Hawks select Jalen Johnson with No. 20 pick

With the 20th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks have selected Jalen Johnson from Duke.

Johnson was the highest-rated prospect in the Blue Devils' recruiting class last year, but he made only 13 appearances after opting out of the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign. The 19-year-old's decision raised concerns about his character, especially after he left IMG Academy midseason the year prior.

Johnson did a little bit of everything during his lone collegiate season, albeit over a small sample size. He averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 boards, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks per contest.

Bio

Position: F
School: Duke
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 210 lbs
Wingspan: 7-feet
Max vertical: N/A

Strengths

• Guard-like playmaking skills; he can lead the transition attack or create for others in the half court
• Solid ball-handler for his size
• Has the strength and lateral quickness to defend multiple positions
• Finishes well around the rim
• Effective off-ball cutter

Weaknesses

• Needs to clean up his shooting mechanics; he shot only 31.8% on 2-point jumpers last season
• Lacks burst to beat his man one-on-one
• Tends to avoid contact at the rim
• Turnover-prone
• Character concerns