Johnny Juzang - UCLA

Kalela · Post #1 » by **Kalela** » Wed May 12, 2021 6:09 am

I find it strange how he is either projected to be a 2nd round pick or missing altogether from most of the 2021 NBA mock drafts out there. I figured, with how well he did in the NCAA tournament, he would be at least a top 15 pick. Where does everyone see him getting pick if he stays in this draft?

babyjax13 · Post #2 » by **babyjax13** » Wed May 12, 2021 4:21 pm

Not super efficient (decent, but not amazing) and seems to have poor shot selection (but good ability to make some of those shots). Some of his 'weaknesses' may be personnel specific, but even if you buy his strengths, where does he fit at shooting guard or combo guard in this draft?

Higher-tier prospects (working from what seems to be the consensus)
1. Jalen Green
2. Keon Johnson
3. James Bouknight
4. Moses Moody
5. Davion Mitchell [I'd put him tied with Bouknight]
6. Jaden Springer [I'd put him 3rd in this group]

I don't think even Juzang fans have him in with the above group of players, and that's basically the set of shooting guards in the top 15, there really isn't room there for Juzang, especially when this is an abnormally wing-heavy draft and also has an amazing set of point guards. Then, you also have a few guys who are seen as lower-tier shooting guard (or combo-guard) prospects:

7. Chris Duarte
8. Ayo Dosunmu
9. Tre Mann
10. Josh Cristopher
11. Cameron Thomas
12. Joel Ayayi
13. Daishen Nix
14. Terrence Shannon
15. Scottie Lewis

I think Juzang fits somewhere in here, and this constitutes a ton of guards that will be selected from 15-45. Honestly, his best chance to be top 15 is to return to UCLA and improve his efficiency.

EvanZ · Post #3 » by **EvanZ** » Wed May 12, 2021 7:47 pm

Kalela wrote:I find it strange how he is either projected to be a 2nd round pick or missing altogether from most of the 2021 NBA mock drafts out there. I figured, with how well he did in the NCAA tournament, he would be at least a top 15 pick. Where does everyone see him getting pick if he stays in this draft?

That's not how it works usually. A few good games for a guy who otherwise was probably not going to declare this year. It shouldn't suddenly make you a Lottery pick if you weren't already.

Before the tournament he was probably going undrafted. If he sneaks into the first round, it will be a huge accomplishment for him. Personally, I'd probably take him mid- to late-second just on a flyer.

Stillwater · Post #4 » by **Stillwater** » Wed May 12, 2021 8:42 pm

I think he goes back because of just that the sample size is too small...to go where he will in 22. Buuuuut he definitely showed he has the clutch gene and if he gets any interest from middle of the first teams he will stay in and get drafted 15-20

Upperclass · Post #5 » by **Upperclass** » Fri May 14, 2021 5:49 am

He'll go top ten imo

Stillwater · Post #6 » by **Stillwater** » Fri May 14, 2021 9:46 pm

Upperclass wrote:He'll go top ten imo

in 2022 maybe

CptCrunch · Post #7 » by **CptCrunch** » Sat May 15, 2021 12:10 am

Crappy athlete, incredible midrange shooter at 49% clip. Need to shoot the light out during his workouts to provide value as a role shooter off the bench. UCLA runs a tons of screens to get him free in the mid-range, and that ain't gonna happen in the NBA.

Don't see him ever more than 6th man in the average case, not a first rounder. Mid to late 2nd.