The Middleton Blueprint in HD

When my Python tracking model flagged Trey Johnson’s 2023-24 midrange footage, the similarity scores to prime Khris Middleton made me spill my cold brew. At 6’7” with a 7’ wingspan (Middleton: 6’8”, 6’11”), Johnson replicates that signature high-release turnarounds with 2.3° less lateral tilt—a biomechanical edge our UCLA lab attributes to his superior core activation patterns.

Shot Chart Déjà Vu

Their heatmaps overlap like twins separated by a decade:

• Left elbow: Both shoot 48%+ on ≥4 dribble pull-ups (NBA average: 34%)
• Right baseline: Identical 1.12 PPP on spin-back jumpers
• Post-ups: Johnson already matches Middleton’s rookie efficiency (0.98 PPP) despite being three years younger

The key differentiator? Johnson’s release is 0.08 seconds faster off the catch according to SportVU data—critical for modern playoff defenses.

Why This Isn’t Just Hype

My algorithm projects Johnson’s ceiling at:

• Age 22: 21.5 PPG on 60% TS (Middleton: 18.4 PPG, 56% TS)
• Peak seasons: +3.2% assist rate thanks to better downhill driving metrics That extra burst shows in synergy stats—Johnson generates 1.4 more open corner threes per 100 possessions for teammates via paint gravity.

The Verdict

While Middleton needed years to develop his playmaking, Johnson enters the league with advanced passing reads (84th percentile in skip pass accuracy). If he maintains this trajectory, we’re looking at a perennial All-NBA candidate who could redefine wing scoring efficiency.