Player of the Day: Dakari Johnson

Post #1 » by **Andre Roberstan** » Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:19 pm

As promised, I'm starting a Player of the Day series to tide us over through the long offseason. With weekend skips it should eat at least a little of the time leading up to training camp. Hope you guys enjoy.

SCHEDULE:
Week 1: Starters
Aug 28: Russell Westbrook
Aug 29: Paul George
Aug 30: Steven Adams
Aug 31: Patrick Patterson
Sept 1: Andre Roberson

Week 2: Bench
Sept 4: Enes Kanter
Sept 5: Alejandro Abrines
Sept 6: Raymond Felton
Sept 7: Jerami Grant
Sept 8: Doug McDermott

Week 3: Deep Bench
Sept 11: Terrance Ferguson
Sept 12: Dakari Johnson
Sept 13: Semaj Christon
Sept 14: Josh Huestis
Sept 15: Kyle Singler

Week 4: Odds and Ends
Sept 16: Daniel Hamilton
Sept 17: Billy Donovan
Sept 18: Sam Presti
Sept 19: TBD
Sept 20: TBD

21 years old
Drafted 2015 out of Kentucky with the 48th pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder
7'
255lb

1x All-NBA D-League First Team
1x NBA D-League All-Star
1x NBA D-League All-Rookie Team
1x McDonald's All-American

Questions for the upcoming season:

1: Will he even play?
2: If Kanter were to be traded, do you think Dakari is ready to step in?
3: The Thunder used him a bit as a ball mover in summer league. Do you think he'll be able to do that at the NBA level?
4: Can he move quickly enough to stay on the floor?

and any others you want to add

Post #2 » by **retrobro90** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 1:26 am

Andre Roberstan wrote:
1: Will he even play?
2: If Kanter were to be traded, do you think Dakari is ready to step in?
3: The Thunder used him a bit as a ball mover in summer league. Do you think he'll be able to do that at the NBA level?
4: Can he move quickly enough to stay on the floor?

and any others you want to add

1. Yes. Not a lot and definitely not every game but you never know who's going to be punching chairs. He's guaranteed so there's no way he doesn't see at least SOME minutes.

2. Yeah but he's not nearly as good as Kanter. The good news is backup C is about the easiest role for someone to fill. Dakari's game is pretty similar to Kanter's too. Not a great modern defender but skilled in the post and can shoot a little from the midrange.

3. He's much more effective moving the ball and passing from the perimeter than he is passing from the post. Hard to say what he'll be asked to do while he's out there but he's definitely capable as a playmaker. Would be curious to see him in sets where he can work from the top of the key and pass to cutters the way teams use guys like Pau or Jokic.

4. In the playoffs against small Houston and GSW lineups? No. In the regular season against opposing bench units? Yes, for sure.

Post #3 » by **ThunderBolt** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:40 am

In my opinion we'll find out quickly how good he can be and if his g league improvement translates to nba success. I think whatever he already is, that's what he'll be. I doubt there is lots of room left for growth.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #4 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:52 am

Andre Roberstan wrote:1: Will he even play?
2: If Kanter were to be traded, do you think Dakari is ready to step in?
3: The Thunder used him a bit as a ball mover in summer league. Do you think he'll be able to do that at the NBA level?
4: Can he move quickly enough to stay on the floor?

1) Yes. He will play sparingly early and then become the backup center by the end of the season.
2) Yes. He would be an upgrade today.
3) A little. Not on a regular basis, but in certain matchups and situations.
4) Yes. His quickness will surprise people.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #5 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 11:56 am

Knrstz wrote:In my opinion we'll find out quickly how good he can be and if his g league improvement translates to nba success. I think whatever he already is, that's what he'll be. I doubt there is lots of room left for growth.

At 21 with no NBA playing time he is a finished product?

Post #6 » by **ThunderBolt** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 1:48 pm

He's been playing against a lower level of professionals for a couple of years now. I'm not saying he couldn't improve, I just don't expect a big jump from whatever we see this year.

Kizz Fastfists · Post #7 » by **Kizz Fastfists** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 2:21 pm

Knrstz wrote:He's been playing against a lower level of professionals for a couple of years now. I'm not saying he couldn't improve, I just don't expect a big jump from whatever we see this year.

Couldn't the same have been said about Abrines last year? Abrines is a few years old, last year was his age 23 season, so shouldn't that be even more true of Abrines? I believe Abrines will improve and I do not think Dakari is a finished product, especially on offense where he can continue to develop a mid-range game and possibly a 3pt shot eventually.

Post #8 » by **ThunderBolt** » Wed Sep 13, 2017 2:26 pm

Kizz Fastfists wrote:
Knrstz wrote:He's been playing against a lower level of professionals for a couple of years now. I'm not saying he couldn't improve, I just don't expect a big jump from whatever we see this year.

Couldn't the same have been said about Abrines last year? Abrines is a few years old, last year was his age 23 season, so shouldn't that be even more true of Abrines? I believe Abrines will improve and I do not think Dakari is a finished product, especially on offense where he can continue to develop a mid-range game and possibly a 3pt shot eventually.

Yes you're correct. In fact I was thinking the same thing after I posted it. I hope I'm wrong, I just have a feeling that what we see is what we'll get. Maybe it's because I've heard a lot of people say he's slow. I didn't hear much about Alex until he showed up.