NBA Draft: Los Angeles Clippers Take Brice Johnson 25th Overall

Lob City has a new neighbor moving in.

In the first round of Thursday’s NBA Draft the Los Angeles Clippers used the 25th overall pick to select former UNC forward Brice Johnson.

The Clippers have been referred to as “Lob City” in recent years because of their knack for highlight alley-oops involving point guard Chris Paul and big men Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

At 6-foot-10 with explosive athleticism, Johnson made it his duty as a Tar Heel to get the Dean Dome crowd on its feet with alley-oop slams of his own–often finishing each one with a loud roar that the crowd always reciprocated.

With Los Angeles lacking solid post options on its bench, he should have ample opportunity to continue making those plays at the next level.

Johnson’s ability to play above the rim should fit in perfectly with the Clipper front court of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. (Todd Melet)

His development as a jump-shooter–both in the mid-range and at the free throw line–gives head coach Doc Rivers a perfect option for “small-ball” lineups that forego the use of a traditional center like Jordan.

Many opposing teams have taken to intentionally fouling Jordan, who shoots under 40 percent at the charity stripe, in order to hamper the Clippers rhythm.

At UNC last season, Johnson sank nearly 80 percent of his foul shots. That aspect of his game could provide a solution to that strategy–especially since he could replace some of Jordan’s shot-blocking on the defensive end.

Given that Cole Aldrich (3.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG in six seasons) is the only true big man the team has as a backup, plenty of playing time should be available in that role.

Of course, then you’ve got Paul–one of the NBA’s best point guards over the last decade. Having a playmaker of that caliber on the floor should also help ease Johnson’s transition to the pros as he won’t be forced to create his own offense much, if at all.

Opponents will likely focus their attention on Paul, Griffin and the rest of the team’s stars–which should free him up for some of the easy buckets around the rim he scored so often as a Tar Heel.

He’ll be joining another First Team All-American from the Triangle in Los Angeles, as former Duke star JJ Redick is the starting shooting guard for the Clippers.

Johnson earned the honor last season after averaging 17 points and 10.9 rebounds per game at UNC.

His debut as a Clipper will likely come during the Orlando Summer League–a 25-game, seven-day event that runs from July 2 to July 8.