The NBA announced it’s All-Rookie teams today and to nobody’s surprise, Kings big man Marvin Bagley III was among those chosen for 1st team honors. Bagley had an excellent rookie year despite being overshadowed by the likes of Luka Doncic and Trae Young (both unanimous 1st team selections). Bagley, Doncic and Young were joined by their fellow top-five picks Deandre Ayton and Jaren Jackson Jr. This is the first time that the first five picks of the previous draft have all made the 1st Team since 1985 when Hakeem Olajuwon, Sam Bowie, Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins and Charles Barkley were all named to the team.
Bagley received 56 first place votes and 44 second team votes, giving him a comfortable margin over the next highest vote-getter, L.A.’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Collin Sexton, Landry Shamet, Mitchell Robinson and Kevin Huerter were also named to the 2nd Team.
Bagley’s selection makes him the 7th Sacramento Kings player to ever win the award, joining Buddy Hield (2017), DeMarcus Cousins (2011), Tyreke Evans (2010), Jason Williams (1999), Brian Grant (1995), Lionel Simmons (1991) and Kenny Smith (1988).
This award is a nice acknowledgement of the promise shown and impact made by Marvin Bagley in his first year, but hopefully it’s just the first of many accolades to come. Congratulations Marvin!
