Jalen Johnson

Draft Notes

Johnson is a versatile player who can play on or off the ball and has legit point guard skills in a 6-9 frame. He excels at initiating the fast break and finding teammates and is a true quarterback of the offense/point forward.

There are a few orange flags with Johnson, as he missed most of his senior year of high school after transferring schools, was sidelined with a foot injury during his time at Duke and then left the program before the end of the season.

Despite these concerns Johnson is still a big time prospect. His length and athleticism allow him to defend multiple positions and he’s a high level rebounder who can hold is own in the paint. His rebounding translated early in his Duke career and his overall strength and athleticism really stood out.

• A heady player who makes good reads and is a skilled passer
• Has excellent speed and overall athleticism – plays above the rim with ease
• Has decent shooting form but is inconsistent. Could take some time to develop this aspect of his game and needs to speed up his jumper.
• Has the ability to post up smaller defenders and really uses his size and athleticism well to score in the lane.
• Has a smooth mid range game and a soft touch around the basket
• Crashes the boards well and can rip and run
• Has good length for a perimeter defender and can really lock down his man
• Defends at the rim well for a combo forward
• Is an overall versatile player on both ends of the floor

Comparisons

• Has Paul Pierce-like abilities, skills and frame.
• Tobias Harris

Draft Projection

mid lottery to mid first round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft

2021 Small Forwards

1. Scottie Barnes – 6-9 – Florida State
2. Jonathan Kuminga – 6-7 – G League (Congo)
3. Jalen Johnson – 6-9 – Duke
4. Franz Wagner – 6-9 – Michigan (Germany)
5. Corey Kispert – 6-7 – Gonzaga
6. Trey Murphy III – 6-9 – Virginia
7. Vrenz Bleijenbergh – 6-10 – Belgium
8. Ziaire Williams – 6-9 – Stanford
9. Aaron Henry – 6-6 – Michigan State
10. Herb Jones – 6-8 – Alabama
11. Isaiah Livers – 6-7 – Michigan
12. Kessler Edwards – 6-8 – Pepperdine
13. Chris Smith – 6-9 – UCLA
14. Eugene Omoruyi – 6-6 – Oregon
15. Sam Hauser – 6-8 – Virginia
16. Trendon Watford – 6-8 – LSU
17. Derrick Alston Jr. – 6-9 – Boise State
18. Alex Antetokounmpo – 6-7 – USA  
19. Emmitt Mathews Jr. – 6-7 – West Virginia