2018 NBA Draft: 2-way versatility adds to intrigue of Alize Johnson
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4641ad9d90e425d06b1b599cd295b88b0328d15c2473d4b94730d84c2ee3b91c.jpg)
Awards and honors:
- MVC Newcomer of the Year (2017)
- 2× First-team All-MVC (2017, 2018)
- Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball (2014)
as per wikipedia
Pro comparison:
Kevin O’Connor offers up James Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jonas Jerebko as his comparable NBA talents to Johnson.
The most intriguing of these is James Johnson. Much like Alize, James has a complete game where he can effect play on either side of the floor. And, the two also have the tendency to lose focus.
I’ve witnessed games where James Johnson was the best player on the court and his overall skills led to wins. I’ve also witnessed games where James seemingly disappeared or made terrible turnovers which cost his team the win.
Whoever lands Alize needs to pull up game film of James Johnson to demonstrate just how effective and tragic this combination can be.
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Current ranking:
ESPN/DraftExpress: 60th
The Ringer: 53rd
Draft Net: 55th
CBS Sports: 70th
Sports Illustrated: 61st
Basketball Insider: 62nd
Fit with OKC Thunder:
Listen, for as much as I’ve witnessed both sides of James Johnson the reality is having a player of his ilk on a team is a big plus. While part of the knock on Alize is he does a bunch of things well but nothing great. With a young prospect that can be a blessing and a curse. But, let’s view this from another perspective. many of these prospects do one thing well and are negatives in most other areas.
With Alize Johnson he already has made strides in multiple categories. Project that into a professional system where the development coaches can concentrate his efforts to build specific areas from decent to stellar. Moreover, putting those items on a timetable will also serve to focus his work to fit the team’s system.
Depending on how comfortable you are with the OKC Thunder development staff and Billy Donovan that makes Alize Johnson an extremely intriguing prospect.
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I guess Magic Johnson may view Alize the same way as I do because rumors out of LA are Magic is covetous of landing the big man later in the draft. But, if Johnson remains on the board at 53 or 57 he definitely warrants consideration by Sam Presti.