A Royal Pain
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A Royal Prospect: Brice Johnson

By Rafe Wong

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts on the court after blocking a shot against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the second half at PNC Arena. The Tar Heels won 83-67. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) reacts on the court after blocking a shot against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the second half at PNC Arena. The Tar Heels won 83-67. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Royal Pain continues its series on analyzing players in this upcoming draft and seeing how they would fit if they were selected by the Sacramento Kings.

Today’s prospect will be Brice Johnson out of the University of North Carolina.

The Statistics

For Johnson, the 6’9 forward that weighs 228 pounds has played with the Tar Heels for the last four seasons. During those four years, he has averaged 11.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest.

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In his most recent season in Chapel Hill, Johnson averaged 17 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game and played a significant role in leading the Tar Heels to the NCAA National Championship game.

The Range

According to various NBA mock drafts, Johnson is predicted to be picked around the #15-23 range of this draft, which means that if the Kings were interested in drafting the former Tar Heel they most likely will have the opportunity to do so at #8.

The Fit

If Johnson were to rock the purple and white next season, he would likely be a big man coming off the bench for the Kings. Johnson is athletic and can run the floor well for his position, which is a fit for the Kings who play a fast-paced offense.

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He will, however, need to develop a jump shot to be more versatile offensively, but most importantly improve his overall defensive game, which won’t help a Kings defense that was atrocious last season.

Express Yourself

So Kings fans, do you think it is a good idea for Vlade Divac and the crew to draft Brice Johnson with their first-round draft pick? We want to hear from you. To express your opinion on the issue, feel free to participate in our survey that is currently up on our Twitter account.

Rafe’s Thoughts

During his collegiate career, Johnson’s biggest strengths were his ability to rebound and score from the paint, but due to his lack of size and length (Height: 6’9//Weight: 228/Wingspan: 6’11), he will have trouble utilizing his strengths at the professional level unless a) He develops a consistent jump shot or b) Gets stronger in size.

Based on his tenure at North Carolina, Johnson’s athleticism and energy are NBA-caliber, but unfortunately, the combination of his game and lack of size don’t give him an ideal position at the professional level.

Next: Should The Sacramento Kings Trade Kosta Koufos?

Unless Sacramento trades down in the draft order, it would be a big reach for them if they select Johnson at #8. Bottom line, there will be better talent and potential that will be available for the Kings to choose from.

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