Fansided

2016 NBA Draft: Best sleepers

By Chris Reichert

Mar 5, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) brings the ball up court during the first half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) brings the ball up court during the first half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Dec 1, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina

All Brice Johnson did during his senior year was put up gaudy averages of 16.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 61.4 percent from the field, and helping North Carolina reach the National Championship game. No big deal, right? If Johnson was a few years younger he would be in the lottery, but since he’s a four-year guy his projected value slides a bit in the eyes of the NBA.

Apparently it isn’t enough of a big deal for Johnson to garner late lottery or mid-first round interest. The majority of mock drafts have the enigmatic power forward slated No. 22-27. The most recent FanSided mock draft doesn’t even list him in the first round!

Brice projects to be a power forward in the NBA, standing 6-11 and weighing 230 pounds. Coming into his senior campaign there were questions about his defensive versatility and his ability to consistently make 15-18 footers. He improved in both of those areas, utilizing his athleticism on both ends of the ball to his maximum potential. His array of skills were on full display against Florida State in early January when he posted 39 points and 23 rebounds while shooting 14-16 from the field as well.

Johnson projects as a high-energy power forward who can rebound and block shots at a high rate. He likely won’t be a starter in the next couple years, but given the right scenario could turn into a pivotal role player for a playoff team.

To read more about Brice Johnson, click here.

Next: 3. Patrick McCaw

Home/NBA