2021 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Pistons make right choice, movement in top-10

2021 NBA Mock Draft — 16. Jalen Johnson, Oklahoma City Thunder

There have been reports of potential “character issues” with Jalen Johnson, who left Duke early and bounced between different high schools before that. Frankly, his decision to leave Duke, and whatever decisions he made before that in high school, are likely justifiable and human. That’s not a good reason to dock a talented player. OKC is smart enough to look past it, given Johnson’s tremendous upside and fit.

Comparisons to Ben Simmons have come naturally for Johnson, a 6-foot-9 forward with elite transition playmaking and one critical halfcourt flaw — his jump shot. Johnson does not space the floor, and he may struggle to score at first, but his size, versatility, and upside are rare gifts. He already generates a ton of open looks for teammates, and should improve as a scorer over time.

The Thunder have a strong backcourt duo in Gilgeous-Alexander and Bouknight. The majority of the remaining roster is presently dedicated to long, multi-dimensional wings and forwards who can oscillate between positions. That is right up Johnson’s alley, especially when you consider the youth in OKC and the Thunder’s potential to simply out-run other teams.

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