2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers

Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft
Keon Johnson, NBA Draft Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Indiana Pacers draft a perfect fit in Keon Johnson

Keon Johnson is very high on a lot of draft boards. Typically, you’ll find him anywhere from 6-10, and the Pacers get great value here by nabbing him at 13.

The Pacers need more perimeter defense, and while Keon Johnson is raw in a lot of areas, defense is not one of them.

Johnson gives the Pacers not just a terrorizer on defense but an explosive backcourt player who will relentlessly attack the rim.

There is so much more room for Keon Johnson to grow.

NBA Draft – Keon Johnson NBA player comparisons

  • Smaller Ron Artest
  • Lonnie Walker IV
  • Shannon Brown

Keon Johnson didn’t begin to play organized basketball until high school. While in college in Tennessee, Johnson started 17 of the 27 games he played.

Despite his lack of experience, Johnson is already one of the best defenders from this NBA Draft. Just a relentless motor, overwhelming quickness, and fantastic ability to suffocate any space, Johnson is going to find a role in the NBA no matter what, simply because of his defense.

Johnson’s relentless motor and competitive nature are the foundations for his future success.

On offense, he’s fearless going to the rim and will not shy away from contact. He gives the Pacers a nice different approach from their more finesse scorers like Malcolm Brogdon and Caris LeVert.

There’s obviously a long way to go for Johnson on offense. He doesn’t have many moves or much technique to his game with the ball in his hands.

He has a lot to figure out with his decision-making and shot selection, but he has some great players to learn from in Brogdon and LeVert.

There is a lot of potential there, and like Patrick Williams in last year’s draft, you don’t need to have an expansive role in college for teams to see the talent.

The Pacers get someone who can help their defense in the present and potentially grow into a dynamic scorer for the future.