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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts with forward Kennedy Meeks (3) in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts with forward Kennedy Meeks (3) in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

27. Brice Johnson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Chris Bosh

Safe Upside Comparison: Joe Smith

Position: Power Forward

Age: 21 (6/27/1994)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 230 pounds, 6’11”

Slash Line: .607/.000/.787

Season Averages: 26.3 MPG, 16.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 BPG, 1.2 SPG

Ever since the North Carolina Tar Heels lost 84-82 to the Texas Longhorns, Brice Johnson has been a monster. He’s emerged as a double-double machine, showing recent flashes of being a dependable shot-blocker and all-around rim protector.

As a player whose upside has been heralded since Day 1, this two-month period has thrust Johnson into Round 1.

Johnson has eight double-doubles in his past 11 appearances, including a 39-point and 23-rebound domination of the Florida State Seminoles. He hasn’t been dominant in all outings, but when given the green light, he’s provided a number of powerful performances.

If nothing else, Johnson has proven to have a place at the next level as an explosive finisher who can take over on the boards.

Just as Ivan Rabb fits the Chris Bosh mold, the same can be said for Brice Johnson. Johnson lacks Bosh’s shooting range, but he’s a committed player who crashes the boards, runs the floor well, has a great second jump, and will sacrifice his statistics for the betterment of the team.

Johnson is a center in a power forward’s body, and his short wingspan hurts his draft stock, but the development of a jump shot could give him a star’s future in the NBA.

Next: No. 30

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