NBA: Predicting The 2016 All-Rookie Team
By Julius Lasin
Dec 6, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) prepares to pass the ball during the second half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McKale Center. Arizona won 66-63 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Small Forward: Stanley Johnson
Once seen as a top-five selection, Stanley Johnson slid down draft boards due to a combination of a lack elite athleticism and a consistent jump shot, but luckily for Johnson, he was drafted by the Pistons, a team in need of an answer at small forward.
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In addition to the lack of competition at his position, Johnson is sure to benefit from the group of players around him, all of whom can cloak the deficiencies in his game. With Reggie Jackson and Brandon Jennings the being the focal points on offense, and Jodie Meeks spacing the floor, Johnson should also be able to ease himself into the offense, rather than carry the load like he did at the University of Arizona.
What that means is that Johnson can spend the majority of his energy on the defensive end, where he is an absolute bulldog, routinely outmuscling smaller adversaries and beating bigger players to the spots. On the offensive end, Johnson will be able to make a living off of basket cuts and occasional post-ups, while he continues to refine his outside shot and ball handling.
And if Johnson can become a lockdown defender, while scoring efficiently, there’s no reason to believe that he will be on the All-Rookie team come season’s end.
Next: Power Forward