Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Wesley Johnson (11) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Lakers won 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
6. Wesley Johnson
Johnson got hot in late December, averaging 14.8 points over the last five games of the month, but has struggled recently. Johnson is just 4-19 over his last two games, and 1-7 from three. The Syracuse native seem’s to rely on the three point shot way too much on the offensive end, instead of using his elite athleticism to get to the rim and draw fouls.
Johnson’s 9.3 points per game and 36.7% from three are both respectable, but his worst stat is that 43% of his field goal attempts come from three point range. No player with that athleticism should ever shoot nearly half of their shots from deep range. Do you know who also shoots 43% of their shots from three? Klay Thompson. When Wes is hitting 9 threes in a quarter, he can shoot as many treys as he wants.
As for his defense, it seems as if the word “potential” has just become a broken record. Ever since he entered the league, being selected as the fourth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, people have constantly raved about his potential to be a lock down defender. Well four years into the league, I don’t think that potential is ever going to show. Is Johnson a solid defender? Yes, but he is nowhere close to what he should be with his physical tools. I mean, how in the world does he not absolutely smother offensive players with this athleticism?
Next: 5. Carlos Boozer