AJ Johnson is among the most exciting names to enter the 2024 NBA Draft. The young guard had an impressive season with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, showcasing his talents on a professional stage.
AJ Johnson 2024 NBA Draft Profile
Professional Career
Playing for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL, Johnson quickly became a standout player. The 6’6″ guard demonstrated his ability to play alongside seasoned professionals. Johnson’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability helped the Hawks sporadically during the season. His versatility on both ends of the court made him a key contributor to the team’s success. Johnson’s season with the Hawks was filled with highlights. His all-around performance did not go unnoticed. He consistently delivered impressive stat lines, showing glimpses of his potential to excel at the next level.
Strengths
At 6’6″ with excellent ball-handling skills, Johnson is one of the most versatile players in this year’s draft. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates makes him a valuable asset in any half-court offense. Johnson’s athleticism and quickness enable him to beat defenders off the dribble and finish strong at the rim. He also thrives in transition, often making highlight-reel plays that energize his team and the crowd. Johnson is not just a scorer; his court vision and passing ability allow him to set up teammates effectively. His knack for finding the open man and making the right play under pressure demonstrates his high basketball IQ. Additionally, Johnson’s defensive versatility is another strong point, as his size and agility enable him to guard multiple positions effectively.
His work ethic and dedication to improving his game suggest that he will continue to develop and reach new heights in the NBA. With the right guidance and opportunity, Johnson has the potential to become a star in the league.
Weaknesses
While Johnson has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. His shooting consistency, particularly from three-point range, needs work. Becoming a reliable outside shooter will make him a complete offensive threat and open up additional scoring opportunities for himself and his team. Additionally, Johnson can sometimes be too aggressive, leading to turnovers. Improving his decision-making, especially under pressure, will be crucial to his success at the next level. By staying patient and making smarter choices with the ball, he can minimize turnovers and maximize his impact on the game.
Defensively, Johnson’s off-ball awareness can be inconsistent. While he has the physical tools to be a great defender, he needs to focus and make the right reads away from the ball. A better understanding of defensive schemes and improving his communication with teammates will help him become a more reliable defender.
These weaknesses are common areas of development for young players entering the NBA, and with experience and coaching, Johnson has the potential to address them and elevate his game.
NBA Comparison
Johnson’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism draws comparisons to players like Shaun Livingston and Caris LeVert. Like Livingston, Johnson has the versatility to play multiple positions and impact the game in various ways. His ability to handle the ball and facilitate offense resembles LeVert’s, making him a promising prospect with a high ceiling.
2024 NBA Draft Projection
As a versatile playmaker with a well-rounded skill set, Johnson is projected to be a mid to late first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
