SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 26: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 26, 2019 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Marvin Bagley III is out for the NBA restart.
The Sacramento Kings are entering the NBA restart 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. The New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers are also facing the same climb.
The Kings have reportedly dealt with several absences due to COVID-19, and that meant former No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III could be set to play a big role. Unfortunately, the latest news is that he is out for the whole thing.
Marvin Bagley’s career is off to a rough start
Bagley is currently known in Sacramento as the guy who was drafted ahead of both Luka Doncic and Trae Young. That’s not his fault, but it remains on his resume.
The 21-year-old made last year’s NBA All-Rookie Team before dealing with several injuries this season. He was all set to return this summer, only to suffer this new foot injury in practice, a lateral foot sprain that will keep him in a walking boot for two weeks, per Charania.
The positive from this is that Bagley is still young and the Kings face an uphill climb to even get into the playoffs. Even if they got there, the Los Angeles Lakers would be waiting in the first round.
The negative is Bagley suffering yet another injury that could linger on into next season. He was never able to get going this season and will finish the year appearing in only 13 games. Bagley also missed 20 games during his rookie season due to injuries.
Sacramento is one NBA team that has been hit hard by both COVID-19 and general injuries. Alex Len has faced a grueling path back to the court, Harrison Barnes has missed time due to a positive test and De’Aaron Fox has missed time with a sprained ankle. Bagley’s injury is the latest setback, and it just may not be the Kings’ year once again.