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Memphis Grizzlies Matchup with Sacramento Features Advantages from NBA Draft, Trade

By Christian Dudley

Garrett Temple Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
Garrett Temple Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 14: Duke Blue Devils forward Marvin Bagley III (35) battles with Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) and Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 14: Duke Blue Devils forward Marvin Bagley III (35) battles with Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) and Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Duke Blue Devils and the Michigan State Spartans on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Star Rookie Challenge

The 2018 NBA Draft was loaded with talent, even into the second round. In looking at the lottery picks, there was ample opportunity for NBA teams to select future NBA All-Stars, franchise players, and more.

On Draft Night in late-June, the Sacramento Kings really dictated how the top-five or so picks would fall in line. They ultimately decided to boost their frontcourt with a guy with a predominant scoring mentality in Marvin Bagley III.

Bagley looked great in his lone collegiate season at Duke. This earned him a landing spot at No. 2 overall, though he still had plenty of work to do.

Meanwhile, since Marvin was off the board by the time the Memphis Grizzlies selected at No. 4, the club strengthened their frontcourt by adding the 6’11” Michigan State product in Jaren Jackson Jr.

The popular pick would have been Bagley III amongst Grizz Nation, but he was out of reach. At the time, it seemed like a crazy theory, but considering the full journey of Summer League, preseason, and a few regular season contests, it appears as if the Grizzlies’ Front Office made the better decision, though it is no knock on Marvin. Both guys have had fairly even regular seasons.

The Kings’ rookie is boasting averages of 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks on 60% shooting in 25.3 minutes as a reserve big man. In comparison, Jackson Jr. has produced a line of 15 points, 6.3 boards, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 50% shooting in 26.7 minutes per game.

Related Story. Memphis Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr Following Path Much Like Utah's Donovan Mitchell. light

Marvin Bagley III had an underwhelming NBA Summer League showing and did not turn many heads in preseason play. This has been the same case early into the Kings’ regular season schedule. Meanwhile, Jackson Jr. is impressing the NBA world, posting a 24-point performance off the bench just two games into the season.

For now, Jaren appears to have the edge on Marvin, but it is way too early into the season. A lot can change within the first couple months or even weeks. Regardless, expect these two guys to be compared throughout the season, which will also continue the link between the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings.

Wednesday will provide an excellent look at both prospects when they face each other in Sacramento. Though Bagley is not yet the Kings’ starter, he will long plenty of minutes against Jackson Jr.

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