Jason Kidd praises the former top draft pick who found his way with Dallas after a surprise trade

Marvin Bagley was an afterthought in the discourse environment The Dallas Mavericks are back in the trade for Anthony Davis. However, the former No. 2 pick has made an impact for the Mavericks during his first games since the blockbuster deal.

Bagley turned in his best performance of the season in Tuesday’s 123-124 win over the Brooklyn Nets. The 6-foot-10 big man had a game-high 22 points and five rebounds on 10-of-13 shooting in 20 minutes off the bench.

“He’s a really good player” Jason Kidd he said of Bagley’s performance. In talking to him, he’s grown up and understands the NBA game a little bit. Sometimes it takes time. We all want it to happen overnight. But I think the coaching staff, the media, everybody that’s been on this journey with him has made him comfortable, and you can see how he’s playing. If it’s not in the post, it’s an offensive rebound and then playing defense for us. So everyone’s confidence is high, and he’s brand new, and that just shows how talented he is.”

Bagley was unable to find a home in the NBA after that He was selected second overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018directly ahead of Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young.

Mavericks Bagley is turning heads during his first games with the Mavs since the Anthony Davis trade

The former Duke star changed teams six times during his eight-year NBA career. After spending his first three seasons with the Kings, he saw struggles with the Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards before landing in Dallas at this year’s trade deadline.

Doc Bagley’s career was disappointinghe’s making the most of his new opportunity with the rebuilding Mavericks. With Derek Lively sidelined, the 26-year-old averaged 13.0 points and 8.2 rebounds on 64.3 percent shooting in five appearances for the team.

“Just keep building,” Bagley said of his mindset after Tuesday’s win. “I’m continuing to learn each other, at least for myself and the new guys. I’m just continuing to hang with the guys that have been here, learning the system, and just every day you try your best and do your best. That’s my mindset, and it seems to be the rest of the guys’ mindset here. I love and I love being a part of this team, I’m happy and I’m a part of this team.”

Bagley has a minimum contract expiring and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.