Brice Johnson
Brice Johnson emerged as one of the most productive big men in the country as a senior on a North Carolina team that fell to Villanova in the National Championship. Making the most of his senior year, he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds per game while receiving All-ACC Third Team honors.
Unfortunately, after being taken 25th overall by the Clippers, the active big man suffered a herniated disc after four minutes of playing time in a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors.
After returning to the court in February, the first-round selection was unable to crack a rotation that already boasted All Stars Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan to go with Brandon Bass, Mo Speights and occasionally an aging Paul Peirce when the team played small ball.
Coach Rivers acknowledged his rookie’s lack of playing time caused by a logjam at the forward position, and sent Johnson to the D-league in hope of the young forward gaining valuable playing time and experience.
In six games with the Salt Lake City Stars Johnson averaged 12 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 18.6 minutes, showing the former Tar Heels solid defensive instincts and ability to clean the glass.
While he didn’t see many NBA minutes in his three games last season, the 6’9 forward has the potential to develop into a good defender and rebounder off the bench for LA. His excellent athleticism and mobility could earn him solid minutes as a role player next year as Bass becomes a free agent, the Paul Pierce farewell tour has ended and Speights owns a player option.