Raptors 905: 4 players who could make noise in G League bubble
By Mike Luciano
Raptors 905 potential star No. 2: PF/C Alize Johnson
Alize Johnson could earn some NBA minutes by playing well in Orlando
The stocky forward and Jimmy Butler doppelganger dominated the college ranks at Missouri state, averaging 15.0 points and 11.6 rebounds per game in his final season. His ability to hoover up rebounds, bang down low with players much bigger than him, and guard multiple positions helped him entice the Indiana Pacers to use a second-round pick on him.
While Johnson shot plenty of threes in college, he wasn’t the best shooter ever at 28 percent. While he stands just 6-7, his game centers around using his muscle to fight for tough baskets inside. He’ll face competition from former first-round pick Henry Ellenson, but Johnson could earn a two-way spot if Yuta Watanabe’s deal gets converted into a proper NBA contract.
Aron Baynes has been a complete failure on both ends of the floor, and waiving Alex Len has only made it more difficult for the Raptors to get depth at the center position. Chris Boucher has been a massive help, but the skinny big man often struggled against more muscular offensive players.
In days of old, Johnson would’ve been a prototypical power forward given his solid mid-range jumper. In the modern NBA, his bulk and energy make him an ideal small-ball center. With Boucher struggling against bigger centers and Baynes disappointing, Johnson might have some pro experience in his future.