The Brooklyn Nets will return to action on Thursday following the NBA All-Star Break. But that also means increased action for the ex-Raptors player who arrived via trade.
Thursday is more than just the return of the Brooklyn Nets from the well-needed break.
The road contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers marks the possibility for increased action involving one member of the Nets. Especially amid a notable injury.
Except this particular player isn't Michael Porter Jr. nor even Nolan Traore and Egor Demin. But rather one of the new faces who arrived before the NBA All-Star Break.
Ochai Agbaji trekked to Brooklyn ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline via the Toronto Raptors. He's one of three newcomers alongside Josh Minott and Hunter Tyson via the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, respectively.
Agbaji managed to get one game in: Earning 16 minutes against the Indiana Pacers back on Feb. 11. He dished out two assists and grabbed six rebounds from his shooting guard spot. But he scored zero points.
Now Agbaji may need to earn an increased role. While Nic Claxton being out impacts the front court more, it still alters the lineup for head coach Jordi Fernandez and his rotations.
Agbaji appears to be ready when called upon -- which he shared via Erik Slater of ClutchPoints following the trade.
"For me, it’s about getting back to myself and who I know I can be,” Agbaji said. “That’s super important in this league, and it’s what I work for and what I’m trying to show again."
So what can he bring to the floor when Fernandez places him out there?
"First, my defense and the intensity I play with every single night. I’m always trying to win every possession," Agbaji said. "That’s who I am as a player. I know I have a lot more to show."
He is reflective of his time in Toronto despite not finishing out the season there.
"I had a great season last year and I’m trying to build on that," he said. "My time in Toronto was great, but I’m looking forward to what I can do here.”
And the Nets may need him more heavily this time around.
Meanwhile, Minott was sent to the G-League alongside rookie Ben Saraf -- making both unavailable to play against the Cavs. All the more reason why Agbaji could be in for some increased action.
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