Does Marvin Bagley III contract with Pistons look better now?

Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Detroit Pistons, Marvin Bagley III
Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings prepares to shoot a free throw against the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

The verdict on Marvin Bagley III being overpaid or not

Detroit fans have been burned so often with players getting contracts way above what they actually contribute (Josh Smith, Charlie Villanueva, too many others), it is logical they are skeptical about Bagley’s deal.

Bagley can score and rebound and gives Detroit needed athleticism in the post. However, he has not shown, so far, to be a good passer or defender. He is just 23-years-old, so he still has time to work on those deficiencies.

When given a decent amount of playing time, Bagley has consistently put up 14 points and seven rebounds a game. Those are pretty good numbers.

Importantly, Bagley wants to be in Detroit and is enthusiastic about being part of the future. Not all Pistons players in the past have felt that way.

Looking at the other deals in this free agent period, Bagley’s contract does not look horrible. If you were told, without knowing the numbers, that Bagley would get about as much as Tyus Jones and Chris Boucher, would you have a problem with that?

The fact Bagley and his representatives did not try to play this out, knowing the Pistons wanted a deal quickly, also must be put in his favor.

Verdict: Compared to what others are getting in free agency, Bagley is Not Overpaid.

The good news is, even if Bagley does not play well and becomes the bust the Kings believed him to be, the Pistons have so much cap space available the next couple of years, his salary will not affect their plans. And if Bagley does realize the potential he was thought to have when drafted, Weaver will once again be lauded for his insight.