Ochai Agbaji is starting to find his form with the Toronto Raptors.
Agbaji was traded to Toronto along with Kelly Olynyk by the Utah Jazz on the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
Since the All-Star break Agbaji has been consistently used in Darko Rajakovic’s 9-man rotation.
He is coming off his best two outings for the Raptors. On Feb. 23 he scored 14 points on four three-pointers made against the Atlanta Hawks.
Then on Feb. 26 he scored 13 points on 4-7 shooting from the field against the Indiana Pacers.
His improved shooting and on ball defense has seen him become an important second unit piece on the team.
Agbaji talked about adjusting to his new role in Toronto via Sportsnet:
“I feel like it’s grown a little bit game by game. I feel like I’m figuring out different spots where I can score, cutting, playing with guys, obviously I’ve played with Kelly before, but you know collectively as a group with all five guys on the court. Just trying to better myself and find my spots.”
The Raptors giving up one of their three first-round picks acquired in the Pascal Siakam deal to get Olynyk and Agbaji shows how much their bullish on the 23-year-old’s potential.
Agbaji was supposed to be apart of the Jazz’s core, but it did not pan out. Now the young guard hopes to have a successful run with the Raptors.
Garrett Temple changes jersey number
Raptors veteran Garrett Temple now has a new jersey number to rock, swapping in No. 14 to No. 17.
The number was previously owned by Dennis Schroder, who was signed by the Raptors before Temple’s arrival.
Temple has worn No. 17 with 7 different teams over his career.
This is not the first time a jersey swap has happened for the Raptors this season. Bruce Brown Jr. bought No. 11 from Jontay Porter upon his arrival in Toronto.
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