Keyontae Johnson Provides Interesting Option in Second Round for OKC Thunder

While walking back onto the floor during a Dec. 12, 2020 game at Florida State, Keyontae Johnson collapsed, his teammates immediately signaled for the training staff.

He spent three days in a medically induced coma. Now, more than 850 days later, he is preparing for the NBA Draft

Johnson made a remarkable recovery and was able to eventually return to the hardwood. In between the 2019-2020 season and this past season Johnson played in just five games. Before the 2022-23 season Johnson joined the Kansas State roster as he made a full return to the game he had missed the past two years. Johnson immediately made his presence known as a key member of the Wildcats attack.

He is a 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward with a solid frame and athletic presence on the court. Johnson was one of the key offensive weapons for the Wildcat team that made an improbable run in the NCAA Tournament under first year head coach Jerome Tang.

Johnson averaged 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season. He's also an efficient scorer, shooting over 50 percent from the field. He also shoots 40 percent from the 3-point line.

Johnson will likely be an early second round pick in the upcoming NBA draft. And will likely have the chance to fall to the Thunder’s early second round selection. The Thunder have clear needs, including more size at forward. Johnson provides OKC the opportunity to fill both of those needs.

Johnson is a capable driver, scorer and defender who can play at either the three or four spots in the lineup. He can make plays off of the ball and has the ability to stretch the floor and make an impact on all levels and on both sides of the court and would fit well on the OKC bench.

The Virginia native has only played one full season of basketball in the last three overall seasons, which has caused him to slide down draft boards. However, he has gained some traction in recent weeks after a successful end to the season.

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