2019 NBA Mock Draft: Is R.J. Barrett right for the Knicks?
. G/F. Kentucky. Keldon Johnson. 9. player. 170
Just keep shooting. That’s what Kentucky’s coaching staff and the other people guiding Johnson’s career should be telling him. The key to Johnson’s eventual future in the NBA is his ability to nail a high volume of 3-pointers to space the floor for playmakers. So far, he’s done that at Kentucky.
Despite opening conference play shooting 2-of-8 from deep, Johnson still resides at just below 43 percent from deep this season. He has, however, upped his free throw percentage by making six straight to balance out projects on his shot moving forward. Johnson already looks great on catch-and-shoot 3s, getting his feet set before leaping and launching with picture-perfect form. While the beginning of his motion could probably start higher, his overall release is quick, strong and consistent.
Should he keep this up as we expect, Johnson’s floor jumps way up. It would make the freshman a legitimate 3-and-D option right away, with elite length and size that could make him playable early in his career. A basic comparison might be to relate his high floor and elite shooting to Mikal Bridges’ game.
Charlotte needs modern players. Its roster was infused by former general manager Rich Cho with players with bygone skill sets, from Nicolas Batum to Frank Kaminsky. The Hornets need to buzz again. Get some versatility on this team. Go with Johnson.