2022 NBA Draft Profile: Ochai Agbaji
Need a sure-thing in this draft? Kansas' Ochai Agbaji is your guy.
Welcome to The Hawks Collective newsletter! Atlanta had a disappointing yet promising season led by the continued stardom of Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu’s development as the center of the future, and plenty more. The NBA draft takes place on June 23, so we’ll be profiling several players who the Hawks may consider selecting with its No. 16 and No. 44 picks. Today’s subject: Ochai Agbaji of Kansas.
Measurements
Height: 6-6
Weight: 217 lbs
Wingspan: 6-10
Draft Age: 22.2 y/o
Statistical Profile
The Basics: 35.1 minutes, 18.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Efficiency: 53.4% on twos, 40.7% on threes, 74.3% on free throws
Advanced: 25.3% usage, 8.7% assist rate, 1.5% steal rate, 1.7% block rate
Misc: 89th percentile on C&S jumpers, 83rd percentile on spot-up jumpers, 97th percentile on cuts
The Intrigue
A fantastic off-ball shooter and can fit right into that highly coveted 3-and-D role that playoff teams are desperate to find. He doesn’t need to be an on-ball guy to get his shots off, making him a perfect fit next to high-usage players.
An effective cutter that moves very professionally off-ball; specifically knows when to attack the rim or just space the floor.
Rarely takes plays off on defense, a valuable trait for low-usage NBA contributors.
Has the size to defend the bigger scorer wings, along with the foot speed to stay in front of the smaller, more dynamic off-guards.
Areas of Improvement
Not much of an isolation creator right now so whoever drafts him shouldn’t expect him to be a team’s No. 2.
Very much an “if it’s an easy read, I can make it” passer right now. Not an advanced decision-maker, though that’s slightly a product of his role in Kansas’ offense.
Team Fit
Should the Hawks draft him at 16? Yes and No
The Hawks are in a frustrating place right now. The players they either drafted or signed to help build a contending team around Young haven’t shown to be anything more than role players, so drafting Agbaji would just add more overlap in the wing rotation. Currently, the Hawks lack players who can create their own shot off without completely relying on Young, which’s a big need for this team to jump into title contention. Agbaji should very much be on the top of the Hawks’ board if it manages to acquire a star talent via free agency or trade (see Zach LaVine or Donovan Mitchell). Assuming a blockbuster deal doesn’t happen, it’s probably best for the team to take a bigger swing on a player with LaVine or Mitchell’s upside, though that’s easier said than done.