5 picks from the 2021 NBA Draft that could surprise us
By Dan Bennett
2021 NBA draft picks with potential to surprise: 5. Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson was forecast as a high lottery pick for some time leading up to the draft, but fell away towards the end and ended up being picked 20th by the Atlanta Hawks.
The 19-year-old lit up Summer League with some incredible displays of athleticism. One of the player comparisons draft experts and reporters drew to Johnson prior to the draft was Aaron Gordon, and it’s not hard to see why.
Like Gordon, Johnson possesses an incredible vertical and ability to dunk. He also has the speed to get out in transition and catch lob passes and, on top of that, flashes potential as a solid playmaker and defender. If it all comes together, the Hawks may well have got themselves the steal of the draft.
Johnson falling as far as 20th was a surprise. Leading up to the draft, some had predicted he might fall out of the lottery, but to go as low down the order as he didn’t seem like a fair reflection on his ability.
The knocks on him were his shooting, which can be described as inconsistent at best, and the fact he suffered a foot injury and ended up leaving Duke early, only playing 22 games in college.
But Johnson has all the physical tools to be a really good player in the NBA. He has landed in a great spot in Atlanta where he can play without too much pressure to start his career, while his versatility means he can plug in at different spots. He’s also got a great creator behind him in the backcourt in Trae Young, who is the perfect lob partner.