Jazz G Ochai Agbaji Has Appealing Case to Start for 2023-24 NBA Season

One of the brightest topics on hand surrounding the Utah Jazz this offseason comes down to their guard play. While the roster consists of a collection of valuable players an NBA roster, it leads to an inevitable logjam at the position with many names in the running to secure starting spots.

The Jazz currently find themselves in a peculiar spot with their standing in the league. They added some youthful talent in the draft this summer while maintaining a team that can remain competitive in a playoff push.

Therefore, this team will be kicking off the season with a starting five that gives them the best chance to win basketball games now.

The frontcourt starters for the Jazz seem settled for the most part. F Lauri Markkanen and C Walker Kessler are cemented into their roles. Offseason addition F John Collins also might have the nod into the lineup, but F Kelly Olynyk and rookie F Taylor Hendricks could also present some value.

When it comes to the guards, things get a little bit messier.

Bringing back G Jordan Clarkson on a significant three-year deal almost guarantees his role as a returning starter for the Jazz in 2023-24. While Clarkson has had great success in a role as a sixth-man earlier in his career, he is set to make over $20M this season after starting all 61 of his games last year. All signs point to him leading off for the Jazz once again.

However, the decision to trade away G Mike Conley at February’s trade deadline was one that leaves Utah without a clear answer for a true facilitating point guard to enter next season with. Those that could be in the running for the spot on the roster have some clear limitations to what they can provide in the other guard spot.

It leads to an interesting proposal to instead start second-year wing Ochai Agbaji at the two next to Clarkson entering into the opening day of 2023-24.

Agbaji found himself within the starting lineup in the last 20 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 13.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists down the stretch. He fits the mold of an effective two-way player on the rise that could bring the versatility and athleticism that this front office values so heavily.

The pass from Kris Dunn, the dunk by Ochai Agbaji

Chefs kiss pic.twitter.com/0Tj4ToDiJO
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) August 21, 2023

While his efficiency during his 20-game stretch was less than ideal (39.2/32.8/87.2), it came from a heavily increased shot volume (11.9 FGA/game). Placing him next to guys like Clarkson and Markkanen in the starting five would limit his offensive responsibility. With better full-season splits (42.7/35.5/81.2), you could expect his inconsistency late in the year to die down a bit.

Clarkson as a starting point guard could limit some playmaking upside of this team, but he gives some great value as a scorer and brings the much-desired size to the position. In an increasingly position-less league, this squad can fully lean into this new trend by giving a flamethrower like Clarkson the nod at the one.

A starting group of Clarkson-Agbaji-Markkanen-Collins-Kessler gives a nice balance of production on either side of the ball, giving both veterans minutes to compete and young players the opportunity to grow.

With much time to go until the opener in October, an impressive training camp or pre-season from anyone on the roster makes the outlook of this rotation subject to change. But if everything holds to form, Agbaji might have the best route to that second starting guard spot for the Jazz.

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-streams.