2. Marvin Bagley Jr, Detroit Pistons
Bagley wore out his welcome with the Kings, and Monte McNair was finally able to pull off the Band-Aid by flipping him to the Pistons. Much like Smith, Bagley took advantage of Detroit’s ineptitude to put up some of the best numbers of his career and rehabilitate his value.
Bagley averaged 14.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in Detroit, which are right on par with what he could do in Sacramento when given ample playing time. While still not a great defender, the fact he’s still able to score at age 23 could make him very attractive to teams with good developmental infrastructures.
Will the Toronto Raptors fix Marvin Bagley III?
Toronto simultaneously turned Gary Trent Jr. into a well-above-average defender and Precious Achiuwa into a 3-point threat in one offseason. Bagley’s 3-point shot and defense could easily pick up once Nick Nurse gets his hands on him in free agency.
Bagley has not developed, but it’s hard to find two franchises that have been worse at developing young talent than Sacramento and Detroit in the last few years. Toronto has resurrected many a career over the last few seasons, and Bagley has even more offensive potential than most.