NBA Rookie Rankings: Deandre Ayton is closing in on Luka Doncic

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 24: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings speaks with media after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies on October 24, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Marvin Bagley

No one expected the Kings to get off to a 5-3 start, but that’s exactly what they’ve done. Bagley hasn’t been the star for Dave Joerger’s team, but he’s been a valuable cog in the machine. That’s enough to keep him in our top 5 this week.

The strange thing about Bagley’s start is that statistically, he’s proving to be a positive on the defensive end of the floor and a negative on the offensive end. We believe that’s an anomaly due to a small sample size. When you watch Bagley play it’s obvious his talents lie on the offensive end.

The key for him moving forward will be to stretch his game out to the 3-point line. He shows good quickness off the bounce, but his perimeter jump shot hasn’t been dangerous enough to really cause opponents to close out hard on him. Bagley’s form looks good, but it’s going to take more reps at the NBA line to really allow him to be a comfortable shooter form distance.

On the defensive end, he’s competing much harder than he did at the collegiate level. He’s never going to be a plus defender, but if he can be average, it will allow his offensive skill to make him a productive player overall. The Kings should feel good about Bagley’s potential. He may never be an All-Star, but the chances of him developing into an above-average starter are much higher than they initially appeared.

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