5 2022 NBA Draft prospects that could make immediate impact for Cavs

#5: Ochai Agbaji

I’m the type of guy that likes to pick for both need and best player available. In my opinion, that could describe Ochai Agbaji on Thursday. Agbaji is the perfect 3-and-D prospect for the Cavs. He would fit seamlessly into the rotation and make his impact felt from the jump.

He’s been a steadily-improving shooter from deep, and last season, shot 40.7% from three on 6.5 attempts per game last season. His form is pure and he shows the ability to shoot off the dribble with ease. He doesn’t handle the ball as well as some, but he knows how to get to his spots and make defenders pay.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Agbaji’s game is how he rises to the occasion in big games. Take the Final Four game against Villanova for example. He scored an efficient 21 points on 75% from the field, including six threes on just eight attempts. He was eventually named the 2022 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. If that doesn’t say “NBA ready”, then I don’t know what does.

Aside from being one of the best three-point shooters in college basketball, Agbaji also excels at defending the perimeter. He flashed all kinds of defensive potential in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. From intercepting passes to fast recovery for a chasedown block, he can really do it all on that end of the floor.

While he might not be the most flashy pick, he would come in and contribute right away. He could serve as the two-way wing the Cavs have needed for some time now. Isaac Okoro can play defense, but he hasn’t shown consistency with his outside shooting. Dylan Windler can shoot, but he’s not much of a defender. Ochai Agbaji can both of those things at a relatively high level. Not to mention, he has championship pedigree.

He would be the player that would make the most immediate impact on a Cavaliers team that has just scratched the surface of winning. Agbaji wouldn’t fix the entire shooting problem the Cavs have, but he would make a noticeable difference in that department.

To players like Darius Garland, Ochai Agbaji is a dream come true.