Post by jhb on Mar 31, 2021 9:09:36 GMT -5
Ervin Johnson
C
6'11"
245
25
New Orleans
If you're looking for an upside project, you're looking in the wrong place here. This old man will be pushing 30 by the time his rookie deal is done, but he is a ready-made and well-rounded prospect who will be able to contribute to any competing teams lucky enough to have a good wheel slot.
Johnson quit playing basketball as a tenth grader and had worked three years in a supermarket post-high school before he realized that his late growth spurt that took him from 6'3" to 6'11" might mean that he should give basketball another chance. After walking into try-outs for the New Orleans Privateers, he became a scholarship player on site as the team lacked any real height. All Johnson did was reward the Privateers by taking them to 87 wins, two NCAA tournaments, and a NIT appearance. He left school as their all-time second leading scorer (and most efficient one, leading them in all-time FG%), first in double doubles, first in rebounds, eighth in steals, and first in blocks. He was a three time All-Conference Player and won Conference POY as a senior.
Johnson showed rapid development in his return to basketball once he arrived at New Orleans. By the time he was a senior, he showed a well-developed post game and a soft touch around the rim. After struggling with his shooting mechanics, he became more consistent and made close to 70% of his free throws in his last two seasons of college while also becoming a threat to hit his jumper out to the elbows. He isn't much of a passer and was generally the end of the line once the ball got to him but that worked since he was so efficient, converting over 60% of his chances in his final two seasons of college ball.
Scouts also complement his willingness as a defender and rebounder. Johnson isn't an exceptional leaper, but he showed great timing to block shots and he had the requisite strength and quickness to body up most players as a post defender. He has the athleticism to help on pick and rolls and hedge and switch without being exploited; he also showed great recovery speed to close the roll man down after hedging picks.
While Johnson may not add much more to his game at 25 years old, he's certainly well-rounded and should be a rotation player for any team on Day 1.