2022 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

A player we should be keeping our eye on. An elite 3 & D SG prospect who'd look damn good next to Trae.

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Ochai Agbaji | 6-6 | SF | Age: 21.7 | Kansas | No. 12

Following in the footsteps of upperclassmen such as Chris Duarte, Corey Kispert and Davion Mitchell last year, Agbaji is using his senior season to propel himself into lottery conversations with a first-team All-America-caliber campaign.

Agbaji initially entered the 2021 draft but elected to return to Kansas after an underwhelming showing at the NBA Combine that left him no guarantees he'd hear his name called.

He's since developed into a national player of the year candidate, establishing himself as arguably the best shooter in college basketball (62-for-132, 47% from 3) while leading Kansas to a top-5 ranking and 16-2 record.

While Agbaji started previous seasons hot, then cooled off significantly once Big 12 play rolled around, he only seems to be getting better as the 2021-22 season moves on. He comes off a career-high 37-point effort in a double-overtime win over Texas Tech, a top-five defense per KenPom. He's been just as efficient against top-tier competition as he has against low-level opponents, a great sign for the Jayhawks as they prepare for a huge week that includes two top-10 opponents in Kentucky (Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN) and Baylor.

Agbaji is physically ideal for an NBA wing, measuring 6-foot-6, 215 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and a 42-inch vertical leap. He's turned himself into one of the most dynamic shooters in the draft, regularly pulling up off the dribble in transition, setting his feet quickly while ducking behind handoffs and showing deep range and zero hesitation stepping into open 3s with his feet set, either on the hop or the 1-2 step. Agbaji's inconsistent free-throw shooting (69% this season and for his college career) leave some question marks about how sustainable his scorching shooting is, but the confidence he's exuding at the moment, especially in clutch situations, and the level of difficulty of attempts is hard to argue with.

While not an advanced ball-handler or passer, Agbaji has been highly efficient operating inside the arc as well, converting 58% of his 2-pointers and turning the ball over on a miniscule 8.5% of his possessions. He makes just enough plays handling in transition, attacking closeouts with his head up and using his strong frame to draw fouls and play above the rim to not be labeled strictly a shooter. He still has work to do on his skill level, but the progress Agbaji has made over the past few years has been remarkable.

The defensive end is where Agbaji initially established himself as an NBA prospect, which makes sense considering his build and ability to slide between checking guards, wings and big men in undersized Kansas' switch-heavy system. He's been inconsistent in that area this season, which is partially explained by the heavy minutes and usage he's asked to shoulder offensively. Agbaji is very effective defensively in 1-on-1 situations and makes spectacular plays at times when rotating from the weakside to protect the rim, but does lack a degree of awareness and reaction speed in processing things happening off the ball at times. He's prone to biting on shot-fakes and getting back-cut and is not the rebounder you might expect considering his tools.

Agbaji has positioned himself to be the first upperclassman hearing his name called on draft night and fits a mold NBA teams are looking for as a prolific shooting wing who guards multiple positions and can do a little more than just make open shots offensively. How he finishes will be important, but it's increasingly difficult to overlook the spectacular season Agbaji is having.

--Jonathan Givony

ESPN Insider

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

This kid is going to be a monster!!!

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[Jamaaliver]

This kid is my favorite prospect from this draft. He isn't the most talented, but his game has improved by leaps and bounds in two short years. He'll be a Brad Beal caliber player in the league.

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[Jamaaliver]

14. Atlanta Hawks (via CHA): Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

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Position: G

Height and weight: 6-foot-5, 215 lbs.

Age: 21, Senior

It's rare to see a senior in the lottery these days, but Agbaji has shown his improvement is worthy of NBA consideration. He's a scoring threat from all three levels of the floor, starting with his ability as a knockdown shooter from 3-point range. His ball handling has improved and he's gotten more comfortable attacking off the dribble, pairing well with his strong frame and steady body control when he gets to the basket. His age could be seen as a negative, but Agbaji should be ready to enter an NBA rotation immediately as a 3-and-D option.

[Jamaaliver]

Walker Kessler has been amazing:

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[Jamaaliver]

A 2-way perimeter player is needed on this roster now that Cam is gone. I like AJ Griffin or Ochai to fill that void.

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<------ SOLD

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[raleigh]

Haven't watched Agbaji a ton, but senior guards always give me a bit of pause.

If Eason is there when the Hawks pick, you have to think they'll consider him. With JC constantly in rumors and Hunter's rookie deal nearing its end...

[Jamaaliver]

Haven't watched Agbaji a ton, but senior guards always give me a bit of pause.

If Eason is there when the Hawks pick, you have to think they'll consider him. With JC constantly in rumors and Hunter's rookie deal nearing its end...

Tari Eason does seem like someone Travis will consider (assuming we even keep the pick).

In regards to Sr Guards, there have been a number of impressive ones to come into the league and turn into studs yet were largely overlooked due to their age.

Over the last few years alone:

• Malcolm Brogdon
• Fred Van Vleet
• Desmond Bane
• Chris Duarte
• Caris Levert
• Derrick White
• Terrance Mann
• Matisse Thybulle

You can find a comparison of senior seasons between Ochai and similar recent draftees here.

[raleigh]

In regards to Sr Guards, there have been a number of impressive ones

Out of how many overall, though? A list like that is only useful if put into a broader context.