2018 NBA Mock Draft: Enter the madness

Duke handled business as usual on Thursday, beating Iona by 22 behind a massive performance from Bagley.

Continuing a dominating, efficient streak that began in the ACC tournament last week, Bagley shot 10-14 from the field and grabbed four offensive rebounds. The efficiency matters — Bagley is not Bonzie Colson, whose volume more than makes up for any questionable shots in his arsenal. Bagley takes what’s given to him, makes shots from every level, and punishes any defender even a step in the wrong direction.

That said, five is probably too high for him. Sacramento screams out as a team that could use what Bagley provides: an answer at the big man spot, and a recognizable, growing brand. He would immediately become the Kings’ most promising big, despite not being the highest upside pick at this spot. I really wonder if the Kings, more than any other team outside of Orlando, have too much to lose with their fan base if they fail to develop someone like Mo Bamba or Michael Porter.

The more we see huge stat lines like Thursday’s for Bagley, the more NBA decision-makers looking for a high-floor, big-name player will key into him. And really, if he picks up where he’s left off in March, the Kings would be rewarded with a spectacular upside scorer.