3 ways Marvin Bagley III’s role needs to change for the Pistons

Marvin Bagley III needs to get to the free-throw line

You can see how Bagley III’s game has changed from his rookie season until now, as he got to the line 4.2 times per game as a rookie and only gets there 1.6 times per game now.

This is partially the product of a reduced role, but Bagley III is at his best when he is playing bully ball down low, using his athleticism and physicality to get on the boards, take it strong to the rim and draw fouls.

Bagley’s free-throw shooting has been up and down in his career, but he is shooting 74 percent this season and free throws can be a weapon for him.

The Pistons are not a good shooting team, so getting to the line for freebies is crucial. This is an area where Bagley III can thrive if the Pistons cut him loose, forget about the 3-point shot and let this guy fulfill his promise as a big man.

Too many teams are trying to turn talented bigs into 3-point shooters, which has been one of the big problems in Bagley III’s regression as a basketball player.

The Detroit Pistons need him to play like a center, to stop shooting 3’s and get into the lane in the pick-and-roll to take advantage of the two talented playmakers they have at guard.