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Agbaji as a Forward

SoberasHotRod

SoberasHotRod

Well-Known Member
2025 Award Winner
In my opinion Ochai has quietly had a great preseason so far. I believe he has played almost all of his minutes as a 3, with a little bit of 4 as well. I'm pretty sure last year he played almost all of his minutes as a guard. I'm not sure if this is how we see him long term, or just a way to get all of our guards in to the rotation this year.

So far, so good. Impressively he's really getting more involved on the boards where he has increased his rebound % from 4% last year to 7% in the preseason so far. His defense looks much better to me as well, it feels like he is understanding better how to be effective. He also looks much better at getting to the rim consistently and finishing.

I'm not sure if he'll ever get comfortable with the ball in his hands like Hardy seems to want both of the guards on the court to be able to do. Based on that I think this could be a permanent change. To Agbaji's credit he seems to have embraced this role and is making the most of it.

This might not deserve it's own thread, but oh well.
 
Good change of pace lineup at least, looks like it'll be in the bag this season; interesting to see if it's effective and when it's used.
 
I’m not to concerned about labels, it’s more about how guys play. I feel like the small ball lineups is less about Ochai playing like a “forward” or whatever and more about reaping the benefits of playing more perimeter oriented players.

Having said that, it will be a huge thing for his career if he can do more of the “big” stuff. Ochai was one of the worst rebounders/stocks guys in the entire league last year. Truthfully, it’s hard to be a positive for any player to be a positive when that stuff is so low. You’ve got to bring so much else to the table. IMO it was a shame to see a guy as athletic as him make very little plays with his athleticism.

Again, who cares about the labels, but the less we have to compromise in the smaller lineups the better. That value is still added when he’s not playing “forward” as well. More ways to contribute will make him a better player and this is where I was hoping to see improvement. Even in summer league when he couldn’t put it in the hoop he was making way more plays with his athleticism. It’s great to see.
 
I’m very excited about Ochai. I feel he’s been given more tools to work with thanks to him being forced into a playmaker role last year and in summer league and preseason it’s shown. I don’t expect him to go full blown playmaker/on ball wizard but now he can pick his spots. The coaching staff has nailed his developmental program. He’s soooo much improved from summer league alone.
 
Ochai is going to be a solid Royce O'Neal type player. Not good enough to be a starter you love, but overall a very quality starter.
 
Saint Cy of JFC said:
Ochai is going to be a solid Royce O'Neal type player. Not good enough to be a starter you love, but overall a very quality starter.
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I disagree. O’Neale is a functional defender who struggled with smaller quicker players that was an elite rebounder for his size. He generally needed to be wide wide open to shoot a three. ochai is a much better athlete, better defender, quicker and can do more with the ball IMO
 
Thee Idiotic Minivan K said:
I disagree. O’Neale is a functional defender who struggled with smaller quicker players that was an elite rebounder for his size. He generally needed to be wide wide open to shoot a three. ochai is a much better athlete, better defender, quicker and can do more with the ball IMO
Click to expand...
All remains to be seen
 
Saint Cy of JFC said:
Ochai is going to be a solid Royce O'Neal type player. Not good enough to be a starter you love, but overall a very quality starter.
Click to expand...

His usage has increased this preseason as well, so he might have more to him. If he does become our 5th starter at some point, it might be with two other guards.
 
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