Johnson Impresses 76ers
Syracuse's Wesley Johnson is impressive during 76ers workout.
Johnson Impresses 76ers
In a way, this was just what 76ers coach Doug Collins wanted.
''You like someone and you want someone to come in and make you think; that's what you love to do as a coach,'' Collins said after watching Syracuse's Wesley Johnson go through a spirited NBA predraft workout at Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. ''Watching Wesley work out was like, 'Wow, that was impressive.'''
Johnson's session followed Thursday's appearances by Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors and Kentucky's DeMarcus Cousins, and Wednesday's workout by Ohio State's Evan Turner.
The 6-7 Johnson, who will turn 23 July 11, played one season at Syracuse after transferring from Iowa State. He averaged 16.5 points shot 50.2 percent from the floor, including 41.5 from three-point distance, becoming the first transfer student to be named Big East Player Of The Year. He has been projected to go in the top four in the June 24 draft.
Conventional wisdom has the Sixers using the No. 2 pick to select Turner after the Washington Wizards use the No. 1 overall choice on Kentucky's John Wall.
But Collins said of Johnson, '';This young kid, he's got it. (He's) charismatic, he can play, (he's) respectful, he's older. (He's) impressive.''
Johnson was put through a 45-minute workout, including plenty of pick-and-roll and isolation-type drills. While rumors and smoke screens typically rev up draft day nears, Johnson believes the Sixers are genuinely interested.
“I think there’s a good shot for me to come here,” he said.
One question dogging Johnson is how he’ll adapt to man-to-man defense in the NBA after exclusively playing in a 2-3 zone at Syracuse. He isn’t worried.
“It’s more about competing than anything,” Johnson said. “Not to knock the zone. We had great success in the zone but going back to man-to-man is something I grew up playing so I’m ready to get back to it.”
The next Shawn Marion— NBAdraftRoom.com- Oh...boy......can he play the 2?— theo42
He doesn't have to play the two. Iggy can do that. He does need to be a shooter who makes the other teams respect his shot. I still like Meeks chances of being a good NBA guard. Stefanski is doing a good job of building a team with some quality depth. If I was running the team I would trade down and take Cousins, then take another true point guard with the xtra pick. Williams isn't a PG, Jrue is the only PG on the current roster.- Can't play the 2 anymore than Iggy could.— dmanns
- Darko was also impressive in work outs. Please do not be stupid Sixers. Take Turner and stop the nonsense. Stefanski is not building anything for goodness sakes. You win with a top superstar surrounded by all stars. He just traded away a valuable expiring deal for mediocre players. This has 7-8th seed year after year written all over it.— JonKap
- Since we are more than one player away from being relevant/competitive, I would love to trade down for the right exchange. Barring a great opportunity, take Turner as we only have one point guard (Holiday) and no (good) shooting guards. Iggy is best at the 3, Brand at the 4, Hawes at the 5. If Hawes doesn't play well, Brand and Speights will have to move to center and give Young and Nocioni more playing time at the 4. I like the direction we are going in at least...— JohnFC
Turner is the one!!
evan turner. period.
of course the sixers are taking turner. as stupid as they may seem, that's a can't miss pick. they are just trying to make other teams worry, turner's agent wonder, players to work out, dinners to be had, etc. this always goes on. it raises the player's stock value that may show another team's hand if they TOTALLY want a player they may get nervous the sixers will rooster block them, and force them to trade up. it's business gamesmanship. this is the 21st century, no? why do readers still fall for these stories? maybe if we had the 3 or 4 pick, i'd be worried.— Evilvet- of course the sixers are taking turner. as stupid as they may seem, that's a can't miss pick. they are just trying to make other teams worry, turner's agent wonder, players to work out, dinners to be had, etc. this always goes on. it raises the player's stock value that may show another team's hand if they TOTALLY want a player they may get nervous the sixers will rooster block them, and force them to trade up. it's business gamesmanship. this is the 21st century, no? why do readers still fall for these stories? maybe if we had the 3 or 4 pick, i'd be worried.— Evilvet
- He is not a two. Can not handle the ball. Does not take the ball strong to the basket when there is traffic. Draft Turner— mcat13
- Isn't it just great when our coach is impressed and IT MEANS SOMETHING! (I am still pretty excited about having Doug Collins as coach....)— rruffin
- Sounds like a trade is brewing!— mdriban
- This is not the NFL, you don't trade down. You only win in the NBA with super stars and all stars. You take the best player you can. Trading down for multiple lesser players is not the way you build an NBA contender.— JonKap
- the next Marion?!??1 Wasn't that supposed to be Andre?— Guy Incognito
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
