Post by jhb on Mar 15, 2021 10:45:25 GMT -5
Amir Johnson
PF
6'10"
205
18
Westchester (HS)
One of the less heralded high school prospects to make the leap in this class, Johnson comes in as the 17th highest ranked HS recruit in 2005. Scouts love his athletic potential, showing off long arms, nice leaping ability, and great ability to run the floor. Right now that athleticism is just being used to be a high school highlight reel, dunking on opponents in transition and appearing seemingly out of nowhere to reject opponents' shots. But right now his fundamentals (especially offensively) are still very green.
Johnson has poor form on his shot, but that doesn't stop him from making jumpers, even all the way out to TMBSL three point distance. He's the type of prospect at this point where the results far exceed the process shooting-wise so whoever drafts him will have to decide if his current success is sustainable or if they want to retool that shooting form. Johnson relies on his athleticism mostly at this point to get points in the paint, but he has shown some post moves and uses his quickness to spin for easy layups with fair success. His hook shot is also well beyond his age and has some potential. He'll need to add strength to continue to make those things work and grow as a scorer at the next level.
Defensively, Johnson should be able to make a place for himself in the league even if the offensive game doesn't progress as much as scouts may hope. While he doesn't have elite length, his explosiveness makes up for it. He uses his quick feet and hands to be disruptive and he certainly has all the athletic tools to be a good defender as he expands his basketball IQ and learns how to play team defense at the next level. Again, adding strength will be the key here to unlocking his full potential.
Johnson is certainly tantalizing in terms of upside as an 18 year old and one of the youngest players in the draft. Him getting to work in the weight room and focusing will be the key to seeing what he can ultimately become.