PHOENIX SUNS

Marvin Bagley commits to Duke, could add to 2018 NBA Draft crop

Aug 14, 2017, 9:02 PM | Updated: 9:32 pm

Former Corona Del Sol High School star Marvin Bagley III announced Monday on SportsCenter that he will attend Duke after reclassifying to the 2017 class, a move that will change the outlook of the 2018 NBA Draft class. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reports that an official ruling on his eligibility for the upcoming year is near.

In the state of Arizona, Bagley’s decision to leave the 2018 class and enter college early took the Arizona Wildcats, who heavily recruited him, out of the running for his services.

But after a single season under coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, the Grand Canyon state’s pro team certainly has interests in this decision.

The Phoenix Suns, who ESPN’s Kevin Pelton is projected to win 30 games, look destined for the lottery as they continue building their young core.

And Bagley, a 6-foot-10, 220 pound forward with length, athleticism and the skills of a perimeter player, is widely considered a potential No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Whether the Suns have the chance to earn the top selection is left to their win total and the lottery odds, but armed with their own upcoming picks and selections via the Miami Heat in 2018 and 2021, there is a strong likelihood Phoenix drafts in the top-10 with the assets to move even higher if they so choose.

They could have a choice of players in a deep top group of prospects.

ESPN’s Mike Schmitz believes there are potentially six players who could be drafted No. 1 overall, and Givony writes that there are as many as seven players who could currently make the case as top picks.

With the exception of 18-year-old Slovenian swingman Luka Doncic, the top of the class is filled with versatile forwards and centers.

Missouri freshman forward Michael Porter, Arizona freshman power forward DeAndre Ayton, Texas A&M sophomore forward Robert Williams, Michigan State sophomore forward Miles Bridges and Texas freshman center Mohamed Bamba join Bagley as top-tier prospects expected to enter their names into next summer’s draft.

Bagley, who played at Corona Del Sol his first year of high school, transferred and last played for Sierra Canyon High School in California.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

13 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

17 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

21 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Marvin Bagley commits to Duke, could add to 2018 NBA Draft crop