Thunder nab Keyontae Johnson with No. 50 selection
With the No. 50 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder took Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson.
Johnson is one of the more prominent feel-good stories of this past collegiate season. He enjoyed a productive return after he collapsed on the court while at Florida in 2020 and spent three days in a medically induced coma. He would appear in one more game as a Gator before transferring to Kansas State for his final season of eligibility. Johnson earned a third-team All-American selection in his return to play. Alongside Markquis Nowell, he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2018.
Johnson showcased a lot of skills that should translate well at the NBA level, including versatility on both ends, catch-and-shoot ability, and activity on the glass. He might not have as much room to grow due to his age, but he projects to be able to contribute right away.
Bio
Position: Forward
School: Kansas State
College experience: Senior
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 239 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot
Max vertical: N/A
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 51.6 | 40.5 | 71.5 | 6.8 | 2.1 | 17.4 |
Strengths
- A uniquely versatile player who can play a variety of positions. His wingspan and weight allow him to slide down and match up against bigger opponents offensively.
- Nice off-ball potential as a catch-and-shoot threat from deep. Gets his attempts off quickly without any hitches or changes to his mechanics. Thrives in the corner.
- Versatility extends to defense. Can guard laterally against perimeter players and scale back against bigger opponents in the paint.
- A good rebounder for his size.
Weaknesses
- Isn't the best driver to the rim in half-court sets. Routinely gets tunnel vision and attempts shots in front of multiple defenders or commits offensive fouls.
- Doesn't create a lot of separation on his dribble, which hurts his shots from deep when forced to create.
- Averaged more turnovers than assists at Kansas State. Will need to refine his decision-making with the ball.
- Despite being cleared by the NBA, his medical history might cause some teams to stay away.
NBA comparable: Better-shooting Stanley Johnson. One of Stanley's knocks coming into the league in 2016 was his shooting touch. A career 30.5% marksman from three, he's bounced across the league despite providing valuable defensive tools. Keyontae projects to be a better shooter and just as good of a defender.