Portland Trail Blazers: 2022 NBA Draft Big Board Lottery Picks

Portland Trail Blazers 2022 NBA Draft Big Board Prospect #14: Ochai Agbaji

Ochai Agbaji is the only senior on my big board and for good reason. Like with most seniors, the hope is that Agbaji will come into the NBA more seasoned and ready to contribute within a role.

His ideal role? A 3-and-D wing who can sporadically explode for ferocious scoring outbursts.

Although best suited as a catch-and-shoot weapon, Agbaji has the ballhandling and athleticism necessary to attack closeouts and create offense with line drives to the rack.

Although he’s maybe just 6’5, his 6’9 wingspan will allow him to guard the small forward position, provided it’s not against the likes of LeBron James or Paul George.

He has the tools to be a shutdown perimeter defender and even has the strength to lockdown smaller bigs in the post.

As a shooter, he’s used to constantly navigating around the perimeter for open looks and launching off of various catches and angles. And when the opportunity presents itself, he’ll take full advantage of a scrambled defense for easy baskets inside. He’s also in the upper echelon as an athlete, which allows him to convert the tougher takes at the rim, as well.

Although he’s an older prospect, he has time to further refine his offensive game and has shown the potential to be an off-the-dribble 3-point bomber. With a shiftier handle and a consistent jumper, he could be the steal of the draft.

NBA Comp: Defensive-minded J.R. Smith