Plan C: Let Johnson Play And See What He Can Do

by Wilbert on Dec 12, 2011 12:22 PM EST

The trade for David West didn't work out in the end. I would have been disappointed anyway if it did worked and JaJuan Johnson was one of the players traded (I read in one report that he was being bundled with Moore and O'Neal for West). West has enormous offensive capabilities but losing Johnson without at least seeing him in action first is something that we might regret later.

Johnson has a lot of upside and has consistently improved throughout his college career. He's been effective in contributing in both sides of the court and very mobile even for his height.

I'd like to see Boston invest on Johnson knowing how rare it is to find a rookie with his potential. Perhaps under the guidance of KG and Doc Rivers we might see him improve by leaps and bounds since he has shown a capacity to pick things up quickly. This is a player who can score, rebound, block shots and has a mature sense of self awareness that helped him go over his limitations and consistently improve on his game. And so far with the roster that Danny Ainge has managed to assemble so far, they can let Johnson play and still be competitive.

As things stand right now, Rondo is the future of the C's backcourt and maybe Johnson could be the cornerstone of our frontcourt.

Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.

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Comments

Is the Paul fiasco still alive for us ?

by gocanes1 on Dec 12, 2011 1:54 PM EST reply actions

despite

the deal with the clippers falling down, i dont think were going after him again, so yes its over for us.

by ZM15 on Dec 12, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

West > Johnson

I wish we would of got David West. Although JJ Johnson may seem promising, Doc relies heavily on his veterans. I highly doubt you’ll see him go to Johnson at all this season. West is reliable.

by shawnriv on Dec 12, 2011 2:35 PM EST reply actions

+1

Johnson will get little playing time behind Bass

by vgarcia890 on Dec 12, 2011 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

Agree fully

the silver lining in not trading for West is that we possibly retained JJ who was maybe rumored to be part of the deal to acquire West.

I think J.J. is a great talent and has alot of upside and can not just help the C’s down the line but this year also if Doc gives him minutes, which I hope he does.

J.J. reminds me of KG a bit with the length, speed and athleticism he has so I am cautiously optimistic but have high hopes for him.

by fordescort on Dec 12, 2011 3:01 PM EST reply actions

I agree with OP.

by rocknrollforyoursoul on Dec 12, 2011 3:32 PM EST reply actions

agreed

Doc had better play him. Except for Howard, JJ should be able to guard
the other East centers and get some experience for the playoffs.

Throw him to the wolves I say! Turn him into a wolf!

by McCracker on Dec 12, 2011 3:38 PM EST reply actions

Size Matters

JJ is 6’10 220lbs at the age of 22…It’s not about his talent, his frame is the biggest question mark, which is why he slid so far down in the draft.

Sure Kevin Garnett was the same size his rookie year but he was 18, Johnson is 22 which means his frame is what it is at this point. His shoulder width is extremely thin for a 6’10 player.

We are looking at more of a Channing Frye type player with his size and lack of strength against NBA Bigs. To say he will be able to guard other East Centers is comical no offense as players like Chandler and Noah would man handle a player of his size with ease.

by truthhurts34 on Dec 12, 2011 5:55 PM EST reply actions

I have not seen JJ yet

Your description of his physique is not promising. However, worrying about Chandler and
Noah scoring a lot of points on anybody is misguided. Those guys are not offensive players.

by McCracker on Dec 13, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

It's not always about size.

We’ve had success in defending against Dwight Howard in the past even if no one from our roster was as young, athletic and big as Howard. Defense is also about anticipating the other player, lateral movements and quick reflexes. There are a handful of big centers around the league (Gray, Dampier, Haywood) who can’t defend even if their lives depended on it. Dalembert is not muscular but he can defend. PJ Brown was old and didn’t exactly have a huge frame but he was not a liability on the defensive end when he played for the Celtics.

by Wilbert on Dec 12, 2011 7:08 PM EST reply actions