Nick Johnson Was A Terrific Pick By the Rockets

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The Houston Rockets may have found another diamond in the rough when they selected guard Nick Johnson in the 2nd round of the 2014 NBA Draft this past June. If you recall, the Rockets selected Chandler Parsons in the second round a few years ago in the 2011 NBA Draft. Parsons turned out to be a steal, as he excelled in Houston by showcasing his all-around skills. Now, Parsons is a restricted free agent and could by leaving to go to Dallas, but that’s a different story. This story is about another possible gem the Rockets have found.

Nick Johnson had a successful college career at Arizona. He was well-known around the country and helped Arizona to many many victories over the course of his career. In his junior year at Arizona, Johnson averaged 20.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per 40 minutes pace adjusted with a PER of 21.9. Johnson was a major part of the offense at Arizona and relied upon heavily. Johnson was also a leader at Arizona and helped the Wildcats earn a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Johnson is only about 6 foot-3 and weighs 198 pounds. For a shooting guard, he is undersized and that could be a problem for Johnson. Nick Johnson lacks the playmaking ability of a point guard, as well. Though he’s undersized, Johnson does have plenty of athleticism, toughness, and shooting ability. He has already shown his ability to elevate for dunks at the Orlando NBA Summer League.

At the moment, Johnson is 21 years old (will turn 22 on December 22), so he has plenty of potential to get better. After a great college career, Johnson is looking to find similar success in the NBA, and he may find it. He’s played terrific basketball for the Houston Rockets at the Orlando NBA Summer League. Not only has Johnson showcased his tremendous athleticism and toughness, but also his defense. He’s been aggressive defensively and given opposing players difficulty. Currently, Johnson is averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 30 minutes per game through three games. Johnson has been the lone star for the Rockets in the Orlando NBA Summer League.

Of course, it’s only the NBA Summer League and no one should get too excited, but Nick Johnson could be the biggest steal of the 2014 NBA Draft. I’m not saying he’ll be an immediate star, or even starter, but he will make in impact from the start. His athleticism, toughness, and leadership combined with how he has played and what he has shown so far in the Orlando NBA Summer League should get the Rockets’ fan base excited. No, he won’t start in year one or even two, but Johnson could be a very important player off the bench. Some may not care for the role players in the league, but depth and production off the bench are two keys to winning an NBA Championship (just look at the San Antonio Spurs). Johnson could, and will, provide valuable minutes off the bench for Houston, if given the chance.

After years of college success, Nick Johnson was drafted in the second round by the Rockets. Now, as he continues to produce well in the Orlando NBA Summer League, Nick Johnson is showing once again that he can make an impact in the NBA. At the end of the day, Johnson may be undersized for a shooting guard, but his overall skills, athleticism, and toughness are overcoming that.

Stats used in this article are via draftexpress.com and NBA.com and are accurate as of 10:16 AM EST on June 10th, 2014.