Tripod wrote:Scase wrote:islandboy53 wrote:
Ochai was a part of Utah's rotation last year, averaging 20 mpg, scoring 8 points on decent shooting, including 35% from 3, and solid defence. He was doing essentially the same this year on slightly lower 3 point shooting at the time of the trade. Obviously, getting a 1st back for Olynyk's expiring required sending back one of their many young prospects, including 2023 1st round picks George, Hendricks & Sensabaugh. George and Hendricks are arguably better prospects than Ochai, and Utah wasn't giving them up. Doesn't mean they didn't value him.
Ochai is a part of Toronto's rotation in the near term. His shooting should return to at least his Utah levels - good on corner 3's, not so much ATB - and he will continue to be part of the rotation as the team grows from rebuilding team with potential to good team.
Ochai as recently as early Feb last year, was considered "untouchable" by the Jazz FO. Not even a year later and he's being traded for essentially scraps, that should say something. Ainge loves his draft picks, but he's also a rather good judge of talent/potential.
This holds a fair amount of weight in my assessment.
When seeing what Jazz fans thought of the deal, hardly any were down on Ochai. They just thought there were only so many minutes and the younger guys needed those minutes.
And it's fine you think highly of Ainge, but it's not like Masai is a buffoon.
In the end, we have to wait to see how he develops. Let's see if an offseason with our development guys helps him take the next step.
Some Raps fans wanted to give Flynn more time too, so not sure I'd put too much stock in that As for the bolded, that's my stance as well. We have 3 potential picks coming this year, and I personally don't see Ochai being worth spending tons of minutes and development resources on vs a rookie.
I'm not writing him off entirely, I just don't get the infatuation some people have with him as he's really shown nothing to warrant it, apart from some above average defence.