7
Keon Johnson Freshman, Guard, Tennessee
11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.4 blocks, 45% fg, 27% 3pt, 26 mpg
Oklahoma City could go a number of ways with this pick, but with a boatload of first round picks over the next few years at their disposal, they can afford to roll the dice on high-ceiling player. A ton of analysts and scouts are incredibly high on Johnson for his elite athleticism and finishing around the rim.
In a limited role at Tennessee, Johnson certainly showed flashes of elite talent, but I am not as keen on him as others.
There is no doubt that Johnson’s talent is there, but the inconsistency of his three point shot is concerning. It is incredibly hard in today’s NBA to be an elite guard without the ability to shoot the deep ball. Johnson projects to be capable of improving from behind the arc, but much of his future will rely on this development. If Johnson does find his range, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Johnson could make up a phenomenal young backcourt for the Thunder.
8
Scottie Barnes Freshman, Forward, FSU
10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 50% fg, 28% 3pt, 25 mpg
Scottie Barnes quietly had a phenomenal season with the Florida State Seminoles, serving as a playmaker and defensive anchor. In a limited role, Barnes showed off his solid defense, elite playmaking at forward, and good rebounding.
However, what will be the biggest barrier to his success will be his lack of offensive game. Barnes is a poor jump shooter and does not have great inside scoring touch. Even if he never finds his offensive game, Barnes could still be a valuable role player as a defender and facilitator. But if the scoring does come along, Barnes has star potential.
Toronto is in a very strange position now, with their long-time franchise player likely to leave in free agency and a poor 2020-2021 season. There isn’t a clear direction that Toronto should look to go, as of now, so a gamble on Barnes makes a lot of sense. Masai Ujiri has experience with a player very similar to Barnes in Pascal Siakam. In fact, Barnes is coming into the NBA younger and with more talent than Siakam had.