With the ninth pick in the Orlando Pinstriped Post's 2015 NBA mock draft, the Charlotte Hornets select Arizona SF Stanley Johnson. Zach Howerton is serving as the Hornets general manager, but my reasoning for the selection is below.
When looking at the Hornets, they have solid, young players throughout their team, but they still have yet to find their "glue-guy" that can provide some energy, space the floor, and defend his position. In theory, that should've been solved when they signed Lance Stephenson, but sadly that experiment didn't work out. With his trade to the Clippers going through however, the spot on the wing for a 3-and-D type of player, with the potential for more, has opened: now calling Stanley Johnson.
Johnson has prototypical size for a SF at 6'7 and 240 pounds along with his nearly 7-foot wingspan. While his offensive game isn't poor, Johnson will definitely be making his mark early on with his defense. With his imposing length and surprising strength, Johnson will be able to close off passing lanes, fight through screens, and not be bullied in the post. That does not mean his offensive game is slouching though: as a freshman, he shot percentages of 45/37/75 on an Arizona team that did not provide optimum space to say the least. He is a very versatile scorer as he is comfortable posting smaller players up, shooting off the dribble, or simply being a finisher in transition/off a cut. One of his main problems was finishing at the rim, but with his strength and body control it should improve in time.
As his 3-point shot improves and he continues to grow (he's only just 19 years old), I project that Johnson will likely be able to slide down to the PF spot for small-ball situations and also be able to guard up to four positions (PG-PF) at the next level. For a team that needs efficient shooting while also wanting to keep their defensive identity, Johnson is just about the perfect player to fall into their laps at this spot in the draft.
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The Miami Heat are now on the clock for the 10th pick in the OPP mock draft
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| # | Team | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Karl-Anthony Towns |
| 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | Jahlil Okafor |
| 3 | Philadelphia 76ers | D'Angelo Russell |
| 4 | New York Knicks | Emmanuel Mudiay |
| 5 | Orlando Magic | Mario Hezonja |
| 6 | Sacramento Kings | Willie Cauley-Stein |
| 7 | Denver Nuggets | Kristaps Porzingis |
| 8 | Detroit Pistons | Justise Winslow |
| 9 | Charlotte Hornets | Stanley Johnson |
