Just five days ago, the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas came to a close. The Portland Trail Blazers were crowned champions after downing the New York Knicks 85-77 on the final day. The Cleveland Cavaliers finished with a positive 3-2 record over the 10-day long event. RJ Nembhard and Amar Sylla were very impressive, with the former leading in putting up nearly 15 points per game. Despite that, unsurprisingly most eyes were fixed on the Cavs 14th overall pick, former Kansas wing Ochai Agbaji.
The final lottery pick of the 2022 NBA Draft had a good showing in the Cavaliers first matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 17 points on the night, while shooting 46% from the field and 4-of-9 from deep. Unfortunately in the Cavs next game versus the Utah Jazz, Agbaji only had eight points, and was 3-for-11 from the field.
Clearly there is room for improvement from Agbaji, but he can also be an immediate contributor for the Wine and Gold. It will be interesting to see if he starts or comes off the bench as the season progresses, in that sense. Either way, as a lottery pick, he will be expected to help the team, and one could foresee him doing so even early on in the upcoming season. That was clearly part of the allure when it came to Agbaji as a potential pick for the Cavaliers, throughout the draft process.
Now, let’s take some time to look at two realistic goals for the rookie to strive in his first 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.
Goal #2: Finish the season as a top 10 rookie (All-Rookie 1st/2nd)
Prior to Evan Mobley being named to the All-Rookie 1st Team this past season, the Cavs haven’t had a player finish on the first All-Rookie Team since 2013, when our old friend Dion Waiters finished among the top five rookies in his class. 2013 was also the last time the Cavaliers have had consecutive years of rookies making either the first or second team. That needs to change this coming season.
Ochai Agbaji isn’t as athletic as Jaden Ivey, he’s not as skilled as Chet Holmgren, but he might just be the best shooter in his draft class. He will need to do that at the next level to prove to the Cavaliers they made the correct choice.
During the course of Summer League, he shot just over 37% from the field. That’s an area where he will have to improve in the fall. However, he also shot 38% from three, which was definitely noteworthy, considering how sloppy Summer League can be. On top of that, he didn’t hesitate to shoot when he was called upon.
Being the 14th pick in the draft means you are the last lottery pick. There are 13 guys that were selected ahead of you for whatever reason. But, if Agbaji can be a consistent catch-and-shoot option, and become an above average on-ball defender, that’d be very meaningful.
Either way, there’s only a few months before the NBA season gets going, and I can’t wait.