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Multiple reports broke about an hour ago that the Kings have decided to select Duke big man Marvin Bagley III with the 2nd pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Kings took very strong looks at Luka Doncic and Michael Porter before zeroing in on Marvin Bagley for second pick barring a late change, sources said. Bagley and a healthy Harry Giles, who has secretly looked great, can give the Kings a strong 1-2 big man punch for years. https://t.co/teBWLZ0C4h
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 21, 2018
At two, Kings continue to be centered on @MB3FIVE, per sources. Ownership is on board but it’s the basketball people’s call. Growing sense that Bagley’s unique skill set is just too good to pass up.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 21, 2018
Kings laser focused on Marvin Bagley III at No. 2, I'm told, with chance to get supremely athletic versatile big apparently too good to pass up https://t.co/3NM4r2DEyB
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 21, 2018
Sources: Phoenix (Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton) and Sacramento (Duke’s Marvin Bagley III) have locked in on the NBA Draft’s Nos. 1 and 2 picks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 21, 2018
With Deandre Ayton widely expected to go No. 1 overall to Phoenix, league sources say Sacramento has lasered in on Marvin Bagley with the No. 2 pick in tonight’s NBA Draft
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 21, 2018
As if those reputable names reporting it aren’t enough, sources have also indicated to Sactown Royalty that Bagley will be the pick.
The NBA Draft officially starts at 4:00 PM, but if you’re expecting Adam Silver to call anyone other than Marvin Bagley III’s name, you’re setting yourself up for more disappointment. The Kings believe Bagley is their guy and the best chance to grab a future star. It’s not the popular opinion among fans or pundits, but it’s their own sincere belief.
While Bagley was the big decision, don’t count out any other fireworks from happening. (This part is speculation, not sourced) The Kings were very high on Michael Porter Jr. and it appears in latest reports that he is slipping further and further in the lottery. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Kings trying to get in on the action if they were really considering him all the way at 2. The selection of Bagley also means we’re likely to see Willie Cauley-Stein and/or Skal Labissiere on their way out sooner rather than later, perhaps even tonight. And with the 37th pick, there’s a multitude of options the Kings can choose from.