OKC Thunder NBA draft prospect profile: Explosive athlete -Keon Johnson

Pro Comparison:

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor was keen on Johnson early and projects him to align with a player like Latrell Sprewell. If you’re old enough to remember him Sprewell was someone who fille up the stat sheet and could be a nightmare for opposing teams when his shot was dropping.

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Other players analysts tap as who Johnson resembles are Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Gary Harris which speaks to the defensive upside projected for Johnson.

OKC Thunder fit:

Although I was a huge Sprewell fan, I wouldn’t select Johnson over other prospects like Scottie Barnes or Jonathan Kuminga if they are available with the sixth pick.

Johnson would fit the timeline of the current OKC Thunder but he doesn’t necessarily fit with the starting core and the hope would be the sixth pick would provide a starting-caliber player either now or grow into being that. Nor do I think Johnson is the ideal backcourt partner for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Bottom line – for teams who are rebuilding it’s always wise to select the best talent available and while I like the projected ceiling of Johnson I don’t believe he’ll be the best prospect at sixth.