UNC Basketball: Analyzing Cam Johnson’s NBA draft stock

Senior wing Cameron Johnson is fully healthy and riding a hot streak through non-conference play, making NBA scouts take notice.

With very little NBA appeal during his three years at Pitt, a healthy Cameron Johnson has revamped his game, and is now proving to NBA scouts what he could provide teams at the next level.

The 6-foot-9 wing has many intangibles that will translate well to the next level, one of which is his shooting ability.

Johnson, who underwent offseason hip surgery, now has increased mobility and flexibility which allow him to elevate higher than previously. With his tall, long frame, he has the ability to rise up even higher with his elevation, and that is a tool that any NBA team can use.

With an average of 48 percent from deep this year, and 41.5 percent since his arrival at North Carolina, Johnson not only has the ability to be a spot up shooter, but has greatly improved his shooting ability off of ball screens or dribble pull-ups.

According to ESPN’s Jonathon Givony, Johnson averages 1.429 points per possession on spot-up attempts, which is a major plus for NBA rosters and the spread out offensive possessions seen every game.

Givony was there for Johnson’s 26-point performance against Gonzaga a little over a week ago.

With his newfound mobility, Johnson’s ability to get his feet lined up and help his body become more square to the basket has drastically helped his shooting percentage, having this to say to InsideCarolina,

"“I feel like I can move my feet better and just get to where I need to go instead of feeling like I am kind of on ice on the court.”"

Not only has his three-point percentage increased, but his mid-range, pull-up game is also improving. Shooting 57 percent on two’s this season, the addition of a mid-range shot has evolved his game.

Another addition Johnson can bring to an NBA roster, and why his stock is rising, is his increased defensive potential.

Averaging a career best 97.6 defensive rating, over four points better than his previous best, Johnson’s length and additional quickness has allowed him to guard multiple positions.

With so much need for three-and-D players, Johnson fits in perfectly with the new NBA culture.

Already averaging 16.6 points per game, keep an eye on Johnson as ACC play evolves as his usage rate is four percent higher than his career average.

According to the latest mock draft on NBADraft.net, Johnson comes in at No. 46 to the Atlanta Hawks.