Arizona's Stanley Johnson Making Case for Top-10 Consideration in 2015 NBA Draft

Stanley Johnson's NBA sales pitch just continues to strengthen.

He's been making it for a few years now, and it only seems to get more convincing by the month, from April's 24-point showing at the Jordan Brand Classic, to the summer's FIBA Americas, which he was named MVP of, to the LeBron James Skills Academy in August, where he generated all sorts of positive buzz.  

"If you've watched Stanley as a ninth- and 10th-grader like we did, he was a far cry from where he is today. That's a true testament to his work ethic," coach Sean Miller told Bleacher Report's C.J. Moore.

But Johnson's case for top-10 NBA draft consideration got even stronger late Saturday afternoon, following Arizona's 80-53 beatdown on Michigan, when he went for 17 points, seven boards, three assists, a pick-six steal and a big-time block.

It was Johnson's signature performance so far on the season, despite having already entered the game as Arizona's leading scorer:

FG Percentage	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	3PT Percentage
.505	14.1	6.5	1.6	1.8	.407

Against Michigan, Johnson ultimately flashed the entire two-way package that fueled the hype and his potential in the first place. 

He only missed two shots. There was just no answer for him in any aspect of the game, a good reminder of the mismatch his physical tools create at the wing position. 

Except for a spot-up three-pointer, which highlighted his current 40.7 percent long-range stroke and shooting potential, his seven other buckets came off drives, cuts or transition opportunities. 

Johnson is a train out there—fast, strong and explosive. While contact bothers most 18-year-olds, Johnson plows right through it.

Early in the first half, he converted an and-1 in the paint on a one-hander. Later, he finished a lefty layup off a baseline drive after taking a bump in the air and remaining balanced.

With that diesel 245-pound frame, Johnson is as physical of a small forward as any out there. And that's comforting from an NBA standpoint, given the size of today's pro wings. Just to put it in perspective, he plays the same position as Andrew Wiggins, 2014's No. 1 pick, and weighs 45 pounds more.

Against Michigan, Johnson's other five buckets came in the open floor, either in transition or the secondary break. He had a number of pretty highlights, but none looked prettier than his one-handed alley-oop that showcased his next-level athleticism and body control. 

Offensively, he flashed everything but a one-on-one attack—the drive-and-slash game, potency on the break, outside touch. But much of the appeal tied to Johnson stems from his two-way capability—not just his offensive upside—and that was never more evident than it was against the helpless Wolverines.

He didn't guard him exclusively, but Johnson certainly contributed to Caris LeVert's 2-of-9 showing—another wing projected to trigger lottery consideration. 

While having a 45-pound advantage obviously helps, Johnson also displayed some crazy quickness for a guy his size. On one play, Johnson forced LeVert into a travel after beating him to the spot and keeping him from turning the corner. 

Johnson was just as effective off the ball. He jumped in a passing lane and took an interception the distance for one of three slams on the afternoon:

And on the first possession of the second half, he rotated down for a monster block on Michigan's big man.

In terms of defensive tools, you won't find many better sets than Johnson's. The fact that he plays with such intensity and energy only enhances its effectiveness and his overall likability. 

Through three weeks, he's made some mistakes, whether it's been getting caught up on screens or fouling a three-point shooter, which he did against Michigan. But you just can't teach this blend of strength, foot speed and motor. 

And that plays to the safety he offers as a 2015 NBA draft prospect. Even if his offensive game eventually plateaus, Johnson's defensive versatility and competitive edge are sure to translate and hold some value. 

As we get closer to conference play in January, the Ron Artest and Kawhi Leonard comparisons are starting to look even more on point.  

Johnson has emerged as one of the best bets in June's projected draft field, given the immediate impact he's had for one of the top teams in America and the lack of questions or red flags surrounding his outlook.

Following his hot start at Arizona, it's safe to permanently cement Johnson's name into the top-10 conversation. It's not leaving there.