Sacramento Kings: 2018 NBA Draft grades

Overall

The Kings were dead last in scoring last season, averaging 98.8 points per game. They were also one of the worst rebounding teams, ranking 28th in the league with an average of 40.9 rebounds per game.

That will certainly change now that they’ve added Marvin Bagley III.

MB3 is entering the league ready to score and battle for boards. It’s not often a 19-year-old prospect is NBA ready on the offensive end, but that’s the case here.

https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/1010018029030162432

On the defensive side of the ball, there is much room for improvement. While Willie Cauley-Stein will serve as the main defensive force, Bagley needs to learn how to use his size to his advantage on defense. Though his average of 11.1 rebounds per game in college is solid, he averaged four offensive rebounds per game. He needs to increase his defensive rebounding numbers in addition to becoming a better shot-blocker.

If Bagley can improve on the defensive end, this pick could end up going from a solid selection to a home run.

Trading the No. 37 overall pick was a head-scratching move, as the Kings could have used to the pick to find an additional rotation player. With the Trail Blazers expected to be a pretty good team for the next few years, it’s likely the Kings will end up with second round picks in the late 40s or early 50s.

The Kings got their guy, so it’s all smiles in Sacramento. Now only time will tell if they made the right call.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Grade: B-