So sometimes people get mad at me for getting too pessimistic, which of course I would argue as “realism”, not pessimism.

But

Come with me briefly, and let me be a little optimistic.....let’s talk about Marvin Bagley.

The concern with Marvin is health, duh, but let’s just get that out of the way. Of course anything said depends on his health, full stop.

So far, none of his injuries appear to be chronic or connected, and that could be a good sign. Or a coincidence.

But, there’s more.

Skill for skill, you could argue Marvin would be the #1 pick in this year’s draft.

I think what’s amazing to some? He’s a full year plus younger than Obi Toppin, who will likely be a top 5 prospect.

And you could argue (when healthy), he’s better than Toppin.

This last season was truly a wash, so I want to focus on the 2nd stretch of his rookie year, when he was 19/20.

In February, he averaged 29.2 minutes, and put up 17.5/9.4 and a block.

He had games of 32/7, 28/14, and 25/11.

At NINETEEN.

In March, he played 26.2 min, putting up 18.5/8.2 and a block.

Had games of 28/7, 22/12, and 25/11.

He had 4 double doubles and a 21/9.

In April, he played 28 min, and averaged 17.2/10.2, while shooting his worst from the field (41%).

He had a 19/14 game, double digit scoring in each game, and rebounds of 8/8/12/14/9.

That’s a lot of numbers, which are meaningless if he’s not on the floor.

But what IF these injuries are flukes, and we get 70+ games out of him next year with Fox at point?

Does it seem outlandish that he’d average 20/10? Doesn’t it seem PROBABLE?

I bet he does if he plays

Point being, I don’t know what they do with the 12 pick.

I don’t know what they do with Buddy/Bogi.

And I don’t know if Marvin will be healthy.

I DO know our 22 year old PG averaged 26/7.3 in the bubble.

And if he pairs up with a healthy Marvin? Could be interesting.

Bottom line: Marvin could arguably be the most untradable asset on the roster.

Fox is?

At least he’s a known commodity and you’ll get market value.

Bagley isn’t and won’t. You’re pot committed.

And if we just forget any expectations?

We might be blown away next year.