Detroit Pistons: 3 goals for Stanley Johnson in 2018-19

2. Make an All-Defensive team

Johnson will likely never be an elite offensive player just based on what we’ve seen so far. However, he has the ability to be an elite defender. He can effectively guard four positions, which is rare in the NBA. On a team that’s looking to change its identity with more defensive-minded players, Johnson can lead the charge. When looking at the All-Defensive teams from last season, Johnson has the tools to join their tier.

He will be tasked with guarding opposing team’s top wing players every night if he starts. He’ll be put under a microscope, and he needs to have his best year yet. While he shouldn’t completely give up on offense, he should put his focus on defense. Similar to how Andre Roberson is used with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Johnson can fill that role. Reggie Jackson, Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond can lead the charge on offense, while Johnson locks in on defense.

Wing defenders are more prevalent than ever. When looking at wing players that received votes last season, Paul George, Roberson, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo were just some of the players on the list. Johnson doesn’t have the star power of that group, but he can join their level on defense. If he doesn’t improve on offense this season, he can make up for it on the defensive end.