Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft Profile: David Johnson

With the Charlotte Hornets possibly losing Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk this off-season, guard depth could be a priority this off-season if both guards walk in free agency. The Hornets may be looking for cheap alternatives to play guard and a guard Charlotte could look at in the draft is Louisville product, David Johnson.

Age:20

Height w/shoes: 6’4.75’’

Weight: 203 lbs

Wingspan: 6’10.5’’

Vertical: 39’’

College Stats and Awards 

According to Basketball-Reference, Johnson averaged 12.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Johnson also elevated his three-point shooting from 21.7 percent as a freshman to 38.6 percent as a sophomore on 4.4 attempts per game. However, his overall field goal percentage did fall to 41 percent from 49 percent, with some of that due to an elevated responsibility in Louisville’s offense.

Johnson was an All-ACC honorable mention for the 2021 season.

Primary Strengths

Johnson is a versatile guard with a lot of tools and made big improvements from his freshman to sophomore season.

Johnson’s three-point percentage almost doubled from the previous season. He has sound mechanics and is comfortable shooting catch and shoot threes. Johnson is also very comfortable driving to the basket and uses his physical frame to move defenders off the spot and finish through contact.

He can play above the rim or use floaters and finger rolls to finish with finesse around defenders. Johnson also can play through the post and bully smaller guards.

Defensively, Johnson can guard 1-3 and even would guard some 4’s at the college level due to his athleticism, length, and strength. He possesses lateral quickness and anticipates well, which is why he averaged 1.1 steals per game during his sophomore season. Johnson is also a high-level guard rebounder who uses his explosion and long arms to track rebounds off the rim.

The best part of Johnson’s game is his playmaking. He uses all kinds of different passes to find teammates whether that be no-looks, outlets, or one-handed passes with either hand. His vision is high level as he sees plays ahead and is always looking to advance the ball quickly.

Primary Weaknesses 

Johnson has been known to be inconsistent. His production can vary from game to game, which was a factor in his stock slipping. He also needs to improve as a shooter, especially off the dribble. If Johnson wants to take the next step as a scorer, he must add a pull-up jumper from three and mid-range to increase his potential as a three-level scorer.

Also, if Johnson wants to be a primary ball-handler at the next level, he must improve his shooting off the dribble. Turnovers can also be an issue. Johnson sometimes dribbles into traffic or tries to thread the needle too much. More consistency and care with the ball will improve his overall efficiency.

Draft Projection

Johnson has a very wide range at this point of the draft season. He could go as high as the late first-round but also could go in the back half of the second round. Johnson could be a target the Hornets trade up for early in the second round, similar to the situation where they traded up for  Graham. He gives the Hornets improved perimeter defense and more size at the guard spot. He also can take on additional playmaking and adds more above-the-rim finishing for the Hornets. Overall, Johnson is a versatile guard who would best help the Hornets on the defensive end.

The NBA Draft takes place on July 29th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Viewership will be available on ESPN.