One of the highest leapers in the 2024 NBA Draft class, Arizona forward Keshad Johnson has raised eyebrows with his 6’7” frame and overall versatility.
Keshad Johnson 2024 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
A fifth-year student athlete, Johnson spent his undergraduate career at San Diego State, growing into a starter by his junior year. Across 113 career games (71 starts) for the Aztecs, he averaged 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and one assist per game on .520/.309/.642 splits. He led San Diego State with 14 points in their championship game loss to UConn in 2023.
As a Wildcat, Johnson improved significantly with the opportunities he received. He started all 36 games he played for head coach Tommy Lloyd, averaging 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one steal per game. He did so while shooting 53% from the field, 38% from three and 71% from the free-throw line. In Arizona’s March Madness run, Johnson put up 10.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and one assist per game on 52% shooting from the field and 37% from distance.
Strengths
Johnson is a strong, athletic power forward who rebounds often and scores in the paint while sometimes putting the ball on the floor. He can drive into the key with ease and use his 224-pound frame to convert easy looks near the basket, whether it’s a highlight slam or a tough layup. Johnson made 60% of his field goals inside the arc—his second-best mark since making 65% of them as a junior. Part of the reason why he’s so effective on offense is his ability to get himself open and move without the ball. That allows for easy passes into the dunker spot or off of lobs.
The forward’s ability to get open has also allowed him to extend his shooting range. Johnson’s 38% mark from the perimeter is another career-high, and he has been the most effective from the corner off the catch. Up until February, he shot 46% on unguarded catch-and-shoot threes but 24% when he was contested.
Johnson has also thrived as a versatile point-of-attack defender, with his size and quickness helping him plenty in that regard. No Ceilings NBA noted that opponents find little success when Johnson is guarding them:
“He’s fluid with his hips. He does a phenomenal job of containing the ball and cutting off advantageous driving angles. More often than not, opponents end up in the mid-range on the baseline, unable to generate any penetration whatsoever, or taking tough mid-range twos. Bigger opponents aren’t able to plow through him, and smaller guys aren’t able to best his blend of power and agility.”
Keshad Johnson showed his defensive versatility in Arizona's NCAA tournament win over Dayton, checking guards, wings and bigs, including important 2nd half minutes as a small-ball 5. Showed his athleticism, crashed the glass, made smart passes and hit a spot-3. pic.twitter.com/KqGPS7a4qh
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 23, 2024
Johnson’s two-way versatility and impressive showings at the combine have led to pre-draft workouts with eight teams. Even as a fifth-year player, Johnson holds a lot of potential and brings value to a team in need of frontcourt depth.
Arizona's Keshad Johnson throws up a 42 inch max vertical leap at the NBA draft combine, tied for the best figure so far in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/S3bMe3Lz4O
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2024
Keshad Johnson cuts to the basket for the two-hand slam 💪
Watch the #NBACombine on ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/Z7HTJnOdJz
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) May 14, 2024
Weaknesses
Johnson still has to improve his ball-handling and playmaking skills to increase his stock in the 2024 NBA Draft. His 1.8 assists per game this season was a career-high in college. He must work on his facilitating—especially out of the post—if he wants to fit into an NBA offense and not see his opportunities decrease.
NBA Comparison
At the NBA Draft Combine, Johnson compared himself to Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, and it’s easy to see why. Both players are athletic, bruising fours who have each developed an efficient three-point shot while holding their own defensively. Washington’s contributions have been critical to Dallas’s postseason run. Johnson could fill a similar role for any team that drafts him, with his growing offensive game and his disruptive energy on defense.
