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NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 30 prospects in 2021

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys reacts against the Oregon State Beavers during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

2021 NBA Draft: 9. Jalen Johnson compares to Marcus Morris Sr.

The criticism for Jalen Johnson was seemingly endless. With three weeks left in Duke’s season and things not going exactly according to plan, Johnson decided to forgo the rest of his freshman season in preparation for the 2021 NBA Draft. While his character has been assassinated, his overall game is still one that should have scouts drooling.

Johnson’s closest NBA comparison is Marcus Morris Sr. For most of his career, Morris Sr. was forced to take a backseat to more talented players. That, in turn, has made his stats somewhat underwhelming. But while his scoring average has mostly hovered around 13-14 points a game, he truly took off during his time with the Knicks.

It may have been for half of the 2019-20 season, but Morris Sr. showed what he could do when the spotlight was on him, he averaged over 19 points a game, 43.9% from distance and a respectable 44.2% from the field.

When he’s fully developed, Johnson will mirror that sort of player, only more efficient. Scoring is just effortless for him. He connected on 52.3% of his shots from the field and 44.4% from distance. He may have played only 21.4 minutes a night but he was still able to pump in 11.2 points per game. He’ll be ready from day one.