We Need To Question Jalen Johnson For His Decision To Quit On Duke

Jalen Johnson doesn’t deserve the NBA contract that is coming his way. Let’s not take anything away from his talent. He’s a first-round pick for sure. However, quitting on your team three weeks away from the end of the season, that will show people your true colors.

Johnson, one of Duke’s heralded freshman, was always thought of as a lottery selection in the 2021 NBA Draft. He’s immensely talented, contributing 11 points and 6 rebounds for the Blue Devils as a Freshman. The potential to be at a Jayson Tatum level in the NBA level is what drew scouts to him.

After his “opting-out” we need to question Johnson’s motor and commitment. Given the pandemic facing the world, you can’t blame a player for wanting to opt-out. In Johnson’s case, we need to call him out. This isn’t anything related to the pandemic (Johnson has never said this was a pandemic-related issue). He wants to focus on the NBA Draft. That’s natural for a prospect. Just not three weeks before the end of your regular season.

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Play your ass off for Duke the final 3 weeks. Try and make a statement in the ACC Tourney. Ride off into the sunset to the NBA. You’ll stand a better chance at making an impact on your future employers if you somehow lead Duke to an NCAA Tournament berth or a successful showing in the ACC Tourney.

This is just a player quitting on his team with no light at the end of the tunnel (NCAA Tournament). We’ve seen how players increase their stock around tournament time. You’re at the point of the season where all eyes are on you. You’ve gone through a pandemic-threatened season, and now, at the point where it seems the darkest for your team, you quit?

You’re an NBA team, do you spend a first-round pick on a guy who gives up? This isn’t a multi-millionaire who’s proven himself at the highest level. Johnson is a kid who has, in some ways, disappointed at Duke. Not exactly making a great case as a guy a team invests millions of dollars into. It says more about a player who sticks it out and develops himself on an underperforming team, than one who simply doesn’t care.

Maybe there are other causes for this decision. Johnson is surely a good kid and has a lot of smart people in his corner. As an outsider to this situation, this doesn’t make him look good at all. This is an insult to Duke, Coach K, his teammates, all of those who put time and effort into developing him.

Jalen Johnson is weak for going this route. Your character has come into question, your drive has come into question, and your ability to be a team player has come into question. An NBA team will need to draft Jalen Johnson based on skill because they certainly won’t be based on his character.

Daniel Gentile

Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288