Is Kobe Johnson an NBA Player?

Kobe Johnson is the only UCLA player in the 2025 NBA Draft, but people are torn on whether he should be drafted or not. It bears the question though; is he an NBA player?

Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kobe Johnson (0) shoots the ball during the second half against the Utah State Aggies in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Kobe Johnson is not a perfect player, but the NBA isn't a league of perfection.

His college stats don’t scream first-round pick, but the eye test tells a different story. Watch Johnson for just a few possessions and you'll see a different kind of defensive intensity.

With elite instincts, relentless energy, and an always-active motor, Johnson made himself indispensable to Mick Cronin’s rotation at UCLA. On the perimeter, he was a menace — the kind of defender who erases assignments and disrupts rhythm.

After three seasons at USC, Johnson saw the perfect opportunity to transfer and align himself with one of the best defensive minds in college basketball. Cronin’s system fit like a glove, and Johnson thrived in it.

Yes, he’s a defensive specialist — but don’t disregard the offensive flashes. The biggest knock on him has been the inconsistency of his jumper, a concern that echoes how people once talked about Herb Jones during his draft cycle.

But like Jones, Johnson doesn’t need to be pigeonholed as one-dimensional. The tools are there. He shot 36% from three this past season with a smooth release — it’s just a matter of becoming more confident and consistent in live action.

There are certain players who pop off the screen for their basketball IQ alone. Johnson is one of them. He sees the floor, makes timely passes, and understands when to accelerate tempo. He’s never shy about zipping a cross-court feed if the opportunity arises.

In a league that prioritizes flash and isolation scoring, Johnson feels like a throwback — a player born two decades too late. But make no mistake: his skill set still has a place in the modern NBA. He just has to earn his keep like he always has.

He’s not on many mock drafts, and ESPN ranks him 80th on its Top 100 Big Board — barely hanging on. But even if he doesn’t hear his name called, Johnson is almost certain to land a two-way contract.

He may not be a first-rounder, but he’s absolutely worth a second-round flier. You want guys who set the tone — and Johnson does that with defense, hustle, and effort.

Defense travels. If the offense comes along, look out. Kobe Johnson is an NBA player. The league just doesn’t realize it yet.

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