Clippers News: Brice Johnson to make immediate impact

Los Angeles Clippers rookie Brice Johnson expected to make an immediate impact for the team, when the the 2016/2017 NBA season starts.

Former UNC star power forward Brice Johnson will make an immediate impact for the Los Angeles Clippers.

With a possibility of losing three bench stars to free agency, the Clippers addressed those needs in the 2016 NBA Draft.

They drafted Brice Johnson from UNC with the 25th overall pick, who is a high flying power forward, but if needed could be inserted at the 3 position for defensive purposes.

He would replace guard Wesley Johnson if he leaves.

The Clippers acquired the 39th and 40th pick by drafting Cheick Diallo with the 33rd pick in the draft, then trading him to the New Orleans Pelicans.

If the Clippers lose Austin Rivers they drafted point guard David Michineau out of France to replace him and if Cole Aldrich decides to leave they selected center Diamond Stone out of the University of Maryland to take the back-up center position.

The Los Angeles Clippers were smart in the draft by selecting players who play positions they would need filled if their free agents decide to leave LA.

Brice Johnson is the main story of the draft for the Clippers.

Jaylen Brown was a steal and the biggest surprise when the Boston Celtics Drafted him.

Johnson was the biggest story for the Clippers and one of the biggest steals in the draft as well.

They were surprised he was still available on the draft board outside the top ten, when it was their turn to draft a player.

The Clippers drafting him was one of the biggest steals of the night outside of Brown.

I was shocked no one drafted him in the top ten after having a great season averaging a double-double 17 points and 10 rebounds; as well as losing a heartbreaker in the NCAA March Madness Finals Championship Game to Villanova.

He was the reason in the first half the Tar Heels were int his title game and in it to the final buzzer literally.

He is ready to play and will prove to everyone he belongs in the league.

He is the perfect fit for Lob City because he is a high flyer and comes out of nowhere to crash the boards which is similar to how the Clippers big men play.

Johnson is strong, lean, quick, and athletic which helps him crash the boards and convert the offensive missed shots into points for him and his team.

He is best known for his defense as a shot blocker.

In the March Madness tournament he had quite a few blocks.

The Clippers have a decent offense that can get them to the playoffs and make shots when they need to, but they need a defense that can win them an NBA Finals Championship.

Johnson was a smart pick up and and he could possibly take Blake Griffins starting spot, unless Griffin works on his offensive game.

There are still rumors whether or not they will trade Griffin and whatever the rumor is the Clippers did very well in the draft.

If he Griffin stays or gets traded the organization drafted the right player to replace him.

Johnson will be a difference maker in the front court whether he comes off the bench or earns a starting role.

He can make his free throws, shoot jumpers, and has a three-pointer he can shoot if his number is called.

Head Coach Doc Rivers, says “I can see him working his way into the gameday rotation.”

He is a young player with lots of potential; I know this is early but I can see him being better than Griffin all-around.

They both have many similarities outside of the position they play,

1. They crash the boards
2. Able to convert their free throws
3. Jump shots are decent and both are exciting to watch as they are high flying and athletic.
4. Both are Rim Protectors and defense-minded.

I will say Blake has improved his jumper drastically and having them both on the team is dangerous.

Both being defense first players, while having a decent offensive game that is only improving is dangerous to teams around the league.

Next: Chandler Parsons & Lakers A Perfect Match?

Let us all not forget that the Clippers are a team that prides themselves on defense and with their picks in the 2016 NBA Draft they just improved greatly.