Marvin Bagley III definitely entertained the fans of the Sacramento Kings in his rookie season. But how does his year stack up against the rest of his rookie class?
Despite missing the postseason, there is a lot to be excited about for the Sacramento Kings. For the first time in over a decade, the team was able to have a competitive year due to the surge of their young talent.
One of the talents that are within the group is Marvin Bagley III who won the hearts of Kings fans this season. With his ability to score with ease in the interior, and the relentless motor that he showed all year long, he has a good chance of becoming one of the top players for the Kings
For the season, 62 games, Bagley averaged around 15 points and eight rebounds per contest while shooting over 50% from the floor, 31% from the perimeter, and 69% from the free-throw line.
Although everyone can agree that Bagley had a promising rookie season, was he considered one of the top players in his class? Let us see where he ranks amongst his counterparts.
Is Bagley An All-NBA First Rookie?
Not too long ago, I predicted that Harry Giles, the Kings’ other rookie, will not make either the All-NBA First team or Second team. This answer will probably please Kings fans more.
There is no doubt that Marvin Bagley is an All-NBA FIRST rookie. He might even be the best player in his draft class.
Amongst his rookie class, Bagley was ranked in the top five in points and rebounds recorded per game while having the least amount of playing time from the group. Bagley was also in the top five in double-doubles recorded by rookies this season with 19 and Player Efficiency Rating (PER) with an 18.93 recorded for the year.
For Bagley to be an All-NBA First rookie this year, he must be considered either the best center or power forward in his class. Deandre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns will probably get the center spot, but there is no reason that Bagley should not get the power forward slot in the group.
Final Thoughts
Sacramento Kings fans should be excited about their near future, and a big reason for it is because of Marvin Bagley III.
Overall, there is no question that Bagley will be an All-NBA First Rookie this season. And if he is not, something is really wrong with the voting committee who makes the selections for this honor. Bagley not only showed that he was one of the best rookies in this year’s draft class but a player that has the makings of becoming an NBA superstar.
That was not a typo.