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5 Players The Indiana Pacers Should Consider Taking With 11th Pick

By Cameron Stewart

Mar 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) works against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) during the second half of the SEC Conference Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) works against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) during the second half of the SEC Conference Tournament championship game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) cuts down the net after the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Oregon Ducks at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Wildcats defeated the Ducks 80-52. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) cuts down the net after the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Oregon Ducks at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Wildcats defeated the Ducks 80-52. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Stanley Johnson

Arizona (FR.)

6’7″ 242 lbs

College per game stats: 13.8 ponts, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 steals. 44.6/37.1/74.2 shooting percentage splits.

GIF that will make you want Johnson on your team:

Via SBNation
Via SBNation /

Why The Pacers Should Pick Johnson:

If you were to build an elite perimeter defender, you might start off with Stanley Johnson’s frame. At an Artest-like 6’7 and 242 lbs with a 6’11 wingspan, Johnson has all the tools to be an elite perimeter defender, which is important considering the last two NBA Finals MVPs have made their mark on the defensive end. Head coach Frank Vogel has valued defense more than anything in his time in Indiana, and Johnson might be his dream wing. Drafting Johnson might give us a glimpse at what a Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combination wreaking havoc on the wings would’ve looked like had the Pacers not traded the pick Leonard was taken with for George Hill.

While thinking about Johnson’s defensive potential is drool-inducing, he’s no one trick pony. Johnson’s calling card will likely be defense, but he’s talented offensively as well. Even though his size might make you think he relies on bully-ball tactics to get points, that’s not the case. He’s a streaky shooter who shot a respectable 37.1% from deep while attempting 3.1 of them a game. He could have issues shooting at the next level due to his low release point and lacks arc, but we’ve seen less-than-perfect mechanics be effective. He’s not super explosive but he’s a freight train once he gets going. He finishes well in transition and has nice leaping ability. He’s constantly looking to get out on the break, which has been an issue for the Pacers over the last few years.

Johnson is one of those players whose competitiveness and motor make him fun to watch. He’s constantly making the extra effort and when you’re adding that to his size and above-average athleticism, he’s the type of player that a fan base loves. Whether it’s diving out of bounds to make the save, hustling for rebounds most players would’ve given up on, or getting on the floor and fighting for a loose ball, his energy and competitive drive are surefire ways to ignite his team and the fans in the arena. Simply put, he’s a player who you can tell is giving his all all of the time, and as a fan or a teammate, that’s all you can ask for.

Whatever team drafts Johnson towards the end of the lottery should be excited. We’ve learned over the years how helpful it is to have an elite skill that’s valued at the NBA-level. Johnson’s frame and athleticism is reminiscent of top-tier defenders such as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Ron Artest. 3-and-D wings are among the most valued player-types in the league and Johnson can be one of the better ones in the league if he continues to improve his jump shot.

Next: Bobby Portis

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