Tag: Ochai Agbaji

Jazz rookie Ochai Agbaji got ejected because the ref didn’t like how the ball was passed to him

The pass wasn’t even that bad.

With playoff positions generally settled across the NBA, the league’s final day of the regular season was supposed to be uneventful. It’s why we saw so many teams rest key players. But no day in the NBA can simply be normal. That especially went for Game 82.

Shortly after Rudy Gobert got sent home early for throwing a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson, the Jazz-Lakers game had some strange drama of its own. It all surrounded the etiquette of Ochai Agbaji’s pass to referee Derek Richardson.

With just under nine minutes to play in the game, Agbaji was frustrated over a no-call by Richardson as the ball from Damian Jones’ dunk bounced in Agbaji’s hands. So, Agbaji turned and passed the ball to Richardson, but that pass was a bit low for the ref to handle.

Sure, Agbaji probably could have made a better pass to the ref, but that’s a bit harsh for an automatic ejection. Still, we’ve seen refs get upset over bad passes in recent years with J.J. Redick getting ejected a couple seasons ago and Jordan Poole getting T’d up this season.

So, maybe Agbaji should have expected that reaction.

But hey, if you’re going to end your rookie season early, at least make it memorable. Agbaji did that.

Jazz: Will Hardy explains the key to Ochai Agbaji’s career performance

Agbaji erupted for a career night to lead the Jazz to a win over the Kings and maintain ground in the play-in race.

Ochai Agbaji erupted for a career performance on Monday to lead the Utah Jazz to a win over the Sacramento Kings and maintain ground in the play-in race.

Agbaji produced 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot in the 128-120 victory at home. He went 8-of-14 from the field, including a career-high six 3-pointers, in 33 minutes of work as the Jazz improved to 35-36 on the season.

The 14th pick became one of four rookies this season to hit at least six 3s in a game. Perhaps none was bigger than the triple he hit with 2:41 left to play to give the Jazz the lead for good.

Jazz coach Will Hardy explained what led to his career night.

We’re continuing to see his game start to expand a little bit. The shots he is looking for, the shots he is taking. Obviously, it feels better when they go in but I will continue to say that I would feel the same way about Ochai if he had missed a lot of those shots because he is finding and seeing different shots that he wasn’t a month ago.

Agbaji surpassed his previous season high of 19 points with the performance on Monday. He produced 16 points in the second half as the Jazz held off the Kings after building a 25-point lead in the second quarter.

He wanted to make his presence felt on both ends of the court.

“Just bringing that activity, offensively and defensively,” Agbaji told Holly Rowe of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain. “My teammates kept me confident throughout it all and I’m thankful for that.”

With the win, the Jazz jumped into 10th in the Western Conference. They are among seven teams between sixth and 12th place that are separated by two games in the standings. With 11 games to go, each game will prove important as teams make their final postseason push.

The Jazz return to action on Wednesday with Portland.

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‘He stepped up big time’: Jazz rookie Ochai Agbaji reaches new heights on career night

Agbaji stepped in late and produced a career night to help the Jazz defeat the Rockets on the road.

On a night in which Lauri Markkanen dropped a career-high 49 points, it was another individual that was named the Player of the Game for the Utah Jazz: rookie Ochai Agbaji.

Certainly, the performance by Markkanen was something to behold.

The sixth-year forward topped his previous career high (38) with the performance and had the most points in a regular-season game by a Jazz player since Karl Malone (56) in 1998. He went 15-of-27 from the field and 13-of-13 from the free-throw line in the 131-114 win over the Houston Rockets.

But, it was Agbaji who stole the show late.

Agbaji immediately stepped in during the fourth quarter and made a splash after throwing down an emphatic dunk off a beautiful cut from the corner. Just 37 seconds later, Agbaji drained a 3-pointer and added another triple a minute later. He’d make one more 3 to finish with 11 points in the quarter — a career high.

“Lauri is a very good player and he had 49 points, which is his career high, but Ochai also had his career high,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “I think his physicality defensively in the game was great. Obviously, in the fourth quarter, he started off hot and got the dunk and from there, his teammates found him. He was able to knock down three 3s. It is really hard to do what Ochai just did and he delivered and stepped up big time for us.”

Agbaji has played sparingly with the Jazz this season, and had only made 17 appearances prior to Thursday night. He has even spent part of the season in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars, making his outburst versus the Rockets that much more impressive.

He stayed ready, and delivered when the Jazz needed him.

“I have a lot of respect for Ochai with the way he has approached his work every day so far this season,” Hardy said. “He spent a lot of time in the G League. Our G League staff has done a tremendous job with Ochai helping him understand what it takes to be a pro and understand what it takes to impact winning.”

Agbaji is averaging 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and two assists in nine games with the Stars. He has scored in double figures six times, including a season-high 20 points on Nov. 21. The Jazz noticed the work Agbaji has put in and knew it was time to get him into the rotation.

The 14th pick didn’t panic and continued to stay the course. He blocked out the outside noise and showed up each day and put the work in. That, he believes, is what enabled him to play.

I think just keeping my work consistent: Showing up every single day, working as hard as I can and letting everything else deal with itself. That’s kind of how I’ve seen it and just showing up with a positive attitude and the right mindset and get better every day.

The performance will likely ensure Agbaji sticks around with the Jazz for a while. He gave the team great production off the bench, and that could mean a larger role is in store for the rookie.

He demonstrated that he will be ready when his number is called again.

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Jazz: Ochai Agbaji neared 20 points on assignment in G League

Agbaji put up his third straight game in the G League with at least 18 points with the performance.

Utah Jazz rookie Ochai Agbaji had another productive appearance on assignment in the NBA G League on Tuesday to help the Salt Lake City Stars win at home.

