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2019 NBA Mock Draft: Fallout from Zion Williamson’s injury gives others a chance to shine

By Brendon Kleen

SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Cam Reddish #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts to a made three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Cam Reddish #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts to a made three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 09: Keldon Johnson #3 of Kentucky Wildcats celebrates against the Southern Illinois Saluki at Rupp Arena on November 9, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 09: Keldon Johnson #3 of Kentucky Wildcats celebrates against the Southern Illinois Saluki at Rupp Arena on November 9, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

11. player. 69. . F. Kentucky. Keldon Johnson

The irony of the Pelicans potentially landing the two-way wing they always needed in the Anthony Davis era the very summer the Davis era ends is not lost on us. However, Johnson truly is the type of high-upside prospect that a rebuilding team should covet. Several anonymous college coaches said as much to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic this week in the first edition of Vecenie’s annual coaches’ poll:

“If he can become a guy that really buys in and values defending, he is definitely a pro,” the coach told Vecenie. “He’s someone who will excel at that level if he prioritizes defense.

“I thought he’d coast along on his offense and not lock in defensively. He played hard, though. … He’s trying really hard. And as long as he tries, he’s physically gifted enough to really guard the ball.”

Johnson indeed is shooting 40 percent 3 and has shown he can get hot in an instant. The freshman has legit 3-point range and intelligently attacks closeouts, making the right pass and unleashing a nice floater on the move around the basket. As the coach alluded to, Johnson is a harder player to guard than we would have imagined.

“More competitive than I thought,” another coach told Vecnie. “More locked in than I thought.”

The same applies to Kentucky as a whole. The Wildcats are a surprise national title contender and Johnson is their best two-way player as a freshman.

Check out our full scouting report on Keldon Johnson.

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