Jason Kidd making crystal clear statement on new big after Anthony Davis trade

The Dallas Mavericks made a massive mistake last season, trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Fast forward a year, and the Mavs have already traded Davis. But one of the players they got back in the Davis-Washington Wizards deal has become the featured center in Jason Kidd’s rotation: Marvin Bagley III.

Bagley, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2018 Draft (one ahead of Doncic), looks like he’s quickly earned the trust of Kidd. Through his first two games in Dallas, Bagley has played real rotational minutes. He played well in Washington prior to the deadline, and now, he’s looking to earn a long-term spot with the Mavericks.

It’s quietly been an interesting storyline to follow.

Marvin Bagley III has emerged as a legit Mavericks rotation piece

Through his first two games with the Mavericks, Bagley has played 24.5 minutes per contest. He’s come off the bench in both games but is playing more minutes than any other center on the roster.

With Dereck Lively II sidelined with a season-ending injury and Daniel Gafford not playing heavy minutes in the starting role, Bagley has a plethora of opportunities available to him.

In the Mavericks’ latest game, a 120-111 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Bagley played 24:13 off the bench. As the starter, Gafford only got 16:58. Outside of Dwight Powell, who only played 3:29, they were the only two true centers who earned minutes.

Bagley finished the night with nine points, eight rebounds (four offensive boards), and two assists while shooting 4-of-4 from the floor. And that wasn’t even his best game as a Mav (and he’s only played two).

In his first game with Dallas, Bagley played 24:23 in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He ended the game with 16 points, 12 rebounds (eight offensive boards), two assists, one steal, and four blocks while shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 1-of-1 from deep range.

Through just two games with the team, Bagley has managed to earn big-time minutes from Kidd, who could be rolling out small-ball lineups or playing Gafford more. But he’s rolling with Bagley.

Moussa Cissee will inevitably end up playing a good chunk of minutes, but he’s missed a little time lately. Still, what Bagley has done is notable.

If he continues to play at this high a level, he could be a solid backup big man for the Mavs to roll with moving forward. Bagley should be a name to watch for Mavericks fans.