Amir Johnson - Sioux Falls Skyforce Tracker

Same with Blalock.

No.
Not so.

Last night Amir was killing guys four years older than him, like Luke Schenscher and Deji Akindele. He's been younger than pretty much everyone he plays against in the NBDL. So no, he's not playing high schoolers--just borderline NBA hopefuls with major college experience. The fact that he is so clearly on a different level indicates that he should be more than just a decent NBA player.

The recap is up.

And here's a game report from the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

Now make that, "no longer NBA hopefuls".

he isn't playing against high schoolers, he basically *is* the high schooler...heh.

really impressive though.

The really impressive thing about Amir is his attitude...especially at his age. The kid seems to have a very level head about being in the NBA.

His stock went up again with me when he asked to be sent down to play. I'm sure all scouts are taking notice too. Amir is a rare find...good job Joe.

Forget Darko... we got our #2 pick :^)

It would be nice to see him play a few games so we know that we're not dealing with fools gold before signing a big contract.

The burning question is ... how does Amir do against the Brahma?... ya think one of these reporters watching practice would make a comment on Amir in practice?... naw they got better things to do... so Lindsey what's your favorite pick up line (seriously this was asked lol)

Attitude Shmattitude. Stick him in the game Flip!

The D-Leage is not meant for guys who can score 30+ points on 80% shooting. If I were another player on Sioux Falls, I'd be pretty discouraged. This kid comes down and absolutely dominates without even practicing, and he can't even get NBA playing time. The rest of those guys should probably quit wasting their time if they are only averaging 15 points/game and are older than 22.

Merc...I don't believe reporters are allowed to watch practices.

I know what you mean, but at least he's consistent when the Pistons bring him up to play with the big kids.

If he was any more consistent they'd have to ban him (from the D League at least) as a ringer. He shot 67% from the field last year and is hitting on nearly 60% right now while trying out the new moves he's picked up in practice.

Over at draftexpress.net they have a blog by Rod Benson, a player for the Dakota team that'll be playing the Skyforce tonight. I'm kind of hoping he posts an entry about the game, which is supposedly going to be played despite blizzard conditions.

Ugh. Looks like Amir was trying to prove Flip right tonight with possibly his worst game in the D-League. He got into early foul trouble, and in 34 minutes had 12 points (4-7, 4-8 from the line), with 7 boards, 2 steals, 1 block, 0 assists, 4 fouls and 6 turnovers.

boxscore

Just for perspective, Sheed has had 24 games with 7 or fewer rebounds (44% of the time). He has had 23 games with 12 or fewer points (42% of the time).

Why so many below that mark? Because he only averages 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Sheed is good, right?

He wasn't the primary scorer. The 6 turns hurts.
So he had a chance for 20 pts. [1 turn]

For "added" perspective, Sheed is doing it against NBA caliber opponents. Amir is doing it against guys that will likely never make it.

I really am aware that the D-League does not have the same caliber of play. So how many points do you have to average in the D-League for it to translate into solid play at the next level? 26 ppg isn't good enough to get 5 minutes per game in the NBA?

How do you think Sheed would do down there?

I'm guessing he would shoot about 10 3's per game, joke around alot, and then go ballistic at some ref who's getting paid $20 per game to be there on the first bad call.

I just think it's funny that 12 points and 7 rebounds can be classified as a bad game. He was 1 rebound short of the team leader in rebounds.


Face it, there is an unseen organizational hand holding him back.

How many points did Michael average at North Carolina?

A whopping 17.7

Player Bio: Michael Jordan :: Men's Basketball

Talent is talent.

Amir has big time talent even more than DMC!! LOL