No. 1 attribute Keon Johnson will bring that the LA Clippers need: Elite defensive ability
LA Clippers fans will have a lot of fun watching Keon Johnson immediately getting after it on the defensive end.
He wasn’t kidding when he said he models his game off of Kawhi. He’s a guy who not only is quicker and can jump higher than the rest, but he’s somebody that can guard multiple positions.
He puts pressure on ballhandlers, but he’s also aggressive when defending the rim too. It’s not even that he’s some giant two-guard. He’s 6’5,” so while he’s not undersized, he’s not a monster.
But he plays like a monster. If we want to play small ball, Johnson is the perfect two/three for the system. He can meet guys at the rim, and take on different assignments.
He’s the type of player who takes pressure off of Kawhi and Paul George on defense.
He averaged over a steal per game in college. The Clippers’ guards/small forwards are already ballhawks on defense, and steals are going to be a great way to open up fast break opportunities for Johnson to use his speed.
As he’s not the best outside shooter right now, Johnson is going to be able to use his ability to take possessions away from other teams and run the floor for points himself.
It’s a high-value pick that fits everything this organization is about.