It seems like every year, an Auburn forward becomes one of the hottest names in the NBA Draft. His incredible work ethic and potential for growth have earned the interested eyes of all 30 teams. From teammates and coaches, the Johnson love is unending. The accolades underscore his work ethic and talent, which combined as an unstoppable force backcourt talent. He is the leading name across the most given votes for being the most underrated prospect in this draft class. That path to the NBA has turned the heads of teams looking for prospects with a competitive, burning obsession to make it.
Johnson’s relentless dedication to this work has not escaped the attention of his colleagues. Cedric Coward, fellow classmate and teammate, stressed the importance of Johnson’s professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to perfect his craft. “He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever played with,” Coward stated, referencing his experiences alongside notable Auburn players like Jabari Smith, Walker Kessler, and Sharife Cooper. Coward thinks Johnson is now a must-have for any NBA team with championship aspirations, thanks to his size, skill set and competitive spirit.
A Standout Work Ethic
The consensus from Johnson’s teammates is that he doesn’t have a work ethic, he has a work-a-thic. Coward elaborated on this point, stating, “The work ethic that Chaney Johnson has is second to none, definitely by far in the draft.” His dedication to the game is shown by his hard work, determination, and performance under pressure.
Johnson’s dedication extends beyond just practice. According to teammates, even after these accidents, his head never wavered and he didn’t get down, never let anything shake him or get him off course. Coward remarked, “He’s an insanely good kid. Never heard him pout, whine or slouch his shoulders. He’s always on time.” This constant positive attitude is what makes him not only the best player on the field but the best player to have in any locker room.
What really helped stand out him from the rest of the class was his physical aptitude. Coward is confident that if Johnson ever went through the testing he’d probably just blow them away with his athleticism. “If he were here and testing these numbers, he definitely would have had the highest vert. He jumps out of the gym,” he noted. Those physical tools, coupled with his strong work ethic and character, raise his ceiling as he makes the jump to the NBA.
Impressive Skills on the Court
Whether in a fan video or inflating Johnson’s All-Star candidacy, his skills as an attacking forward have captivated analysts and teammates. Mark Sears had high praise for Johnson’s versatility as well. Scout’s Take “When his shot’s on, he can space the floor and defend positions one through five. Chameleon-like adaptability is the name of the game in today’s NBA. Modern players are frequently asked to play several different roles on the court.
Additionally, Thomas Sorber pointed out what made Johnson a great defender. “He’s a dog… he’s a great player. He has a feel for the game. Great defender. I think he’s one of the best defenders in this class,” Sorber said. This top player award raises Johnson’s stock as a dual-threat quarterback even higher. With his size and speed, he’s capable of being a high-impact player on the next level.
This duality of offensive and defensive skills makes Johnson an interesting prospect for NBA teams. His teammates seem to understand that he’s capable of going off offensively. Simultaneously, he is one of the most feared defenders down low, giving him value as an impact player to any team’s bench.
Projected Growth and Future Potential
As we edge closer to the 2023 NBA Draft, analysts can’t stop raving about Johnson. All of which has led some to project him as one of this year’s major sleeper picks. Analysts and scouts alike see high potential in his ability to grow into a more prominent role within an NBA franchise. His new teammates are equally excited about his future on the hardwood.
Dylan Cardwell noted that Johnson’s potential is “through the roof” and that his willingness to improve sets him apart from other prospects. “He’s gonna be a pretty high pick, but he’s definitely underrated in my opinion,” stated Walter Clayton Jr., further emphasizing that despite being overlooked by some, Johnson possesses qualities that could elevate him as a standout player in the league.
As franchises have started to look ahead towards the NFL draft, many have started calling Chaney Johnson a dark horse. His talent, aptitude and relentless work ethic consistently come across through from the back office to onstage. Combined with his developing professionalism, he’s set to make a big impact in the NBA. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this first-time PCC participant, from college to the pros.
Leave a Reply