2014 Draft Profile - Nick Johnson

Strengths:
Johnson is one of the better combo guards in the draft, who has shown the ability to get baskets, as well as facilitate when necessary. He is definitely more scorer than passer, but he does have the ability to distribute.

While he lacks ideal size for the position, he makes up for it with an impressive wingspan, and amazing athleticism. He recorded a 47 inch vertical at Arizona, which would break the combine record if he were to match that.

He is a solid shooter with NBA range, and is also capable of attacking the basket, especially in transition where he excels, either leading the break or running the wing and finishing at the basket.

Defensively he shows a lot of potential, using his length and quickness to harass ballhandlers on the perimeter. Much like the Boston Celtics’ Avery Bradley, his tenaciousness could allow him to guard players bigger than him at the next level.

Weaknesses:
Johnson is the true definition of a tweener. He played mainly off the ball at Arizona, but will need to develop better ball handling at the NBA-level. He is not comfortable running the pick-and-roll yet, which is something that must improve.

His efficiency dropped off in his junior year due to an increased workload, and while he has the shooting ability, he still needs to improve his consistency on his jump shot, especially from NBA three-point range.

Defensively, Johnson can sometimes rely on his speed and athleticism too much. While he never gives up on plays, he can find himself out of position too much due to over-aggressiveness and gambling.

An undersized two-guard with exceptional leaping ability, Laker fans will undoubtedly compare him to Shannon Brown, and the comparison is a good one. Johnson has the ability to get hot and take over a game, but he will need to develop consistency, and distribution skills in order to really make an impact in the NBA.

PPG: 16.3 RPG: 4.1 APG: 2.8 SPG: 1.1 BPG: 0.7 FG%: 43.2 FT%: 78.1 3PT%: 36.7

Player profile submitted by: Corey Hansford – May 16th

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