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Marvin Bagley entered this season for Duke as the number one player in the recruiting class of 2017. His play certainly backed that up. Entering the season, there was a debate as to who would be the higher pick, or perhaps even the top pick in the 2018 draft. That debate was between Luka Doncic and Marvin Bagley.
Bagley mainly played power forward for the Duke Blue Devils. In his freshman year, he averaged 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Compared to his counterpart Wendell Carter, who is projected to go a few picks behind him, Bagley was elite. He showed immense potential, especially at the beginning of the season.
Marvin Bagley has the ability to play the power forward or center position, but also is versatile and mobile enough to switch onto threes as well. He shot a very favorable 40% from three in college, but it must be noted that Bagley did only shoot two threes per game. All in all, Marvin Bagley's simple stats are very comparable to DeAndre Ayton of Arizona.
Measurables:
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 235
DOB: March 14, 1999 (19 years old)
Strengths:
Marvin Bagley has an NBA-ready frame. He has the versatility to make an instant impact for whichever team chooses him. Bagley has a solid post game but it certainly could be developed. He has a knack for offensive rebounding and has shown the ability to shoot the three ball. He can stay in front of smaller guards and won't be passed to the basket. Bagley has great character and you can tell that he 'wants' to be a great player. He has shiny footwork and the capacity to keep possessions alive after missing a shot. Bagley can get to the rim with ease and could be an elite roll-man.
Weaknesses:
Bagley needs to work on his strength. He often is bullied in the paint on defense because of this. He cannot use both of his hands to score, he needs to process his ability to put the ball in the basket with his right hand. Bagley doesn't have one particular skill that he is elite in. He is good in a lot of things but doesn't have anything stick out. Bagley also is individualistic. He often overlooks open players for his chance to score.
Summary:
Bagley isn't expected to be the number one pick in this year's draft but he definitely deserves it. This NBA draft cycle is interesting in the way that there are three-four players that would normally be selected with the first overall pick. He has the potential to be a dominant offensive threat along with the possibility to become a very reliable defensive presence.
Ceiling: NBA Star/ Top 25 Player
Middle Ground: Above Average Starter
Floor: Bench Scorer/ Jahlil Okafor
Projection: Top Five Pick
Grade: Top Three Pick