The Amir Johnson - Play Him or Trade Him Thread

[basketbills]

There is no way Flip can still keep this kid glued to the bench. Is there?

[Dumars4Ever]

Originally Posted by FreshPrince22

Write this day down as the day he earned at least a few ticks of "Real" court time. I'm talking 2nd quarter, close game minutes. He was hustling, diving for loose balls, blocking shots, playing solid man-to-man D, and defensive rebounding.

Amir only came in near the end of the 3rd quarter, when the lead had been well into double digits since several minutes before halftime. He was awesome, but it wasn't close when he got in.

[FreshPrince22]

Originally Posted by Dumars4Ever

Amir only came in near the end of the 3rd quarter, when the lead had been well into double digits since several minutes before halftime. He was awesome, but it wasn't close when he got in.

I think you misunderstood (could be poor wording from me). I was saying he has earned a few 2nd quarter close-game minutes by showing up like he did tonight.

[buddahfan]

Originally Posted by Dumars4Ever

Amir only came in near the end of the 3rd quarter, when the lead had been well into double digits since several minutes before halftime. He was awesome, but it wasn't close when he got in.

So are you saying that Flipper won't play him when the score is close regardless of which quarter the game is in.

You may be correct if that is what you are saying.

We are just going to have to wait and see

[Dumars4Ever]

Originally Posted by FreshPrince22

I think you misunderstood (could be poor wording from me). I was saying he has earned a few 2nd quarter close-game minutes by showing up like he did tonight.

Ah, gotcha. Yes, I had misunderstood (and I agree with what you're actually saying).

[buddahfan]

Amir’s Opportunity – The trade of Nazr Mohammed might provide the opening Amir Johnson has been awaiting. Though 7-footer Primo Brezec is now in the mix as well, Johnson staked his claim for a spot in the rotation Sunday with six points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots in 15 minutes. He was also part of a rousing interlude he began with an electric blocked shot with his left hand to prevent a dunk from Golden State’s explosive rookie Brandan Wright. Then, after a Maxiell block that began a Pistons fast break, Johnson was there to follow when Afflalo (11 points, four rebounds, two assists) missed a layup with a two-handed jam. He also put the ball on the floor and scored on a lefty scoop shot that opened some eyes.


JOHNSON: “I see it as a great opportunity. Nazr’s gone. We’ve got two new players. They need to get used to us, so I just need to keep playing hard, working hard in practice and maybe I’ll get more minutes.”


SAUNDERS: “A lot of times, Amir looks like he’s going to make a mistake and he turns a mistake into a play. It’s just a matter of him becoming more consistent. He does a lot of things by instinct, which is good. It’s just a matter of him understanding what we’re trying to do at times.”

Flipper may finally be getting it regarding AJ. He has so much natural talent and basketball instinct that he can be a positive influence for us on the court, even while he is learning.

PISTONS: Pistons 109 Golden State 87

[Lee356]

Originally Posted by BillLaimbeer

Sorry, but the trade was Darko and Arroyo for Cato and the 1st round pick. Nice try.

PISTONS: Pistons Acquire Future First Round Draft Choice and Center Kelvin Cato From the Orlando Magic in Exchange for Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NBA Basketball stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from NBA Basketball columnists

Pistons trade Milicic to Magic - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

Sure, technically, you are right. But by common sense, you are wrong. Darko demanded a trade. His trade value at that point, due to Dumars very wrong headed policy of forcing a trade as soon as it is asked for, was absolutely zero.

Arroyo, on the other hand, had not asked for a trade. Arroyo had also actually played in the league, and between him and Billups they had pretty much the best combined stat of (assists per minute / assist per turnover) in the league. Actual value, and so we were able to demand a 1st round pick in the deal.

[FreshPrince22]

Originally Posted by buddahfan

Flipper may finally be getting it regarding AJ. He has so much natural talent and basketball instinct that he can be a positive influence for us on the court, even while he is learning.

PISTONS: Pistons 109 Golden State 87

Maybe it's just the pessimism talking but I read that as "He even makes decent look bad". And I don't know what Flip means when he talks about Amir "understanding what we're trying to do at times". What, is he deviating from the gameplan?

It all just seems like Flip's trying to throw out some fluff excuses as to why Amir doesn't play.

[Mad Hatter]

Originally Posted by Lee356

Sure, technically, you are right. But by common sense, you are wrong. Darko demanded a trade.

Oh really? I guess it's too much to ask for a link. Or maybe you are being his official spokesman again.

While you're at it, wanna comment on what the Memphis papers are saying about him after D-Ho flat out abused him?

There was nobody in Orlando that we were interested in when we made this trade; other than Cato for salary cap purposes.

So if you are saying we gave Darko away for nothing; what did Orlando get for him? What other 2nd pick has ever suffered such a fate? Looks like Memphis may be on the verge of kicking him to the curb as well.

As for Carlos (best assist/minute; best assist/turnover in the league) Arroyo....is he still in the league?

[KGREG]

This is hilarious. Flip points to the fact that at times Amir messes up on a play or 2 or 3. He is absolutely right, at times Amir looks lost and screws up, therefore he doesn't see court time because he is inconsistent- which BTW is impossible to gauge BECAUSE HE DOESN'T PLAY!! Now correct me if I'm wrong, but it's not as if that statement does not describe everybody on this team and every other team in the league. It's not as if we have this team here that executes flawlessly, and putting in AMir will screw that up. Hell somebody convince me that Rip always understands "what we're trying to do out there"