Rick Barnes’ program continues its upward trend under the veteran coach, and it seems the Vols are on the verge of adding two first-round picks to the long list of successful players Barnes coached while at Rocky Top.
Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer were both subsequently elected to the SEC all-freshman team the 2020 season. Now the dynamic duo is about to be selected in the first round of this year’s NBA draft. according to the latest forecasts from CBS Sports.
For much of the design process, Johnson was seen as a slightly higher pick than Springer, and that time didn’t change that. However, if this bogus draft were to apply, both ex-Vols couldn’t wish for better opportunities.
Johnson is expected to finish 12th overall with the Spurs, which would be ideal for him to grow and develop into a future star.
“Keon Johnson is a player who would fit into the vision of a long-term team as he has the physical gifts of a top five pick but is at a developmental point where he still needs to aggressively sharpen to really improve to reach.” No better franchise to play with these physical tools than one that helped make Kawhi Leonard an all-star, “wrote CBS Sports of the selection.
The comparison to Shelbyville, Tenn. Born Leonard actually makes a lot of sense and isn’t that far-fetched. As a freshman during a COVID-restricted season, Johnson averaged 11.3 ppg against some of the top competitors in the country. In Leonard’s first season in San Diego state, he averaged 12.7 ppg. Johnson didn’t contribute as much on the boards as Leonard, but he was more effective in transition and as a passer. Much like Leonard, who was voted 15th overall by the Spurs in 2011, Johnson’s ability as a defender is key. Greg Popovich will covet the ability to develop his offensive game and be a glove on the perimeter at the same time.
A 2020 star of the Vols at Guard, Springer is used to the bright lights, as evidenced by his play in some of Tennessee’s greatest moments last season. The former star of the IMG Academy (Fla.) Is expected to be voted 18th overall by the Boston Celtics, one of the most traditional franchises in all sports.
The Boston landing would add another young star to the Celtics lineup, and Springer would have the opportunity to learn behind Kemba Walker and alongside Jayson Tatum for the next several years.
As the draft quickly approaches, those predictions will continue to change, but the Vols appear to be adding a few stars to a young talent pool for the NBA.
