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

By Tamberlyn Richardson

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 01: Missouri State Bears forward Alize Johnson (24), right, goes up for a shot during the second half of an MVC Tournament basketball game. The Missouri State Bears defeated the Valparaiso Crusaders 83-79 on March 1, 2018, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 01: Missouri State Bears forward Alize Johnson (24), right, goes up for a shot during the second half of an MVC Tournament basketball game. The Missouri State Bears defeated the Valparaiso Crusaders 83-79 on March 1, 2018, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 17: Alize Johnson talks to the media during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Skills:

When dialed in the potential is undeniable. Few prospects can serve up games of 20-20 and Johnson not only accomplished this, but made it look easy doing it.

Johnson has a versatile offense although he’ll need to improve both his efficiency and moves using his weaker left hand.

In today’s game his skillset could blossom since he is a decent ball handler and distributor as a big. Moreover as you’ll see in the following video he’s not averse to grabbing the rebound and going end to end. With the increased pace and systems who employ multiple ball handlers Johnson projects to be an intriguing add on quite a few teams.

Defensively, Johnson is a bit frustrating. One day he’ll grab 20 rebounds and defend using his footwork, lateral speed and athleticism. Then on antoher day he’ll get bodied in the paint, lose focus of his teammates (read: doesn’t share the ball) and defensively doesn’t provide effort.

If he combines his focus in concert with his skill he projects to be a player who could be a 2-way player in this league. That alone would make him a candidate for a long pro career.

Weaknesses:

Defensively Johnson has a long way to go before he can truly measure up to the 2-way category. Although he’s earmarked to be precisely that – a 2-way contributor. This came via his double-double showings. That said Johnson still needs to refine much of his game to reach that pinnacle.

Specifically, Johnson has a tendency to take care of his own game and forget his assets work to improve those he’s on the court with. So, mindset is something he’ll need to work on. That sounds simple, but for a player used to ‘getting his’ it’s not as simple as it sounds.

Like most rookies he needs to add strength and size to deal with the bigger NBA bodies. And, for as dominant as he’s shown himself to be on the boards (at times) his skillset projects to make him a far more talented rebounder, rim protector and defender than he’s demonstrated.

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