NBA Draft Roundup

On Bulls.com, Sam Smith says he likes the look of Wake Forest F James Johnson. The Warriors, drafting at #7 are also reported to like Johnson, so he could be moving up draft boards.

Johnson is a bit of a mystery to most fans, so what do we know about him?

1. His hands are lethal weapons, according to profile from Sports Illustrated.
2. He’s a tweener at 6′8 240 but will probably play SF.
3. He has a good pull up jumper for a big, can handle and score with either hand.
4. He’s already 22 years old, even though he was a sophomore last year(Taj Gibson syndrome).
5. Recurring theme of scouting reports: Loses focus, misses assignments on the floor.
Draft Express: “Johnson’s biggest issue right now might be the lack of focus he shows at times.”
Draftnet: “Does not show up to play every night and has stretches where he disappears completely…”
6. He’s from hoops hotbed of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
7. He can do a back flip.
8. He has the same max vertical reach while jumping as Blake Griffin, and the same body fat as Dejuan Blair, according to testing at the combine.
9. He’s often compared to Ryan Gomes or Danny Granger. (He’s no Danny Granger IMO).
10. Highlights on youtube.

IN OTHER NEWS…

Chad Ford has a new mock draft(Insider only).

Aran Smith of NBA Draft.net has an updated mock with explanations.

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express expects the Warriors to do something unexpected on draft night. Don’t we all.  Also rumors that Earl Clark is moving up in workouts and Minnesota is looking to do something, anything.

Tim Kawakami of The SJ Merc says the W’s have assured Monta Ellis they won’t draft a point guard.

Andy Katz wraps up who’s staying and going among the underclassmen, and how it affects their schools. In case you missed it: Austin Daye, Jodie Meeks, Jeff Teague are in the draft Luke Harangody, Tyler Smith, Damion James are going back.

ESPN’S Chad Ford(Insider) has draft buzz, including wondering whether Jodie Meeks has a promise in the first round(he should).

Ford also has the latest on Ricky Rubio’s stock, which is up and down, but mostly down.

Bob “lenny” Kravitz of Indy Star wants big bad Dejuan Blair to be picked by his Pacers.

Milwaukee not so high on Jeff Teague anymore. That’s what they hear in Charlotte.