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Chicago Bulls: 5 worst NBA Draft picks in franchise history

By James D. Tillman III

Feb 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) loses control of the ball while shooting against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) loses control of the ball while shooting against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) celebrates a three point basket in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Heat won 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: James Johnson (2009)

Coming off a season that ended with a seven-game loss to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, the Bulls selected James Johnson from Wake Forest with the 16th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Johnson’s stint in the Windy City would prove to be a short one. In fact, he donned the red and black for just two seasons. During that less-than-impressive stretch, he averaged just 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest.

Johnson has since played for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and most recently, the Miami Heat. While his many stops bring the term “journeyman” to mind, Johnson finally reached his potential in 2016-17 — a season that saw him post averages 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.

If Johnson had played this well early on in his career, his stint with the team would have lasted longer than it did.

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