starter on opening night. In my mind, his athleticism, strength, and motor will impress his teammates, coaches, and fans by summer’s end.