New York Knicks: Checking in on Top 5 2018 NBA Draft prospects

2. Marvin Bagley III, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Forward
Age: 18 (3/14/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 221 pounds, 7’0.5″
2017-18 Slash Line: .627/.250/.389
2017-18 Season Averages: 25.8 MPG, 18.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.5 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG

The New York Knicks have a dynamic scoring threat in Kristaps Porzingis and a skilled facilitator in Frank Ntilikina. What rings true for every era in NBA history, however, is that teams fail to win multiple championships, let alone one, without the presence of two reliable scorers.

With Porzingis establishing himself as a star-caliber scorer and Tim Hardaway Jr. looking the part of a legitimate No. 3 option, Marvin Bagley III would be the perfect addition as an overqualified No. 2.

Bagley has garnered comparisons to Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant, which is reason enough to explore the validity of his upside. His wingspan is significantly shorter than Durant’s, but he has a prototypical build for a 3 and the physical gifts to potentially grow into a stretch 4, thus enabling Porzingis to move to the 5.

Regardless of which position he ends up playing, Bagley has an undeniable ability to create space with his handle, knock down shots from beyond the arc, and finish above the rim.

Thus far in 2017-18, Bagley has lived up to the hype with a trio of legitimately dominant performances. He posted 25 points and 10 rebounds against Elon, 24 points and 10 boards against Utah Valley, and 19 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks against Southern.

Bagley left the Michigan State Spartans game early with an injury, but he bounced back with the brilliant display against Southern—further proof that he could be the answer at the 3.