New Orleans Pelicans Training Camp Preview: G AJ Johnson

The New Orleans Pelicans kick off training camp in just a few weeks, which means it is time to start preparations for the season. As the roster comes into shape, it's important to take stock of where everyone is heading into camp.

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AJ Johnson is the newest member of the Pelicans, heading over in the trade to shed Jordan Hawkins' salary. Johnson, like Hawkins, is a former first-round pick who has had a bit of a fall from grace. He's still a very young player, though, so perhaps New Orleans can find a way to access his untapped potential.

State Of His Career

Johnson has never been efficient enough to stay on the court over a long stretch of time at this level. Last year, between the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, Johnson averaged 3.3 points on 32.4/21.1/85.0 shooting splits. The high free-throw average is a sign that perhaps he can find a way to see his shots fall more often.

He was always going to be a project player. He skipped the college route and signed with the NBL out of high school, but barely played. The most promising thing to look at for what he could be is his G League production. Over 27 games, he had put up 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 42.5/37.4/75.7 shooting splits.

Where He Must Improve

Johnson is a taller guard at 6-foot-5, but he is a lighter player who uses speed over strength, so his overall defensive ceiling is limited. If he wants to make this team, he's going to have to make his shots. That 37.4 career three-point % in the G League is on 5.1 attempts per game, which is a good start.

Hawkins was one of the player on the roster last year who was supposed to provide spacing, but didn't. If Johnson can hit threes, he'd already be a more valuable player.

Best-Case Scenario For Training Camp

Johnson just needs to get through training camp on the roster at this point. He is far from a lock, even though New Orleans just acquired him in the trade. He's already likely to be a free agent next year, as the Pelicans would have to accept his $5.5 million fourth-year option. 

He does have some competition for that spot in Kobe Bufkin, Caleb Houstan and Trendon Watford. Of those players, Johnson may have both the highest ceiling and the lowest floor.

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