Milwaukee Bucks: Options at No. 31
By Phil Watson
Mar 29, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Nick Johnson (13) shoots the ball against Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) during the second half in the finals of the west regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Johnson, SG, Arizona
Johnson, 21, is a 6-foot-3, 198-pound shooting guard who opted to leave college after his junior year.
Johnson averaged 16.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals in 33 minutes per game for the Wildcats, shooting a slash line of .432/.367/.781.
He improved his stock at the draft combine, measuring with a longer-than-expected 6-foot-7½-inch wingspan, but he’s still smallish for the shooting guard spot.
He’s not a natural playmaker, though, so a move to the point is unlikely. He’s a phenomenal athlete with great explosiveness and he’s a terrific defender, in spite of his size limitations.
He is an aggressive defensive player, though, and can get caught out of position against dribble penetration.
Offensively, his efficiency went down as a junior as he took on a bigger role in the Arizona offense and he can be reckless going to the basket—as evidenced by the critical offensive foul he committed in the final seconds of the Wildcats’ Elite Eight loss to Wisconsin.
But he can be effective in the open floor, with his speed and leaping ability allowing him to get to the rim on run outs. He’s good in catch-and-shoot situations, but not an adept ball-handler, so he can struggle to create his own shot.
Projected to come off the board: No. 31-undrafted.