Apr 8, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Ochai Agbaji (30) prepares to shoot against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Ochai Agbaji has the highlight of the Summer League for the Utah Jazz
Ochai Agbaji blocks a shot for the Utah Jazz like he was a spam filter.
The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets in their Summer League showdown, 96-91. The Jazz continues their domination in the Summer League, going 3-0, and have a real shot to qualify for the Summer League Playoffs later this week. They may just get there, especially if guys like Ochai Agbaji keep doing what he’s doing.
Agbaji had a fine night against the Nuggets. Nothing that’ll break your brain, but a solid stat line. He had 14 points, shot 5-13 from the floor, and 3-9 from three-point. He had seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal. His BPM wasn’t great, -11, and he did have five turnovers.
So an inconsistent game for Agbaji. Yet, he did show off his relentlessness on defense late in the game.
In the waning moments of the third quarter, Agbaji chased down a layup attempt from the Nuggets’ Arman Franklin to much success. He was able to get a good swat at the ball, sending it back into the waiting hands of Jazz center, Micah Potter.
Agbaji didn’t get the reps many thought he would in Utah. He was the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cavs took him with the thought that he’d vie for a starting spot, and if not, at least a spot in the rotation. So when he was dealt to the Jazz as part of the Donovan Mitchell trade package, many expected Agbaji to get a boatload of minutes out the gate.
That didn’t end up happening.
He did play more later in the season, playing 59 games, and starting 22 of them, but many thought he’d see more action than the 20.5 minutes per game he got. His stat line was a bit pedestrian, but his performances in the Summer League may change that in year two.
He has the capabilities to be a full-time starter, at least offensively and if he can become a better defender, more specifically, a more consistent defender, the sky may be the limit for Agbaji.
