2014 NBA Draft: Players Who Landed In Ideal Spots
By Bryce Olin
Mar 29, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Nick Johnson (13) shoots the final shot against Wisconsin Badgers guard Traevon Jackson (12) during overtime in the finals of the west regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Honda Center. The Badgers defeated the Wildcats 64-63. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Johnson: Houston Rockets
I know Johnson was a second-rounder and there are plenty of other better players in the draft. Johnson fills a void on a possible title contender and he’s the perfect fit for the Rockets. Houston is going all out to sign a big-name free agent this offseason, so they’re trying to build a team of players who can contribute. Johnson should be one of those guys.
He’s a great athlete and a solid defender. At best, he’s probably a backup combo guard, but that’s exactly what the Rockets need. They couldn’t stop the Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs last season. Johnson can step in right away and have an impact on the defensive end of the floor.
Johnson is an average outside shooter. He struggled in big games, but he also made a lot of huge shots for Arizona. He’s a guy you want to have on your team. For Johnson, Houtson is a perfect fit because he doesn’t have to do everything offensively like he did at Arizona. There are great players around him and he’ll be able to play off them without worrying about carrying the offense.