Shout out Ochai Agbaji

 Short one today! Sorry for the late post, I had actual work that gets me paid to do today (shocker). 


I wanted to take a quick moment to shout out Ochai Agbaji, mostly because I was super low on him coming into the year and up to this point he's proven me so wrong. At first glance, Ochai's numbers don't jump off the page, averaging through 4 games 11.8 points, 1.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 setals and 0.8 blocks per game, but the impact Ochai is having throughout the game has to be highlighted. Last season Agbaji was a pretty good defender, but absolute zero on offense. When he cut he wasn't able to finish at the rim, he had a bad handle and no moves to get by guys, his jump shot was streaky to non-existent. He was reasonably ignored by opposing defenses whenever he was out there. The story has changed this year, Ochai is making so many smart cuts and has really improved his finishing at the basket. In transition, Ochai is making the smart, correct play each time whether that's making the right pass or finishing himself. Something he's always done well is running the floor hard, it's no different this year where Agbaji finds himself ahead of the defense at least once or twice a game. Still not a perfect shooter, Agbaji has become reliable from the corners. Although it isn't a huge sample size, seeing Ochai at 1.2 3 pointers made per game is a great sign early. Ochai's defense is felt on every possession, he has a good case to be made as the best defender on the team. Good defenders who can shoot reasonably from the corners and sprinkle in a variety of other skills on offense stick around in the league for a long time. Coming into this season, I thought Ochai would be none of this, he has so far proven me wrong and looks to be a valuable member in any team's rotation. Thrilled for him, and the Raptors!


Criminally short one today I know, I'll make it up to you loyal readers next week I promise! Despite the record and injuries, the Raptors look good and fun, more content on them will be coming for sure. 

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