NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Final first-round predictions before the draft

NBA Mock Draft 8th Pick: Orlando Magic – Keon Johnson

A backcourt core of Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz is full of exciting possibilities and deafening uncertainties. While the former showed promise in his rookie season, his inefficiency on the court mandates a waiting game. Meanwhile, the latter, which has shown flashes of his first overall pick potential, is coming off a major injury.

Hence, the Magic would be wise to take another backcourt piece to bolster their rebuild. Tennessee standout Keon Johnson, an athletic 6’5 guard/wing, has enough intriguing upside to force Orlando to take him on as a potential cornerstone who can immediately contribute with Gary Harris and Terrence Ross both dispensable in the offseason.

Johnson is a two-way initiator who is regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft. He’s more of the athletic type than a finesse player, but his physicality, speed and strength are all top-notch. Also, he’s made strides as a shooter and playmaker.