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Sacramento Kings: Is It Time To Start Marvin Bagley III?

By Rafe Wong

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 25: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a free-throw against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 25, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 25: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a free-throw against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 25, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Is it time for the Sacramento Kings to implement Marvin Bagley III into their starting lineup?

This has been a popular question within the Sacramento Kings community in the last few weeks. In last year’s NBA Draft, the Kings used their second overall pick on Marvin Bagley III in the hopes that he can become a core asset for them in the future. But is that future right now?

Throughout the season, Bagley has gradually become more comfortable playing against NBA competition. As a result, the 19-year old, in 37 games, is averaging around 13 points, seven rebounds, and one block a contest while making around 52% of his shots from the floor. He also has a PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 17.44 which is ranked fourth amongst his teammates.

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Is It Time For Marvin To Start?

Yes. The answer is YES. Although Nemanja Bjelica, the player Marvin would likely replace in the lineup, has done a good job as Sacramento’s starting forward, I also believe that Bagley has earned the chance to see what type of impact he can bring when playing with the starting five.

The chances of the Kings making the postseason this year are pretty low. To me, that is the harsh reality. So, why not see how Bagley performs when getting more time with guys like De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, and Willie Cauley-Stein?

I get that Dave Joerger follows the philosophy of having his players earn their playing time. I am totally for it, which is why I also believe Bagley should start. Not only would starting Bagley give the Kings a better idea of what their future holds, but Bagley has truly earned the opportunity to start, in my opinion. He has shown throughout the season that he is getting better, and the numbers are backing up that notion.

Final Thoughts

The biggest question from Kings fans this month has been when Marvin Bagley will finally be part of Sacramento’s starting lineup. That time may or may not happen during the 2018-2019 season, but at least from my perspective, he definitely deserves the chance to prove he belongs in that role.

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