Memphis Grizzlies: Marvin Bagley becoming popular pick in mock drafts
At the NBA’s midway point, the lottery teams and playoff teams are more evident. Most mock drafts have the Memphis Grizzlies selecting Marvin Bagley.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ season is going down the drain. As a result, more and more Grizzly fans are peeking at mock drafts, trying to get an idea of which young star could don the Beale Street blue.
Over the past week, there’s been a familiar name associated with the Memphis Grizzlies in these mock drafts: Marvin Bagley.
The freshman forward out of Duke has been absolutely stellar this season. Bagley is averaging 22 points and 11.7 rebounds per game so far for one of the best team’s in the nation. Some of his note-worthy performances this season include a 34-point, 15-rebound outing against Texas, a 32-point, 21-rebound game against Florida State, and a 30-point, 11-rebound, four-steal, three-block game against Wake Forest.
His hunger for greatness has been compared to the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Garnett. His play is similar to All-Star Chris Bosh. Bagley is dominating in the paint, and it’s easy to forget that he’s technically a high school senior as he graduated early to play this year.
Given the fit next to Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, Bagley has been a popular pick for the Grizzlies. What are media outlets saying about this pick?
Bleacher Report
Jonathan Wasserman has the Grizzlies selecting Bagley with the fourth overall pick. He discusses how his motor, skill and athleticism is perfect for Memphis:
"… the Memphis Grizzlies will welcome his athleticism and motor, which have consistently translated to easy baskets. Along with post play, he still leans on offensive rebounds (18.2 percent of offense) and transition (13.9 percent) for offense. He’s excellent in all three areas.Meanwhile, flashes of versatility show on drives to the basket and spot-up three-pointers (11 of 33).Bagley could stand to sharpen his defensive IQ, shooting touch and ability to create his own shot in the half court. But at 18 years old and between his production (22.5 points, 11.7 rebounds), bounce and room to improve areas he’s already started to develop, Bagley gives the Grizzlies their most exciting building block since Mike Conley."
Three players after him: Michael Porter Jr., Jaren Jackson Jr., Mo Bamba
The Ringer
Kevin O’Conner has the Grizzlies selecting Bagley with the third pick. He sees Bagley as the perfect complement next to Gasol and Conley to try to win next year:
"Perhaps that’s on a team like the Grizzlies, which will be trying to win games next season if they keep Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr. Bagley would certainly complement his teammates well as a potentially elite at-rim finisher. The Duke product needs to start utilizing his off hand more frequently, but the tools are there for him to be a menace inside. Playing alongside a shooting and playmaking big like Gasol would afford Bagley the time to develop his shot. He’s hit 34.5 percent of his 3s so far in college, but he struggles from the line and wasn’t as potent shooting at lower levels. But, again, his upside is obvious. It’s not often freakish 18-year-olds with skill, touch, and a motor come around."
Next three after him: DeAndre Ayton, Bamba, Porter
SBNation
Ricky O’Donnell has Bagley here as he discusses his fit with Marc Gasol.
"What do we make an 18-year-old big man who can score and rebound at will at the college level but doesn’t block shots or shoot threes the way NBA teams would like? That’s the rub with Bagley, who believes he’ll need to land in a good situation to maximize his unique talent.There’s no better place for him than Memphis. With a center like Marc Gasol who can space the floor and anchor the defense, Bagley can be free to score inside as his skill level develops. In the short term, he’ll succeed with elite athleticism, agility, and a non-stop motor."
Next three after him: Porter, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Next: Midseason mock draft (SPOILER: I have Bagley in Memphis too)
Yes, need is the primary discussion here, and there may not be a better fit for Memphis than Bagley. Ayton and Bamba have to play behind Marc Gasol. Young will be behind Conley. Bagley — as well as Luka Doncic and Porter — could immediately come in and find a starting role on this team.
However, the key in this draft is best talent available. In a top-heavy draft, it’ll be hard to strike out. As evident with his college play, Bagley is one of the best prospects in this draft — if he’s not the best.
If the Memphis Grizzlies have a chance to “secure the Bagley,” they should pounce on that opportunity.