From the corner to the core: Agbaji's rise in Toronto

"Ochai Agbaji is coming off a breakout campaign with the Toronto Raptors, marking his first full season with the team. In year three, Agbaji seized his opportunity, starting 45 games and averaging 27.2 minutes per contest-both career highs. He also posted personal bests across nearly every major statistical category: field goals made and attempted, field goal percentage (49.8%), three-point makes and attempts, three-point percentage (39.9%), rebounds, assists, steals, and points per game."

"After a quiet start to his Raptors tenure following a midseason trade from Utah in 2023-24 (alongside Kelly Olynyk), Agbaji capitalized on a fresh opportunity with a rebuilding and injury-depleted Toronto squad. He stepped up in a big way, showing flashes of becoming a prototypical 3-and-D wing. With the Raptors still navigating health concerns, it wouldn't be surprising to see Agbaji notch another 20-plus starts this season. He's already proven he can hold his own as a two-way contributor."

"Offensively, Agbaji played within his role, often spacing the floor from the corners and making defences pay when left open. His efficiency was remarkable-just shy of the elite 50/40 threshold. On the other end, he was frequently tasked with defending top perimeter threats and didn't back down, contributing a career-best 1.6 defensive win shares. When Toronto found its defensive identity late in the season, Agbaji was a key catalyst."

Ochai Agbaji completed his first full season with Toronto, starting 45 games and averaging 27.2 minutes. He posted career bests across nearly every major category, including 49.8% field goal and 39.9% three-point percentages, and increased rebounds, assists, steals, and scoring. After a midseason trade from Utah, Agbaji capitalized on expanded opportunity with a rebuilding, injury-depleted roster. He operated as a floor-spacer off the corners and defended primary perimeter threats, contributing a career-best 1.6 defensive win shares. His athleticism and vertical pop aid rim protection and transition finishes. Agbaji will compete for minutes with Gradey Dick, Jamal Shead, and Collin Murray-Boyles.

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