NBA Mock Draft: Toronto Raptors Select Brice Johnson From North Carolina

NBA Mock Draft Pick #27 -- Brice Johnson, Power Forward, North Carolina

SBNation's Toronto Raptors blog, Raptors HQ, explains this pick.

With the 27th pick of the Draft, the Raptors are looking for players able to contribute right away or prospects they can stash overseas. North Carolina senior Brice Johnson, a 6'9" athletic marvel, represents the former. With Toronto undoubtedly also looking for help in its frontcourt, Johnson should be able to provide the team with hustle on the boards, a strong finishing game at the rim, and a defensive presence in the paint.

Assuming Bismack Biyombo leaves through free agency, and with question marks still surrounding Lucas Nogueira, the Raptors will want Johnson to shore-up their frontline rotation. Pairing him with high-usage players like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan as a pick-and-roll finisher or glass cleaner should also complement Johnson's nascent skill set. For a late first round pick, there is a lot of upside here.

Ridiculous Upside analysis: With the selection of Brice Johnson, the Toronto Raptors acquire a player that could contribute to the team from Day 1. Johnson's style of play is actually reminiscent of former UNC big Ed Davis in the sheer energy and effort that he exhibits. That's evident in his work as a cutter or on the offensive glass (averaged 4.1 offensive boards per 40 minutes),

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