NBA Mock Draft 2011: All 30 Picks, JaJuan Johnson to Trailblazers at No. 21
Portland Trailblazers Add Another Long, Lean Big Man In 2011 NBA Mock Draft
The departure of Dante Cunningham in the Gerald Wallace trade left Portland dangerously thin on the front line. Considering that starting C Marcus Camby is a 37-year-old with a history of injury, adding some depth is clearly in order.
JaJuan Johnson is built much like Blazers’ star LaMarcus Aldridge, a slender 6’10”, 221 lbs. He’s a beast defensively, blocking 2.3 shots per game at Purdue last year.
Johnson has worked hard on his offensive game, but he’s still not going to score many points at the NBA level. He’s a fine rebounder, and most of his offense comes off put-backs or alley-oops.
Johnson’s lack of bulk will be a serious issue against muscular NBA big men, especially if Portland plays him at center (where help is certainly needed). He’ll get his share of blocks no matter what, but he’ll have trouble holding his position defensively for all his skill.
