Stanley Johnson is just two years removed from being the Detroit Pistons’ No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 draft and having a strong rookie year. But after a lackluster season in 2016-17, a lot of the shine has been taken away from the young wing. Nevertheless, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press says the third-year player is the Pistons’ most valuable trade asset.
Ellis notes that despite coming off a year where he just averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 18 minutes per game, Johnson showed enough promise in his rookie year for other teams to still be intrigued about his potential over the team's more recent first-round picks, Luke Kennard and Henry Ellenson.
At 6-foot-7, 235 pounds, Johnson has the combination of size, strength, and athleticism to guard multiple positions, which is of increasing importance in the league. He’s also still on a cheap rookie-scale contract for two more years, which is another big positive for him.
But while Johnson could have the most value on the team on the trade market, Johnson will likely still get another chance to succeed in Detroit. With Tobias Harris more suited to playing power forward, Johnson is arguably the only natural small forward on the Pistons’ roster. He should get opportunities to prove himself during the upcoming season before Stan Van Gundy considers making any move.
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