A Royal Pain
Fansided

Sacramento Kings: Reviewing The Team’s Offseason Actions

By Bobby Cummings

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 11: Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and Vice president Vlade Divac pose for a photo with Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings after he is honored with the Annual Oscar Robertson Triple- Double Award prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 11: Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and Vice president Vlade Divac pose for a photo with Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings after he is honored with the Annual Oscar Robertson Triple- Double Award prior to the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – JULY 5: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Miami Heat during the 2018 Summer League at the Golden 1 Center on July 5, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – JULY 5: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Miami Heat during the 2018 Summer League at the Golden 1 Center on July 5, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Grading MB3

The Kings selected Marvin Bagley III second overall, much to the behest of Kings fans and the overwhelming majority of draft analysts who thought the Kings should have selected Luka Doncic.

We had the chance to witness MB3 indoctrinate himself to the NBA at the California Classic. He delivered a thunderous welcome in that game with a dunk for the ages. His first game in purple and white was solid as he produced 18 points, (6/11 shooting), 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He looked impressive in his debut. It was an exciting beginning for Kings fans with their initial victory over the Lakers. Combine Bagley’s performance with the emergence of Harry Giles and no doubt this was the peak of the offseason.

Then Bagley had to play again. In his next game against the Golden State Warriors, he was held to seven points on 3/16 shooting and 0/5 from the three-point line. Bagley had to play against a really good defender in Jordan Bell who played in the NBA Finals. It did not go well for MB3.

Next, we watched Bagley get shut down against the Miami Heat in the finale of the California Classic. He finished his summer league performance in Sacramento with one point. ONE point. I watched the entire game and it seemed as if he did not belong on the floor. He struggled mightily to establish position down low against smaller defenders. Bagley finished the game with a -21 box plus/minus.

Bagley ended his summer league performances in Las Vegas against the Phoenix Suns. He was able to bounce back in this game and played relatively well. He finished the game with 15 points and 7 rebounds in a loss. Near the end of the game, he suffered a hip injury that would sideline him for the rest of the time in Vegas.

Overall, it is fair to say Bagley had the least impressive summer league of all the lottery picks who competed in the event. He definitely had the worst showing in comparison to the other big men in the lottery. However, it is only summer league. Bagley flashed some elite athleticism in his play and he is oozing with potential. He clearly needs to develop his right-hand game as defenders exploited his weakness and routinely forced him right. With that said, if he can develop a right hand (dribbling and finishing) and become a decent three-point shooter, the sky is the limit for his offensive production.

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