The 2018 draft is full of talent. Between DeAndre Ayton who has become an essential cog in the Suns or Luka Doncic and Bring Young who are already confirmed All Stars, this promotion will squat the top of the basket for long seasons. And that’s not to mention Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Where Michael Porter Jr who also get a maximum salary. In this historic vat, we would almost forget number 2, Marvin Bagley. Selected by Vlade Divac, then general manager of the Kings, the former interior of Duke did not have the expected development. The fault is a cascade of injuries, a very unstable internal organization and a state of mind not worthy of a professional player. With his Sacramento future in jeopardy, the front office made the decision to trade him last February for Trey Lyles and Josh Jackson pistons. A few weeks following this trade, Bagley regained its image somewhat. In a team under reconstruction, he manages to pull out of the game with clearly improved statistics: 14.1 points 55.2% success rate, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 27 minutes. For his coach Dwane Caseypatience is required with his recruit:
People expected more from him and it might take him a little longer than expected to develop. There are probably a lot of factors. But, once more, I’m glad he’s here. It’s a great opportunity. This league is made of opportunities and takes full advantage of them.
During the next free agency, Marvin Bagley will be a restricted free agent. The Pistons can therefore offer him a qualifying offer of 14.7 million, just to allow him to prove his worth and why not extend it the following season. The change of air succeeds rather well for the former King for the moment who would see Detroit well in the long term, confides the journalist James Edwards III from The Athletic. There is a mutual interest between the two parties to explore its still hidden potential. In any case, Bagley feels at home in his new team and ready to integrate 100% into the Pistons project:
We have incredible talent here. Now it’s regarding figuring out how to work together, to consolidate the group to do something bigger. I’m really excited regarding this. I can’t wait to be closer to the guys, to understand them even more and to make runs in the playoffs… and even why not win a championship here.
