Louisville basketball: David Johnson’s NBA stock on the up and up

The play for Louisville basketball guard David Johnson attracting NBA attention.

We’ve seen the two-and-through path become popular at Louisville with guys like Donovan Mitchell and Terry Rozier capitalizing on big second seasons. So naturally, many wondered aloud if Louisville basketball’s David Johnson was a breakout season away from jumping to the NBA.

Through the first nine games of the year for the Cards, it appears that the answer to the question is a resounding yes.

Louisville fans have known about the potential of Johnson for quite some time now. They watched him lead Trinity High School to a state title before committing to his hometown program. The rest of the country became familiar with Johnson in Louisville’s big win over Duke last season. As a true freshman playing at Cameron Indoor for the first time, scoring 19 points in a near triple-double performance.

That game is what started the clock on Johnson’s time at Louisville, as more and more NBA scouts and personnel became familiar with the 6’5 210-pound lead guard.

Also relevant: Reactions from Cards victory over Vah Tech

Louisville basketball could soon have another first rounder

Now after nine games where he’s averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, Johnson’s stock is soaring. Though most mock drafts are just projections, multiple highly respected writers have ranked Johnson in the top 20 on their draft boards. Some even putting him within the lottery (first 14 picks of the first round).

For example:

Matt Babcock currently has David Johnson as the 16th best prospect on his 2021 big board.

Jeff Goodman of Stadium has Johnson as the 18th best prospect.

Sports Illustrated has Johnson as the 21st best prospect.

Sam Vecenie mocked Johnson to the 12th spot in his most recent NBA Mock Draft for The Athletic ($$).

Still early, but it is very clear to see that this is not just manufactured hype out of Floyd Street. (Speaking of Floyd Street, Jeff Greer is doing Jeff Greer things. Check out this incredible film breakdown on Johnson)

There’s still a long way to go before the draft rolls around but Johnson’s consistent production and overall improvement have been on full display this season. From his 3-point shooting. Control of the team as the point guard. Being able to score consistently in a variety of ways. All of these things are attracting NBA attention, and it could be just a matter of time before the jump is made.

NBA teams will love the size of Johnson as the shift into “positionless basketball” continues. Especially considering his ability to pass at an elite level.

Much like Mack has done with Johnson and Carlik Jones, NBA coaches are going to want to put Johnson in unique backcourts. That alone will create mismatches for defenses as Johnson excels in the pick and roll and setting teammates up. It could only get more challenging as Johnson becomes more controlled as a lead guard and continues to improve his outside stroke.