Marvin Bagley III, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, found himself traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal earlier this month. Since joining Memphis, Bagley has made just one short appearance with the team.
Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal takes a deeper look at how Bagley might find his place within the Grizzlies’ rotation as he joins his fourth team since entering the NBA.
“The Grizzlies are one of the NBA’s top rebounding teams overall, but there are holes. They are second in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage, but rank 21st in defensive rebounding percentage.
“Those numbers actually line up to take advantage of Bagley’s strengths as a rebounder. In his career, he hasn’t graded out as a great offensive rebounder, but he has been formidable on the defensive glass. He has a career 21% defensive rebounding rate; only Aldama and Edey are exceeding those numbers in the current rotation.”
The player, who is set to become a free agent after the season, will need to prove his value to secure a more substantial role moving forward.
Bagley III has played 7 seasons for 4 teams, including the Kings and Pistons. He has averaged 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 278 regular-season games.
Southwest Notes: Powell, Christie, Smith Jr., Bagley https://t.co/hWEOGm3q1J pic.twitter.com/gBNnLpNny6
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 26, 2025
