The Detroit Pistons took a calculated risk when they traded two veteran players and two second-round picks for Marvin Bagley III.
Bagley III is on an expiring contract, so the Pistons were essentially giving up minor assets in exchange for the chance to give him a tryout, and if things work out, the inside track on re-signing him, hopefully to a team-friendly deal.
It’s a smart strategy, as the cost was low and the payoff could be an impact role player or even more.
Bagley III’s time in Sacramento was hampered by injuries and inconsistency, but he felt like a guy who might just need a change of scenery to thrive, as the talent was always there.
It’s a cliche for a reason, as so far, Bagley III has played well for the Pistons, accepted his role and looks like he might have found a second life.
Marvin Bagley III is a fit on the Detroit Pistons
Bagley III has only played six games for the Detroit Pistons, so the sample size is small, but there are already reasons to like the fit.
He gives Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes a lob threat and an emergency outlet if they get stopped in the lane, which we saw in the win over the Hawks.
He’s athletic and plays above the rim, can grab offensive rebounds and dunk them, something we’ve not seen much of this season outside of Hamidou Diallo.
So far, Bagley III seems to have embraced his role off the bench, he is getting plenty of looks and gives the Pistons an offensive weapon that they lacked.
He’s still got plenty of work to do, as Bagley III can be myopic in the post and needs to improve as a passer. He also needs to improve in the pick-and-roll, something that will come with time as he and the two guards mesh.
The signs are already there, as he caught three lobs last night and already looks to be building chemistry with Cunningham and Hayes.
Bagley III has averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 rebounds off the bench over his last four games, something the Pistons have lacked for most of the season.
It is still early, but it’s possible that Marvin Bagley III has found a home in Detroit and can thrive in an established role under a veteran coach and with a fun, up and coming team.