For an hour, the 6-7 forward endured a fairly grueling workout. Coaches cycled him through a series of pick-and-roll and isolation-branded drills. Saturday was Johnson's third workout. He previously worked out for the New Jersey Nets (third overall pick) and Minnesota Timberwolves (fourth), two more realistic landing spots.
Nonetheless, Johnson believes the Sixers are genuinely interested in him.
"I think so," he said. "I think there's a good shot for me to come here."
After transferring from Iowa State and sitting out a season, Johnson led Syracuse to the Sweet 16 last season. Battling a sore back and swollen hand through most of conference play, Johnson averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds and was named the Big East player of the year. A deer in the open court on fastbreaks, Johnson typically loitered beyond the arc in the halfcourt, where he made 41 percent of his treys.
In Johnson, Collins sees shades of Scottie Pippen. He fits the silhouette of the seven-time All-Star. Players this size with such athleticism are rare.
"Late developer. Long arms. Rangy," Collins, who coached Pippen with the Chicago Bulls, said in comparing the two. "Not as good of a ballhandler right now as Scottie, but he's a better shooter. He has that lanky, rangy body. He has a real good feel."
Whichever team drafts Johnson inherits a much fresher player than the one they saw through Big East play. Last season, Johnson's numbers dipped after a pair of injuries - a cover-your-eyes, head-over-heels fall against Providence that caused multiple bumps and bruises, and a severely bruised hand against Connecticut. Johnson admitted the injuries led to hesitance that didn't completely fade until the NCAA Tournament.
