2019 NBA Mock Draft: Will the Knicks’ big gamble pay off?
86. . G/F. Kentucky. Keldon Johnson. 12. player
Since taking over for Tom Thibodeau, new Wolves coach Ryan Saunders has made defending the pick-and-roll a huge focus. He wants his point-of-attack defenders to direct the ball-handler away from the middle of the court and for his big men to keep a hand on the roller while also discouraging layups from opposing guards. The problem, despite getting back to basics generally being a smart plan for the young Wolves, is that Robert Covington is basically the only player on the roster able to execute Saunders’ defensive game plan consistently.
The guy Minnesota traded to get Covington was in that role previously, but Jimmy Butler is now in the City of Brotherly Love and won’t be guarding opposing playmakers for the Wolves any time soon. Josh Okogie, last year’s Minnesota first-round pick, is developing behind Covington and has been starting in his place since the former 76er injured his ankle. If Minnesota chooses to retain Saunders, whose installation has bumped up the team’s performance nicely, the front office needs to prioritize 3-and-D players in its free agent and draft efforts.
Saunders also wants to shoot more 3s and play in transition more often to take advantage of the skills of his centerpiece players, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Ideally, if you want better individual defense and to space the floor more consistently, you target players like Covington — and Johnson. The Kentucky product is shooting 42.5 percent from distance with a 61.3 true shooting percentage overall and the Wildcats’ offense is nearly 10 points better per 100 possessions when he is on the court.
While Johnson defensive impact hasn’t shown up statistically like it has on offense, his length and basketball IQ stand out as building blocks for a 3-and-D role in the NBA and help a team like the Wolves tremendously.