2 goals for Cavs’ Ochai Agbaji in his rookie season

Goal #1: Become a clear-cut three-and-D player

To be honest this goal is a bit vague but let me explain. The Cavaliers obviously drafted Agbaji for his shooting and offensive prowess. However, there’s a reason to believe the Cavalier front office didn’t take him specifically for one side of the court.

In his last year at Kansas he averaged just under a steal per game. That’s actually lower than his sophomore and junior seasons, where he would pickpocket the opponent at least once a game. So at the very least, the defensive instincts are there in Agbaji.

Standing at 6’5″ with a 6’10” wingspan, he has the frame to be an above average defender in the NBA. Like I previously mentioned, his defensive instincts are there, it just might take him a bit to get used to the professional game.

While he doesn’t necessarily have all the quick-twitch movements you’d like in a pesky perimeter defender, he tested well in the shuttle at the combine (10.77, 8th overall). On top of that he possesses a 39-inch vertical, so we might see some nice blocks from the rookie this coming year.

The Cavaliers have learned that in order to get a good wing player, you have to draft them. Well hopefully, they made the right decision with Agbaji. His measurements and times were all impressive, which is another indicator that he has the ability to be a good defender.

To become a clear-cut “three-and D” player, Agbaji will have to put in the work outside of games, but also listen to his coaches and teammates, both of whom will be more well-versed in the system.