Detroit Pistons Draft Grades: Instant Reaction to Pick of Stanley Johnson
By Zac Snyder
It didn’t take long after the Detroit Pistons’ selection of small forward Stanley Johnson to come in for the instant analysis and draft grades to flow.
Here is a look at what is being said about the pick from around the internet.
"Two picks right in the mock! Stanley Johnson has the body of an NBA player. He’s powerful, and he uses that strength on the defensive end well. He has elite defensive skills, skills that should get him in Stan Van Gundy’s rotation sooner rather than later. What is he offensively? That remains to be seen. Johnson isn’t much of a ballhandler, nor is he a threat from the perimeter. It will take some coaching to develop him on that end. Fortunately, Van Gundy is one of the best teachers in the game. MOREGrade: B"
"The Pistons needed a wing. They just grabbed the wrong one. Yes, Stanley Johnson is a solid choice here: He’s big, physical and he can score. But with Justise Winslow on the board? I think that’s a big mistake. I see Winslow as the better prospect on both ends of the floor and in the locker room. The Pistons aren’t going to like my draft grades."
"Johnson became a high school phenom and a college standout by overpowering smaller wings off the dribble and finishing with aplomb in transition. He will still be capable on defense and dangerous in transition in the NBA, but it will be interesting to see how he fares facing defenders of his size and strength. A knock-down jumper would certainly help, and perhaps with time Johnson will develop one. Marc J. Spears’ grade: B"
"Detroit had a few options on where to go here, but they get the guy to potentially round out their starting five, already having Andre Drummond, Brandon Jennings, Ersan Ilyasova and (if they bring him back in restricted free agency) Reggie Jackson. Stanley Johnson has star potential, it’s just going to take a little bit of time to get it out of him.Decent shooter, good defender and was more comfortable playing a secondary role at Arizona this past season. Between Johnson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Pistons have options on who will play the 3 entering the season, but one of them will need to learn to shoot the three consistently. Whoever can do that will be the starting entering the year, I believe.Johnson’s a great pick here.Grade: B+"
"Passing up on Justise Winslow seems crazy and drops this to a B-range pick; however, Johnson´s overall skill set seems like a great fit for Stan Van Gundy´s system. High-upside player, even if Winslow might be better in the long run.Grade: B+"
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