3 reasons why the Sacramento Kings will make the playoffs

#3. Bagley’s absence will actually help

Of course, I want Marvin Bagley to be successful. The 2018 draft was such a turning point for so many franchises, mostly for the better. The Kings look like they have come up on the short end of that stick, but there is still time for corrections and development. Getting Bagley to become a regular contributor with a talent trajectory of an all-star is essential to the future success of the team. But what if I told you that the team is better off without their embattled big man for the eight games in Orlando?

He has participated in just 13 games this season, and the Kings have been terrible when he has been in the lineup. The team has won 2 games and lost 11 with Bagley in the rotation, and he often looks lost or that he is forcing too much.

Sacramento doesn’t really have time for development or chemistry building if they hope to make any kind of real playoff push. They have just eight games to prove that they belong, and there is little to no room for error. Reintegrating Bagley back into the rotation is going to take time, and there will certainly be hiccups along the way as he learns to gel with whatever version of the Kings he comes back to.

Of course, having a healthy and productive Bagley in the lineup is essential for the future of the franchise. He was a top pick in a loaded draft that the Kings has to hit on, and there is still plenty of time for development for the 21-year-old. The team is still holding out hope that he can become the star that his talent level says he can be, though the same can not be said for a growing portion of the fan base.