2. Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas
If the Indiana Pacers take a swing on a high-upside prospect that needs some development with their lottery pick, they could look to go with a safer pick with their second first-rounder. This pick was acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Caris LeVert deal and has some protections, but the Cavaliers look poised to qualify for the playoffs and convey this pick right away.
If Ochai Agbaji is on the board when Indiana comes on the clock, they could be hard-pressed to pass on him. His age is something that will be seen as a negative, but the Pacers showed in 2021 when they selected Chris Duarte that they aren’t afraid of experienced prospects as they can be plugged into the lineup right away.
Agbaji is a smooth scorer that can put the ball in the hole in a variety of ways. He has improved his shooting percentages every year at Kansas, which bodes well for his future in the NBA as it shows that he is willing to put in the work to develop his game.
He needs to improve his ball-handling and shot creation, but he already has a strong off-ball game and will thrive if paired with a strong playmaker. Agbaji also has great size for a wing player, as he should be able to handle the physicality of the NBA from Day 1.
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Some teams will move him down the draft board because he will be 22 by the time the draft rolls around. But, a team such as the Indiana Pacers stands to benefit from that if it occurs.
