Ochai Agbaji: 70 days a Cavalier

dark2332 said:

Did you have access to any of the other players’ workouts, interviews, and film cut-ups? The ones you consider hits?

Because I’m guessing not, and you can’t use not having Garland’s workout as a reason for missing on him. This is why we’re fans and they get paid to make the best informed decision. Now, not all do it correctly or apply it correctly, but they have way more information than we could ever dream of.

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No, the point is, apparently the Cavs were sold on DG in a private workout. This isn’t always the case but obviously when it is the case, public scouting will have gaps. I know you have an agenda here, but it’s not super productive or additive.

Mr. Orange said:

No, the point is, apparently the Cavs were sold on DG in a private workout. This isn’t always the case but obviously when it is the case, public scouting will have gaps. I know you have an agenda here, but it’s not super productive or additive.

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The irony in your final sentence is staggering.

I mean you’re saying you can’t be held repsoinsible for missing on Garland because the team has more private info, data, and a firsthand s workout.

Do you think that is abnormal?

The team also had a private workout with Agbaji. Perhaps a gap exists then between what the team is using to evaluate and rate Agbaji beyond what you are using.

Maybe it’s time for everyone(myself included) to just STFU on absolutes(hypothetical best case and worst case are still totally fine) and let the dudes pro career unfold. Until summer league(which barely counts for anything) and the beginning of the regular season, there is no new data/info/testimonial beyond what has been out there for the public since the end of the title game in April

Mr. Orange said:

I know you have an agenda here, but it’s not super productive or additive.

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Yes, my “agenda” is to tell you that you’re not a scout. Because apparently someone has to actually tell you that.

But yes, glad to get your opinion on what has been “additive” to the conversation considering the last several days.

MirORich said:

The irony in your final sentence is staggering.

I mean you’re saying you can’t be held responsible for missing on Garland because the team has more private info, data, and a firsthand s workout.

Do you think that is abnormal?

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Exactly my point as well.

And I agree, I think it’s time to just let this go and see how the player contributes.

This is what I’m hoping to use more ghost screens with Luke Walton’s coaching experience and Ochai in now. Imagine using ghost screen by Mobley with Garland on top and then make the actual screen for Ochai. Ochai also does great with off the ball so would like to see him making ghost screens at top and go to the wing. He can get an open shot that way or do a pump fake with one dribble to shoot a 3. Even the ghost screens create misdirection for Garland/Mobley/Allen. This is something I really want to utilize offensively and we would be extremely successful. Golden State, Miami, and Sacramento (when Luke was coach) they do this a lot. I could have Mobley setting a ghost screen for Garland then Mobley goes to the basket with away screen for Lauri and Ochai to get open on the wing. It allows many opportunities for Garland to make multiple decisions.

For those who don’t know about ghost screens, here’s a clip that shows many multiple scenarios.

dark2332 said:

Yes, my “agenda” is to tell you that you’re not a scout. Because apparently someone has to actually tell you that.

But yes, glad to get your opinion on what has been “additive” to the conversation considering the last several days.

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Not only an NBA scout, but also an expert evaluator of what does or does not represent a contribution to the commentary.

Look guys, I'm right about everything and if it appears I'm wrong that just means you don't understand.

Agbaji was actually tall as a kid, and coaches had him play post until about 8th grade when people started catching him in height.

Due to this, he had to start learning guard skills as a freshman/sophomore—very late in the game. Then, he hit his secondary growth spurt and grew 9 more inches between freshman and junior year of high school.

There’s a reason he’s never been a real ball handler and facilitator to this point. I think it’s an area he is well aware he needs to keep working on, and progress has been made.

dark2332 said:

Agbaji was actually tall as a kid, and coaches had him play post until about 8th grade when people started catching him in height.

Due to this, he had to start learning guard skills as a freshman/sophomore—very late in the game. Then, he hit his secondary growth spurt and grew 9 more inches between freshman and junior year of high school.

There’s a reason he’s never been a real ball handler and facilitator to this point. I think it’s an area he is well aware he needs to keep working on, and progress has been made.

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I also read that he was originally a Caucasian, and only now he starting to realize his super powers. And that secondary growth spurt you are talking about hit him hard in areas he did not expect.

Pretty amazing story.

Sir'Dom Pointer said:

I also read that he was originally a Caucasian, and only now he starting to realize his super powers. And that secondary growth spurt you are talking about hit him hard in areas he did not expect.

Pretty amazing story.

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I'm glad you brought this issue up. His name has not been Americanized and sounds very West African, but perhaps that scares some fans off.

If Ochai were named Shane when he was born in the Midwest, would he be more accessible? Shane Agbaji, born in Milwaukee and raised in Kansas City. Shane Agbaji: brought the conference he grew up watching Big 12 an NCAA championship over the big money programs. Shane Agbaji - gym rat who shoots with moxie.

Randolphkeys said:

I'm glad you brought this issue up. His name has not been Americanized and sounds very West African, but perhaps that scares some fans off.

If Ochai were named Shane when he was born in the Midwest, would he be more accessible? Shane Agbaji, born in Milwaukee and raised in Kansas City, gym rat who shoots with moxie.

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That's his cover name. And it was done on purpose.

If he kept his original name Shane, people would know he was Caucasian.

Sir'Dom Pointer said:

I also read that he was originally a Caucasian, and only now he starting to realize his super powers. And that secondary growth spurt you are talking about hit him hard in areas he did not expect.

Pretty amazing story.

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This is so ridiculous I LOL'ed. Well done, sir.

buzzdog said:

This is so ridiculous I LOL'ed. Well done, sir.

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Inspired by @Lee and @The Oi

Randolphkeys said:

I'm glad you brought this issue up. His name has not been Americanized and sounds very West African, but perhaps that scares some fans off.

If Ochai were named Shane when he was born in the Midwest, would he be more accessible? Shane Agbaji, born in Milwaukee and raised in Kansas City. Shane Agbaji: brought the conference he grew up watching Big 12 an NCAA championship over the big money programs. Shane Agbaji - gym rat who shoots with moxie.

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I have absolutely no idea how you took any of this out of Dom’s post, that’s some yeoman’s work right there.

dark2332 said:

I have absolutely no idea how you took any of this out of Dom’s post, that’s some yeoman’s work right there.

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I tried to reply to it as best as I could because he is a respectable administrator. Otherwise I wouldn't bother.

Sir'Dom Pointer said:

I also read that he was originally a Caucasian, and only now he starting to realize his super powers. And that secondary growth spurt you are talking about hit him hard in areas he did not expect.

Pretty amazing story.

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Little known fact, he’s actually still white from the waist down. You just wouldn’t know because he wears compression tights.