This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With some seasoning, some tutelage, this could describe Arizona forward Stanley Johnson almost perfectly. The projected lottery pick has fans among teams in the top 10 because of those attributes.
Johnson met with the Utah Jazz on Friday, one of the many prospects to do so this week. Johnson played one season at Arizona, was one of the better players in the Pac-12 and is now ready to move to the league.
But where will he land? Consensus is that he should go somewhere in the top 10 picks. But don't be shocked if he's on the board should the Jazz indeed land the No. 12 pick. And if he is, Johnson could be a good pick. He's athletic and skilled enough to play shooting guard and small forward. He's big enough to play the four spot in some small ball lineups.
Johnson is a good prospect because of his versatility. He can also develop into a defensive stopper on the perimeter, something the Jazz can definitely use.
Johnson has two-way potential, which makes him enticing. It could also put him out of Utah's reach. Johnson may come to Salt Lake City for a workout. If he does, you can bet the Jazz will take a long look at him come draft night.
If he's available, of course.
Tony Jones