3 reasons we could see Ochai Agbaji break into Cavs starting lineup

The Cleveland Cavaliers picked Ochai Agbaji from Kansas at No.14 in the recent NBA Draft and that decision has been met with a mixed bag of reactions.

While he’s not a prospect that some thought might have more upside like AJ Griffin of Duke or Malaki Branham of Ohio State, he is coming to the Cavs with four years of collegiate experience, including a National Championship. He’s also likely among the readiest players in the draft with his shooting ability and much-needed help in the team scoring department.

Here are 3 reasons that inserting Agbaji into the Cleveland starting lineup next season would make a lot of sense.

Reason No.1: He’s a scorer

The Cavs need more scoring next season from their starters on a more consistent basis. Agbaji would help with that need. He averaged 18.8 points a game last season. He was a four-year starter with the Jayhawks and every year he increased his production offensively. He was getting more shots up too each season.

He was averaging just under 14 shots a game last year and had a respectable 48% shooting average. His rebounds (5.1 a game) and free throws taken (around four a game) have all steadily increased in his four-year tenure at college.

During Agbaji’s senior campaign he had a season-best 37 points in a game against Texas Tech where he finished going 7-for-12 from the three-point line. The whole season was a showcase of what to expect this next season with the Cavaliers.

He may not score 20 points a night to start with, but Cleveland should be able to rely on him to be solid offensively. He had 19 games where he scored 20 points or more last season. He only had two games a year ago where he scored in single digits.

He’s a catch-and-shoot-type player at this point but will certainly improve in the league at being able to create his own shot off the dribble.