NBA Draft Spotlight: Cam Johnson

An early departure won’t take away from the breakout season of Carolina sharpshooter Cam Johnson. The timing was perfect, setting him up for a pick somewhere in the 25-35 range in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Strengths:

• Great size for a wing. Should have no problem sliding over to play four in smaller lineups
• Lights-out shooter from mid-range and three. One of the best spot-up shooters in college basketball that is also tough to guard coming off down screens. Always finds a way to get square to the rim and gets his high release off in a hurry at his size
• Underrated defender. Moves a lot better than he did a year ago when he was battling some injuries. Covers a lot of ground laterally and knows how to contest without fouling
• High-IQ player that won’t complain about his role. Makes the necessary passes, regularly is in the right position on the help side, and communicates well

Weaknesses:

• Improved handling ability, but still not likely to use it for more than attacking wild close outs. Very little wiggle. Long strides allow him to only need a dribble or two to gather. Teams will look to run him off the line
• Has to add more strength if he is going to make the most of a role as a stretch four. Has always played on the wing but guarded some bigger forwards. The task of stopping physical bigs will be greater in the NBA
• More than just a shooter but less than a shot-creator. His offense is predicated on finding his jumper, which he can do off the ball really well. One-on-one creativity is below-average, typically looking for a quick step back or straight line drive
• Average athlete at best. Quickness guarding on the wing has been an issue at times when he closes out with too upright of a stance. Needs to hold true to his defensive fundamentals given the fact that he is not an overwhelming athlete. Craftiness offensively will need to be his calling card