Pistons' Johnson eager to prove worth - Detroit Pistons Fan Community

buddahfan · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

By Sean Deveney, Sporting News
Posted September 12, 2007

I met Amir Johnson at Tempo Cafe here in Chicago for breakfast last Thursday, determined to figure out one of the great mysteries of this summer: How, exactly, Johnson -- a baby-faced 20-year-old -- managed to wrangle a three-year, $12 million deal out of the Pistons.

This is a great mystery because the NBA free-agent market has been brutal this offseason, especially for restricted free agents. At the start of the summer, that's what Johnson was. Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao, key contributors on Cleveland's Finals team, haven't been able to get deals done. Charlie Bell, who averaged 13.5 points while playing every game last year, is still wrestling with the Bucks over a new deal. Mickael Pietrus is still looking for employment and teammate Matt Barnes, such a big part of the Warriors' late-season run, was granted a measly one-year and $3.5 million.

What has Johnson done to earn that $12 mil? He's played in 11 NBA games in two years. He's averaged 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds. In other words, not much.

SportingNews.com - NBA - Johnson could spark the Pistons

16 Mile · #2 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 09:59 PM

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Originally Posted by buddahfan

He is 6-9 with a 7-foot wingspan

The incredible shrinking Amir. If Amir is 6-9, I don't see why he can't get minutes backing up Tay at the 3.

basketbills · #3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16 Mile

The incredible shrinking Amir. If Amir is 6-9, I don't see why he can't get minutes backing up Tay at the 3.

That's the big concern with Amir. Darko seemed to grow an inch or two per month but Amir is wasting away.

buddahfan · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 10:37 PM

He has always been listed at 6'9" since the Pistons signed him.

You don't play your best rebounder at the #3 position!!!!

Lee356 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-17-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddahfan

He has always been listed at 6'9" since the Pistons signed him.

You don't play your best rebounder at the #3 position!!!!

Rodman comes to mind. Seems he was a small forward. Besides, Rumor has it that Amir is like 6-11 now-although it looks to me like he is about 6-10, using a comparison to Sheed who I believe is 6-11.

mikhail1973 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-18-2007, 01:26 PM

I guess we'll never know how tall Amir actually is. But I don't think it is as important as his play is going to be. I hope he's all that Joe D. says he is.

lemonpen · #7 (**permalink**) 09-18-2007, 01:45 PM

He plays 8 feet tall anyway.

TaShawn · #8 (**permalink**) 09-18-2007, 01:53 PM

I'm not completely sure that Johnson will be a great rebounder this year. To me, he seems to rebound a bit like Maxiell. Quick on the offensive glass, but not fundamentally sound enough or big enough to get those gimme defensive boards.

He could be a great rebounder, but I will have to see it first.

kpaav · #9 (**permalink**) 09-18-2007, 02:44 PM

They legitimately measure all players in the training camp preseason, so we should be getting an accurate number shortly.

buddahfan · #10 (**permalink**) 09-18-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpaav

They legitimately measure all players in the training camp preseason, so we should be getting an accurate number shortly.

I believe that the NBA rule is:

Pre Draft: - Measure without sneakers
Once Signed: - Measure with sneakers.