Marvin Bagley's idea came up in the discourse surrounding the Dallas Mavericks' trade return for Anthony Davis. However, the former No. 2 pick has impressed the Mavericks during his first game since the blockbuster deal.
Bagley had his most efficient performance of the season during Tuesday's 123-124 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The 6-foot-10 big man posted a team-high 22 points and five rebounds on 10 of 13 shooting in 20 minutes off the bench.
Jason Kidd said of Bagley's performance, "He's a really good player." Talking to him revealed that he has grown up and understands the NBA game a little. Sometimes it takes time. We all want it to happen overnight. But I think the coaching staff, the media, everybody that's been on this road trip with him has made him comfortable, and you can see how he's playing. If it's not in the post, it's an offensive rebound, and then playing defense for us. So everyone's confidence is high, and he's brand new, and it just shows how talented he is."
Bagley has not been able to find a home in the NBA since being selected No. 2 by the Sacramento Kings in 2018, ahead of Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young.
Mavericks' Bagley makes headlines during first game with Mavs after Anthony Davis trade
The former Duke star changed teams six times during his eight-year NBA career. After spending his first three seasons with the Kings, he saw stints with the Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards before landing in Dallas at this year's trade deadline.
While Bagley has had a disappointing career, he is making the most of his new opportunity with the rebuilding Mavericks. With Derek Lively sidelined, the 26-year-old is averaging 13.0 points and 8.2 rebounds on 64.3 percent shooting in five appearances with the team.
"Just keep building," Bagley said of his mindset after Tuesday's win. "It's just continuing to learn each other, at least for me and the new guys. Just continuing to gel with the guys that are here, learning the system, and just doing my best every day and giving it my all. That's my mentality, and it seems like everyone else here has the same mentality. I love being a part of it, and I'm glad I have teammates like that."
Bagley's minimum contract is expiring and he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
