BTBP Mock NBA Draft: Editor’s Edition

Mar 21, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) shoots the basketball against Ohio State Buckeyes forward Keita Bates-Diop (33) during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. The Wildcats defeated the Buckeyes 73-58. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

What The Experts Say:

"Just about everyone I speak to has him somewhere between fifth and 12th. But the guys who have him at No. 5 think he has a chance to be a NBA superstar while those who have him in the 10 to 12 range see a solid starter, maybe a role player. – Chad Ford, ESPN"

What The Player Says:

"The whole week when I’m playing during the games, he’s there watching and I’m like, ‘You’re next.’ When he came on the court, I’m just ultra-confident with it. Super confident. … He’s the best player in the world but at the same time, he laces his shoes up the same way I lace my shoes up. Hopefully, one day I’ll get to play against him [in the NBA]. … LeBron James, to me, he’s just a really good basketball player and I have to match up with him. – Stanley Johnson"

What BTBP Says:

Johnson is a strong physical wing, and exactly the sort of piece missing from Stan Van Gundy’s current rebuilding project in the Motor City.

With pieces like Reggie Jackson, Brandon Jennings and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope already providing the Pistons with backcourt options, and Andre Drummond in the middle, it’s now time to start filling in the gaps in between.

Johnson is a beast for his position, and has all the tools to develop into an elite defender. If Johnson can polish up his offensive skillset, there really won’t be a whole lot of guys able to match up with him.

Jeff Goodman of ESPN recognizes this and just how big a boost it could provide the Pistons:

"It’s still unclear what coach Stan Van Gundy will do with his backcourt, but he needs a wing with size. Enter Johnson. His stock dropped a bit, but he’s still a big, strong wing who has plenty of potential. He’s young and showed flashes last season as a freshman at Arizona. If Johnson’s perimeter shot improves, he could be a short- and long-term answer."

Brady Fredrickson of Piston Powered believes Johnson could be a perfect complementary piece on the wing for Detroit:

"Johnson’s combination of athleticism, defense and rebounding would be a refreshing addition alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He’s not as polished as Duke’s Justise Winslow, but Johnson is the type of player who can step on the court as a rookie and fill the Pistons’ void on the outside."

Next: With The Ninth Pick Of The NBA Draft The Charlotte Hornets Select...