NBA Draft: How does Jalen Johnson fit with the Warriors?
Jalen Johnson’s defense will be pivotal for Golden State Warriors
Johnson’s defense is somehow more difficult to evaluate than his offense. Duke played a lot of zone throughout the season, putting him in odd positions and keeping him out of actions like pick and rolls. His effort and consistency visibly waned down the stretch of the season, looking like a defensive force on opening night before going out with a whimper.
His physical tools for a combo forward, including a 7′ wingspan, give hope he can be a productive defender at the next level. A lot of boxes have to be checked before that conversation can be had.
Many players of Johnson’s age that are physical specimens and anointed lottery picks tend to be aloof on the defensive end, and Jalen was no different. What made me optimistic in the midst of frustration were his flashes of commitment.
Often Johnson would be caught with his hands down, not moving his feet much, and get cooked on the perimeter. It was a coin toss as to which games Johnson would be checking man and ball or just staring daggers at the ballhandler. But when he chopped his feet, used his body and hands in sync, and timed his contests well, he looked amazing.
Few college bigs can stay with a guard through the lane and maintain enough control to block a shot without fouling. He has the potential to at least hold his own on the perimeter, if not more. But he’s further from realizing that potential than some would care to admit.
Technical lapses hurt Johnson in the post as well. Too often he was sealed off and exposed by smart players. Being lazy with positioning on the block gets you killed at the next level. Johnson has a good understanding of verticality and doesn’t jump out for risky blocks. His hulking frame and shot-blocking instincts scream future plus rim defender, especially coming off the ball.
What he needs is to carve out space with physicality on the glass and use his feet and frame to cut off angles. Post defense is sometimes like trying to scare off a grizzly bear; make yourself wide, tall, and intimidating, and don’t make the first move. A coaching staff willing to stick through the mental lapses could find themselves with a plus defender as a pleasant surprise.