Rockets To Sign Nick Johnson To Three-Year Guaranteed Deal
The Houston Rockets are close to signing their 42nd overall draft pick, University of Arizona guard Nick Johnson, to a three-year guaranteed deal, according to Real GM sources.
Johnson was the 2014 Pac-12 Player of the Year and declared for the NBA Draft after his junior season. He averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists at Arizona. He helped the Rockets’ Summer League team advance to the championship round this week in Las Vegas. His summer league averages were similar to his college numbers — 12.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Johnson showed his advantages as a strong, quick guard that can both score and defend. At 6-foot-3, he’s a legitimate combo guard.
One of Houston’s biggest needs is someone to relieve the full-time playmaking pressures from James Harden so he can play off the ball more freely. Asking Harden to be their best point guard, playmaker, and scorer is a huge load.
The Rockets lost Jeremy Lin in the back court, but replacing him with a guy like Johnson could benefit them. Nick Johnson can be a steady presence as he develops offensively, but more importantly for Houston, he wants to defend. The Rockets also have guard Isaiah Canaan showing promise on their Summer League roster, but it looks like they’re ready to lock in on Nick Johnson.
