NBA
#8 Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Oct 2021
With the eighth pick in the NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons managed to select a top rated talent that also happens to fill a big need for them. Stan Van Gundy has to be happy to acquire a guy that has a chiseled, NBA-ready body and has the ability to defend from day one.
The former Arizona Wildcat proved in his lone college season that he has the work ethic to improve his shooting. He’s built like a tank and uses his strength to score all over the court. He’s a natural three but has the versatility that should allow him to eventually play some four in the league.
While many are surprised Justise Winslow is still on the board, Johnson is the better shooter of the two. Stanley has a quick release on his shot and good form. He’s also learned to move without the ball during his time in Arizona, which certainly adds to his appeal. This is a guy that’s extremely hard to stop in transition and has the ability to take contact. His tremendous physical tools allow him to create his own shot on the offensive side of the ball.
Athletically he can certainly hold his own in the league and what he lacks in burst he makes up for in strength. Defensively his length allows him to get deflections and play the passing lanes. His defensive instincts should allow him to get on the court sooner rather than later.
Ultimately with guys like Cartier Martin and Quincy Miller as your wings, you aren’t going to scare anybody. This pick gives the team an upgrade at that spot and gives Detroit a guy with great potential as a two-way wing that could develop into something special. Van Gundy stresses defense first and with Andre Drummond in the front court, Johnson is another piece that fits the mold of what he looks for.
