2018 NBA Draft big board: End of January

6. Marvin Bagley III – Duke

There’s not much else to say about Marvin Bagley III. Duke’s star big man is producing like no one before him. Through 21 games, Bagley is putting up 22 points, 11.6 rebounds and one block and steal per game. He makes plays on both ends and has one of the best second jumps of any prospect. The main reason Bagley isn’t closer to the top overall pick is his rim protection.

Bagley was a great shot blocker in AAU and at Duke is playing him often on the wing in a zone. That matters. However, his defensive awareness is relatively poor and he doesn’t have the length to be a great rim protector. Still, with his motor, space defense potential, left hand touch and shooting potential there’s a lot to like. Bagley has even flashed a growing passing ability too. It’s less so about being low on Bagley and more so being higher on the other top prospects.