For the majority of the 2018-19 season, I considered Keldon Johnson a lottery pick. I still believe that he is a lottery talent, but it appears that he is one player that could fall on draft night. A playoff team like the Celtics would love to pick him up at this point in the draft.
Johnson, the 2018-19 SEC Rookie of the Year, averaged 13.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. He showed during his one season at Kentucky that he can shoot the ball from the three-point line and play defense well. He might be able to carve a “3&D” role in the NBA, although I do think he can do a bit more with the ball in his hands.
The Celtics have a lot of question marks surrounding them this summer. I’m not sure if they will keep all of their draft picks, but if they do, Johnson is a guy that I can see making an impact for them pretty early on. It would be in a minimal role, but he’s too talented to not play.
If Johnson does indeed slip during draft night, he could end up being a major steal for a team, like Boston, late in the first round.