Redrafting the 2019 NBA Draft: Injury concerns and flawed greatness

Keldon Johnson continues to build on his impressive 2021-22 season. He is firmly cemented as the Spurs’ No. 2 option, a versatile scoring forward who pairs nicely with the emergent Devin Vassell. A career 38.2 percent 3-point shooter, Johnson checks many of the 3-and-D boxes teams covet on the wing.

He continues to refine his shot profile (8.3 attempts per game from deep so far this season) while building, slowly but surely, on his ancillary repertoire. Johnson’s rebounding numbers are momentarily down but they should jump back up soon. His current career-high assist numbers, however, are more indicative of progress and a sign of the potential for further growth. He is adjusting well to a bigger and bigger role each season.

Listed at 6-foot-5, Johnson plays much bigger than his height thanks to his broad shoulders and muscular frame. Johnson has not ascended to the level of elite defender yet, but he’s switchable across several positions and capable of crashing the glass with real verve. He makes his presence felt on that side of the ball and has the physical tools to keep getting better.

A reliable 20-point scorer who projects as the second or third banana on a future winner, it’s fairly easy to peg Johnson in the top 10. He still needs to round out his skill set more than some of his contemporaries, but the athleticism and base talent are plain to see.