2018 NBA Draft: 2-way versatility adds to intrigue of Alize Johnson

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 02: Missouri State Bears forward Alize Johnson (24), left, and Southern Illinois Salukis guard Tyler Smithpeters (11) go after a loose ball during the first half of a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament basketball game between the Southern Illinois Salukis and the Missouri State Bears on March 2, 2018, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

With a tantalizing 2-way skillset can NBA Draft prospect Alize Johnson grow his came to become an integral part of a team’s system?

In the modern game players who can fill multiple roles on either side of the floor are essential. In Alize Johnson the NBA Draft prospect could very well project to become precisely that type of player.

There are flaws in his game, mostly tied to him not doing one specific thing well. But, when you are looking at second round prospects do you focus on a player who possibly could develop one asset in time? Or do you focus on a player with a demonstrated skillset to do multiple things well and with the right coaching improve each area?

That will be the questions GM ask themselves prior to drafting Alize Johnson who potentially could become a solid complimentary teammate. Initially, Johnson was expected to be right in the OKC Thunder range, but recent rumblings have the youngster moving up in the draft.

If that occurs General Manager Sam Presti may not get the opportunity to select him when the Thunder finally get to make their picks at 53 and 57.

Yet, if as you’ll see below AJ offers such an intriguing upside and full tool box it makes a solid argument to keep this youngeter on the Thunder’s short list.

Player specifics:

Height: 6’9″
Weight: 217 lbs
Wingspan: 6’8.75”
Position: Power Forward
Age: 22.3
College: Missouri State
Home town: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Statline:

Per Game Table
Season	Conf	G	MP	FG	FGA	FG%	2P%	3P	3PA	3P%	FT	FTA	FT%	ORB	DRB	TRB	AST	STL	BLK	PTS
2016-17	MVC	33	30.2	5.1	10.5	.488	.531	1.2	3.1	.388	3.3	4.9	.677	3.3	7.3	10.6	1.9	0.6	0.2	14.8
2017-18	MVC	33	31.2	5.2	12.1	.430	.516	1.2	4.4	.281	3.3	4.4	.759	3.2	8.5	11.6	2.8	0.5	0.4	15.0
Career		66	30.7	5.2	11.3	.457	.523	1.2	3.8	.325	3.3	4.6	.716	3.2	7.9	11.1	2.4	0.5	0.3	14.9

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/19/2018.

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