NBA Preview: All-NBA Rookie Sleeper Team
Mar 29, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Nick Johnson (13) shoots the ball against Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) during the second half in the finals of the west regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
SG – Nick Johnson, Houston Rockets
Selected: Round 2, Pick 42
Honorable Mention: Jordan Adams, Gary Harris
Even though the Rockets struggled to land marquee free agents during the 2014 NBA Offseason, they may have struck gold on yet another 2nd round pick in the draft.
Nick Johnson may not be your prototypical floor general by any means, but he’s an excellent combo guard that can come off the bench and score points in bunches, as evident by his recent Orlando Summer League performance.
The Arizona product averaged 15.8 points, 5 assists, 6.2 rebounds and shot 45 percent from the field, wowing teams with his superhero-like athleticism and surprisingly adept perimeter defense.
Now with Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik parting ways this summer, Johnson has the green light to become the team’s go-to scorer in the second unit, and should have impressive averages if he’s able to convince head coach Kevin McHale he’s worthy of the role.