Kings to go: Three things we learned from the defeat in opening season against Jazz

SACRAMENTO – The bench is an isolated place. You are surrounded by a group of teammates, but it's insulating. It's a tough place for a young player and Wednesday night is exactly where Marvin Bagley III spent most of the game.

The Kings used Bagley's second overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, playing a total of 12 minutes and 7 seconds in his professional debut, finishing with six points on three out of six shots and five rebounds.

It was clear that the 19-year-old hoped to play more against Utah. When asked if he could learn by watching and taking the game aside, Bagley did not quite agree.

"I obviously want to play, I've been playing this game for a long time, but I'm going to stop there," Bagley said.

Bagley is used to being a focal point. It's good that he wants to take up the challenge of playing important minutes early in his career, but that's not the way every game will be played out.

"I'm just trying to stay patient, I'm still working hard and recovering," Bagley said of his minutes. "Just keep learning and growing up."

It was not the start he was hoping for, but it's one of the 82 games of what should be a very long career for the former Duke star.

"It will be difficult," said coach Dave Joerger about Bagley's first leg. "I thought he was doing well – the game is evolving very fast for him, especially in defense."

Bagley looked solid on the offensive side and attacked the glass in a few minutes. On the defensive side of the ball, Utah turned to Jae Crowder to test the rookie. The strategy worked for the Jazz.

While Bagley had no problem marking the veteran in the post, Crowder was hanging around the perimeter at the other end. With Bagley collapsed, Crowder managed to knock down an open three. A few possessions later, Bagley sank again and was called for a foul on Crowder's long-range attempt.

The call was dubious, but Bagley has a lot to learn about protecting the smaller players on the perimeter. Nobody expects him to learn the intricacies of defense overnight. It's a marathon not a sprint.

Joerger will try to put him in a position to succeed and keep his confidence. Coaching staff will continue to work behind the scenes to strengthen their knowledge base.

"It just takes time and experience," Joerger said. "There are many minutes left to play."

The Kings were competitive against a high quality opponent. They played well for most of the night before bowing to Utah in a 123-117 final. Bagley even played three minutes in the fourth while Sacramento continued to test the Jazz.

"I can only control what I can control," said the rookie. "Every time my number is called, I have to go all the way, I have to go 100% and do everything I can to try to help us win."

Bagley was not the only young player stuck on the bench. Harry Giles III played a little less than 10 minutes for Joerger, finishing the night with two points, one rebound and one assist while scoring four fouls. Skal Labissiere launched a "did not play, the coach's decision".

On the bright side, Willie Cauley-Stein and Nemanja Bjelica combined for 41 points, 15 rebounds and six assists from the front. They both played well and helped keep the Kings close at hand.

Bagley and Giles will each have another chance to win minutes on Friday against star player Anthony Davis and the New Orleans pelicans.