:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69654226/1234303284.0.jpg)
The Los Angeles Clippers selected Tennessee G Keon Johnson with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Clippers traded up from No. 25 with the New York Knicks to take Johnson.
The Clippers, after finishing fourth in the west with a record of 47-25, came close to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance after defeating the Denver Nuggets in the first round and the Utah Jazz in the second round. They went on to lose to the Phoenix Suns in six games in their first-ever Western Conference Finals. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George led the way in scoring all season long, but Leonard went out with an injury midway through the Jazz series and missed the entire conference finals as well. George carried much of the burden but it just wasn’t enough as they couldn’t overcome Chris Paul and the Suns.
While Kawhi has a lengthy recovery ahead of him, it’s unlikely he’ll be leaving the Clippers anytime soon especially after making it so close to the Finals this year. They’ve built the team around he and George, and they’ll only look to come back stronger next season.
Los Angeles Clippers 2021 NBA Draft picks
No. 21, first round (via NYK): Keon Johnson, G, Tennessee
No. 51, second round: BJ Boston, G, Kentucky
Fantasy basketball outlook
Keon Johnson — In a last minute trade, the Clippers moved up to take the Knicks’ No. 21 spot to pick up Keon Johnson, a 6’5” guard out of Tennessee. He averaged 11.3 points per game last year with the Volunteers, adding 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He’s known for his dunking prowess and has proven to be a fantastic two-way player, bringing skills both on and off the ball and I think has the potential to be an NBA All-Star down the road. The Clips will undoubtedly use him for some depth at the guard position, and utilize him as someone who can drive and go big inside when needed.
BJ Boston — Boston will also get minutes right off the bat but needs to prove he can hold his own in the NBA after a rough season at Kentucky. The guard had some big games, but usually followed them up with duds. His size is great for the position, but he needs to be more consistent with his shot. From a fantasy standpoint, don’t expect much from Boston early in the year. He’ll get rotation minutes, but will likely be ignored on the offensive end for much of the season. Boston could get some looks in DFS if his role increases as the season progresses.