Nick Johnson's (Arizona Wildcats) NBA Potential?
He is a fringe NBA player in my opinion. There are a lot of undersized guys like him who can shoot. I think he can make it but it is going to take somebody taking a chance on him which is unlikely. He looks to be much more aggressive and confident this year and his team looks good which gives him more looks than before but he will be a 2nd round pick at best.
I think he can make it if he continues improving his point skills, especially his handle. He's a good defender, very athletic, an improving shooter with good intangibles. If he does make it, it'll probably be as a reserve, 3rd guard at best though.
Nick Johnson's the smarter player, with better intangibles and he has combo guard skills. Shannon was strictly an undersized 2. Another thing that Nick has going for him is that, unless 'Zona gets another PG transfer, he's locked in as the teams' PG for next yr as well.
I think he has a shot at declaring in 2014 though if he stays on his current path of improvement as a PG.
I believe when it comes down to being looked at as a draft prospect, his situation will be like Nolan Smith. Nolan came in as a SG and was never expected to become Dukes PG and this will work in Nick's favor if he can improve his ball handling skills after this season.
One thing ill give him is that he is very much improved from last year and seems to really be listening to Sean Miller so at this point i think he can make it in the league even though his ceiling is limited. As a defensive player he has potential to be great, i like the Avery Bradley comparison but Nick has to get stronger. His shooting and passing are definitely his biggest improvements this year so if he doesn't lose his confidence, and stays in college another year, i think he can be an impact player off the bench or a shooting/defensive specialist.
Shannon Brown is a very nice comparison. Especially seeing how Johnson has the same kinda fringe PG skills and is an undersized 2 guard. I do think needs to continue to prove he can be a knock down shooter, but he has taken a good step in that direction this year so far
Courtney Lee is my comparison. Lee's a bit bigger, Johnson's a more capable setup man but on the similar side, they have short arms for basketball players relative to their height, are fantastic athletes with springs that allow them to elevate to their peak instantaneously and possess handles they don't seem confident with in traffic.
How good could he become in the NBA? Hes an undersized 2, stuck in a PG's body. Johnson does have a high basketball IQ , possess NBA athleticism and shoots a high % from 3. What are your thoughts about his pro future? Thanks