New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on March 21

3. Keldon Johnson, Kentucky

Slash Line: 10-for-16, 3-for-5/2-for-3
Stat Line: 25 points, 6 rebounds

A landslide win for Kentucky saw them succeed without PJ Washington, who missed the game due to injury. That gave Keldon Johnson an opening to take over for head coach John Calipari’s team, and the freshman forward did not disappoint.

On 10-for-16 shooting, Johnson led the way with 25 points. He added three makes from behind the arc and six rebounds.

This became Johnson’s highest scoring mark since Nov. 23, when the Wildcats defeated Tennessee State. He had four other 20-point games, but nothing that topped what he did in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

NBADraft.net has this freshman as the seventh pick to the Memphis Grizzlies. If not there, he should float around the lottery, due to his 6-foot-6 frame that’s NBA-ready and smooth ability across the court. There is nothing standout about his game, but shooting from distance helps and outbursts like this will improve his stock.

Johnson projects as a middle-of-the-road starter or a reserve. While arguably a safe pick, the New York Knicks should pick out-of-range when it comes to this Kentucky player. This draft class is chaotic after the top, however, so landing in the late lottery is in his favor.