Ochai Agbaji has bot yet logged an official minute in the NBA, but the 14th pick has already gained a taste of the business side of the league ahead of his rookie campaign.
Agbaji was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz along with Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. The trade was finalized by the Jazz on Sept. 8 after all of the players completed physicals.
The Jazz officially introduced Agbaji and Sexton on Tuesday at a press conference in Salt Lake City. Markkanen, who is competing with Finland in EuroBasket 2022, will be brought in at a later time following his team’s exit from the event.
Agbaji views the trade as a great opportunity on the court.
When I first found out about the trade, it was kinda my ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment. I haven’t even played a single game, a single minute of NBA action, and I’ve already been traded. I see it as a good opportunity. Anywhere where I ended up, I think would have been a good opportunity for me and I’m going to make the best of it. I’m excited to be here.
Agbaji was a Naismith Player of the Year finalist last season at Kansas after leading the Jayhawks to the national championship. He was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after averaging 13.7 points 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks in the NCAA Tournament.
He then emerged as one of the standouts in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Agbaji posted averages of 15 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals on 37.5% shooting from 3-point range with the Cavaliers. He had his best game on July 13 with 24 points and was impressive as a shooter and on the defensive end of the floor.
He explained his mindset after joining the Jazz.
Transitioning to here, having more opportunities and more chances to see the floor and make more of an impact; just keeping the same mindset. Continuing to better myself and impact the team in positive ways and be successful here.
With the Cavaliers, playing time for Agbaji may have been sporadic on a team with playoff aspirations. The jury is still out on how competitive the Jazz can be this season, but Agbaji projects to have the opportunity to play more minutes. He is eager to hit the court and prove himself.
Utah opens its preseason schedule on Oct. 2.
[lawrence-related id=78972,78143,49387]
[mm-video type=video id=01gbx9qaqwwpby21d091 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gbx9qaqwwpby21d091/01gbx9qaqwwpby21d091-36b4b889b613ccda13c82e25a31f666d.jpg]
[listicle id=80139]