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

2021 NBA Mock Draft — 18. Keon Johnson, Oklahoma City Thunder

This is probably the lower end of Keon Johnson’s draft range. For much of the summer he has been talked about as a potential top-10 pick, with evaluators raving about his athleticism and upside. For OKC, that’s an easy sell. This is one of three top-20 picks for OKC, so making a home-run swing is sensible.

Johnson didn’t play basketball full-time until high school, which indicates a high trajectory and quick learning curve. He has a long way to go skill-wise, but he can already get downhill and play above the rim as well as any guard in this draft. His explosiveness hints at significant potential if he can clean up his handles and smooth over his jump shot. OKC has a long history of drafting high-level athletes who aren’t quite skilled enough to play their positions yet.

While he figures out the offense, Johnson’s primary value will come on the defensive end. He does an effective job weaponizing his athleticism on that side of the ball, with plus instincts and hustle. He can blow up passing lanes, or use his 6-foot-7 wingspan to stifle ball-handlers. As a rookie, he would ultimately serve in a bench role behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Bouknight.

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