Amir Johnson predictions

[walker834]

I've heard him compared to Ben Wallace.  I don't see him duplicating that, but if he can give us a legit presence at center and start there for us I'd consider him a success.  We lack a big physical presence in the paint still but a lot of teams are going undersized.  I don't see it as a huge deal.  What do you predict he will be for us?  I think he's an upgrade over Bass just because his skillset is different.  He can actually play center for us.

[ahonui06]

Slight upgrade over Bass because he is a better rim protector when healthy.

[Rosco917]

When he faces the real centers, the 7' 275 lb. types he will have problems keeping them at bay.

Don't forget he's not a stretch 4 or 5. He works mostly mid range and in close.

He's an aggressive, hard working big, that can defend, and we really needed that. Just to balance the aggressive defenders we have at PG, SG, and SF.

The C's are building a team of very strong, tough defenders, it's not all they need however, but you can win games with OK scoring and an excellent defensive team.

[Rosco917]

Slight upgrade over Bass because he is a better rim protector when healthy.

I just didn't see Bass as a good defender at all, Bass is a better shooter however. We need to replace the scoring Bass gave us.

[LarBrd33]

About even with Bass.  Should have just signed Bass. 

[LooseCannon]

Slight upgrade over Bass because he is a better rim protector when healthy.

I just didn't see Bass as a good defender at all, Bass is a better shooter however. We need to replace the scoring Bass gave us.

Well, Bass wasn't a bad defender.  He gave good effort and never came across as a weak link that teams would try to attack.  At worst, he was average/adequate.

[celticsclay]

18, 9 and 2.

[cltc5]

Bum

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

Apparently Amir was his best at C, he was much better when Valanciunas wasn't out there clogging the paint.


read all about it

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2512685-why-amir-johnsons-new-contract-with-boston-celtics-will-prove-to-be-a-steal

[Surferdad]

When he faces the real centers, the 7' 275 lb. types he will have problems keeping them at bay.

Don't forget he's not a stretch 4 or 5. He works mostly mid range and in close.

He's an aggressive, hard working big, that can defend, and we really needed that. Just to balance the aggressive defenders we have at PG, SG, and SF.

The C's are building a team of very strong, tough defenders, it's not all they need however, but you can win games with OK scoring and an excellent defensive team.

I agree.  I like the defense all around now. Now get a good shooter and let's roll.

[GreenGoggles]

I'm not sure where people are getting the rim protection ideas from? Amir Johnson is not a rim protector.

[byennie]

I'm not sure where people are getting the rim protection ideas from? Amir Johnson is not a rim protector.

Read the link two post above yours:

Two years ago, Johnson was a pearl. Grantland’s Zach Lowe referred to him as "one of the league’s underrated players," and suitable rim protection was a big reason why. Opposing field-goal percentages with him as the closest defender to the basket were comparable to Dwight Howard and Joakim Noah's numbers, per NBA.com/Stats.

and

The Raptors shredded opponents with Johnson at the 5. Lineups featuring him and Valanciunas were outscored by 1.1 points per 100 possessions, but when Johnson ran beside Patrick Patterson, James Johnson or any other forward who wasn’t born in Lithuania, Toronto outscored opponents by 8.0 points per 100 possessions, featuring an attack that would’ve led the entire league in offensive rating

[dreamgreen]

I keep reading he's 6'9" 220 lbs. I'm baffled to how that makes him a center other than playing small ball? A real center will toss him around like a little Edited.  Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline.!

I predict he will do what hes done his whole career: 20 mpg, 7 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block. That's what our highest paid player will give us. Not sure why anyone would think he's going to be an all-star or put up monster numbers and he is without question not the savior.

[vjcsmoke]

Amir Johnson allows us to move Sullinger or KO and move on from Bass.  He's also a superior defender to all three of those guys.  Could we use a Nerlen Noels trade?  Sure, that would be great, if the Sixers fall in love with Okafor, Noel might become available for say Smart + Sullinger and a 1st round pick.

[hodgy03038]

Amir Johnson allows us to move Sullinger or KO and move on from Bass.  He's also a superior defender to all three of those guys.  Could we use a Nerlen Noels trade?  Sure, that would be great, if the Sixers fall in love with Okafor, Noel might become available for say Smart + Sullinger and a 1st round pick.

Smart (#6)  & Sullinger (if healthy when drafted would have been lottery pick) & a 1st rnd pick for a #6 pick.  Can I have whatever you are smoking.