Dakari Johnson: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

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Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Dakari Johnson (44) reacts after the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship semi-final game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Wisconsin won 71-64. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Weaknesses

One reason Johnson isn’t projected to go higher in the draft is his low ceiling. He doesn’t posses the lateral quickness or vertical explosiveness to make teams say, “This guy could be a difference maker every play on both ends of the court.” This is unlike a Kawhi Leonard who you can say does that. (Not to say the two players are alike in terms of their games.)

The problem for Johnson is the lack of “elite” athleticism means he’ll have trouble hedging on pick and rolls or when he gets switched onto a guard. He’ll have trouble defending anything on the perimeter.

Additionally, he’s limited offensively. Without the speed, you lose tons of potential fastbreak points, back-cuts and slashes throughout your NBA career. You just aren’t able to make those moves. He’s also limited in that he’ll need the ball fed to him in the post. He’ll probably make most his points off of putbacks, drop-off passes for dunks and free throws.

Next: Potential Fit

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