Free Agent Recap: 7 Players the New Orleans Pelicans Could Target
81. Small Forward. Toronto Raptors. Stanley Johnson. 5. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player
Strengths: Defensive versatility, potentially elite defense
Weaknesses: Shooting, ball handling
Key Statistics: Career 29.1 percent 3-point shooter
How he fits with the Pelicans:
When Stanley Johnson was drafted number eight overall by the Detroit Pistons, he looked like the type of wing every team wants.
He has the size at 6-foot-6, 245 lbs. to guard either forward position and the quickness to defend shooting guards.
His offensive game was raw, particularly his shot, but the Pistons hoped that it would come around as Johnson had the potential to be an elite defender.
He flashed this ability in his rookie season, when the Detroit Pistons made the playoffs and faced off against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
Johnson was brash, cocky even, saying,
"“I’m definitely in his head, that’s for sure,” Johnson said after a 107-90, Game 2 loss to the Cavs. “That’s for sure.”"
He wasn’t and LeBron torched the Pistons in a sweep.
Johnson was just 19 at the time and looked to have a bright future as a 3-and-D wing for the Detroit Pistons.
It all went downhill from there, as Johnson’s offensive game never developed and his defense wasn’t elite enough to offset his lack of offensive production.
Johnson has shot just 37.2 percent from the field for his career, including only 29.1 percent from behind the arc.
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Johnson has bounced around the league since, spending some time in the G-League, and even spent 18 games with the New Orleans Pelicans last season before signing with Toronto.
The New Orleans Pelicans are desperate for a big wing that can defend, so Johnson could be a worthy risk on a minimum deal.
He is still just 23 years old and Pelicans’ shooting coach Fred Vinson has had success improving the shots of Lonzo Ball and Ingram.
The New Orleans Pelicans have a ton of scoring, so they wouldn’t need Johnson to be good offensively, just not terrible.
Johnson is still young enough to realize his potential as an elite defender and if he ever puts it all together, will be a valuable 3-and-D wing for someone.
The New Orleans Pelicans may end up taking a flyer on a guy like Johnson if they are looking for cheap potential.