Agbaji recorded 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal in a 128-97 victory over the Santa Cruz Warriors. He scored 11 points in the first half and went 7-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-8 from 3-point range, in 36 minutes of work.

The 14th pick put up his third straight game with at least 18 points with the performance. He managed to drop in some 3s and got into the paint often and had a number of strong finishes at the rim.

Agbaji is averaging 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal in six games with Salt Lake City. He has had some good moments on the court so far and will have the opportunity to continue to develop with playing time at a minimum with the Jazz.

He has made six appearances with the Jazz so far but hasn’t played much during the month of November. The G League will serve as a great chance to get consistent playing time and stay sharp as he makes the transition from college to the NBA.

The Stars return to action on Friday versus the OKC Blue.

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Jazz rookie Ochai Agbaji nears 10-point effort on G League assignment

Agbaji neared a 10-point performance in his third game in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars.

Utah Jazz rookie Ochai Agbaji neared a 10-point performance Thursday in his third assignment game in the NBA G League with the Salt Lake City Stars.

Agbaji produced nine points, four rebounds and two assists in nearly 27 minutes of work in a 117-107 loss to the Ontario Clippers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. He went 3-of-6 from 3-point range as the Stars dropped to 2-2 on the season.

The 14th pick was able to snap a bit of a shooting slump with the performance. He was just 2-of-13 from beyond the arc in his previous two games with the Stars entering the contest but was efficient after knocking down half of his attempts.

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Agbaji is now averaging 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists with Salt Lake City. He has had some good moments on the court so far and will have the opportunity to continue to develop with playing time at a minimum with the Jazz.

He has made six appearances with the Jazz so far but hasn’t played much during the month of November. The G League will serve as a great chance to get consistent playing time and stay sharp as he makes the transition from college to the NBA.

The Stars return to action on Friday versus the G League Ignite.

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Chet Holmgren, Jaden Ivey among 14 rookies to sign with Nike

Holmgren and Ivey were among 14 rookies to sign endorsement contracts with the Swoosh.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren and Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey on Friday were among 14 rookies to sign endorsement contracts with Nike, the apparel company announced.

Holmgren and Ivey, as top-five picks, were viewed as top targets for apparel companies as each player projects to have a bright future in the NBA. They both have worn Nike shoes in the past and will continue to do so after opting to sign with the Swoosh.

Related: No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero reacts to signing with Jordan Brand

Nike had a busy signing period with the incoming rookie class after coming to terms with 12 other first-year players. They signed 12 first-round picks and two second-round picks for the 2022-23 season after a relatively quiet class over the past few years because of the pandemic.

Here are the 14 rookies that signed with Nike this season.

Jazz rookie Ochai Agbaji reacts to trade from Cavaliers

Ochai Agbaji views the trade from the Cavaliers to the Jazz as a great opportunity on the court.

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.

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Jazz officially announce acquisitions of Sexton, Agbaji from Cavaliers

The Jazz finalized the trade involving Donovan Mitchell on Thursday after each player successfully completed their physicals.

The Utah Jazz on Thursday announced they acquired Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen and Ochai Agbaji from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Donovan Mitchell.

The trade was agreed upon on Sept. 1 and it was reported at that time that the Jazz will also receive three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps. The Jazz finalized the transaction on Thursday after each player successfully completed his physical.

Utah worked throughout much of the summer to find a new destination for Mitchell. The organization set a high price for its All-Star and did not waver from that request, ultimately leading to a haul of players and future assets from Cleveland.

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On the other side, the Cavaliers upgraded their roster after failing to qualify for the playoffs last season. The team added a bona fide scorer, Mitchell, to a roster that includes All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland and second-year center Evan Mobley.

The Cavaliers improved their odds of winning the championship next season, according to the Tipico Sportsbook. They moved from plus-10,000 to plus-5,000 following the trade, which represents the sixth-best odds in the Eastern Conference.

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Donovan Mitchell traded to Cleveland: What it means for the Cavaliers and Jazz

After nearly two months of reported trade discussions between the Jazz and Knicks over Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers swooped in and acquired the coveted guard. They will be sending back the Jazz a haul featuring three unprotected first-round …

After nearly two months of reported trade discussions between the Jazz and Knicks over Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers swooped in and acquired the coveted guard. They will be sending back the Jazz a haul featuring three unprotected first-round picks, two pick swaps, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Ochai Agbaji, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The acquisition of Mitchell, along with the expected continual development of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, should elevate the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.

Below is a breakdown of the trade and how it impacts the Cavaliers and Jazz going forward.

Jazz to acquire Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji from Cavs for Donovan Mitchell

The Jazz have reportedly agreed to trade Mitchell to the Cavaliers for a package that includes Sexton, Agbaji and several draft picks.

The Utah Jazz have reportedly agreed to trade Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a package that includes Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji and several draft picks.

Utah will acquire three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps from Cleveland as part of the trade. The Jazz were also in talks to trade Mitchell to New York, but ultimately the Knicks opted out of the negotiations.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports first reported the details of the trade.

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The trade comes after the Jazz worked throughout much of the summer to find a new destination for Mitchell. The organization set a high price for its All-Star and did not waver from that request, ultimately leading to a haul of players and future assets from Cleveland.

On the other side, the Cavaliers upgraded their roster after failing to qualify for the playoffs last season. The team added a bona fide scorer, Mitchell, to a roster that includes Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Kevin Love.

The trade timing will give all parties involved time to prepare for the upcoming season. Teams open training up camp this month; most begin Sept. 27. Now, the Jazz and Cavaliers will have new pieces to add to their respective groups.

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