FanPost

Starting the official Orlando Johnson movement

Let's talk about the Spurs pick.

We know that this pick will obviously be late in the first, possibly the 30th. As such we'll be lucky to pick up a player with the ability to make an immediate impact. With that in mind, I would like to offer some information on a player who I would love to see in blue and yellow.

Stay with me after the jump for my reasoning.


This began as an attempt at a shameless plug for one of the better players in my school's history; it developed into this fanpost. Widely lauded as one of the best scorers playing for a mid-major, senior UCSB guard Orlando Johnson could be a good pick up with our late first rounder.

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Draft Express just covered the recent Nets Draft Combine, noting that Johnson "may have had the best all-around showing of any prospect in New Jersey, considering his strong measurements (6-11 wingspan) and the terrific scoring instincts he displayed in the five on five action." While the talent level present at this combine was by no means star-studded, it should be noted that many of the players involved are considered to be good college players and marginal NBA talents.

Johnson is a decent ballhandler with an ability to create space to get his own shot off. His defense is nothing noteworthy, but with a freakish wingspan and good size he has a chance at improving on that side of the court. According to this Draft Express article Johnson could have success as a complimentary scorer that is not the focal point of his team's offense.

The usual knock on mid-major prospects is their lack of experience playing against top-level talent. In his two March Madness appearances, OJ scored over 20 points at a 50% clip, (Against Evan Turner's Buckeyes and Chandler Parsons' Gators).

(Wish I had access to some advanced stats, maybe someone else is able to?)


He's a semi local kid, hailing from the Monterey area, with a drive to improve at his craft. Draft Express has him going at #29 to the Bulls overall. Think this is a stretch? If it isn't, would you take a shot on him? With the possibility that Brandon Rush is no longer in our price range, could Johnson be a cheaper option?

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!