JaJuan Johnson interview with CSNNE

[j804]

I love it haven't seen him play but the kid seems like he's got the right mind set already.

He's honored ready to soak everything up and learn from the Big Three, idolizes KG, and is ready to go to work knows a lot of work is to be done.

By A. Sherrod Blakely
CSNNE.com

BOSTON — Comcast SportsNet's Kyle Draper had a chance to catch up with Jajuan Johnson moments after he become the latest member of the Boston Celtics.

Johnson, who starred at Purdue, was acquired by the Celtics on Thursday night when the C's traded Providence's high-scoring guard Marshon Brooks to New Jersey for the Nets' first round pick - Johnson - along with a 2014 second round pick.

Here's a glimpse at some of the topics covered by Johnson in his phone interview with Comcast Sportsnet:


On playing with the Big Three:
"It's an honor just to be able to learn from those guys. I'm just going to be a sponge. I'm going to take in all I can and really learn from those guys."

On his ability
"I'm long, athletic, I love to run, I can jump. My ability to shoot has improved every year that I've been in school."

On his talk with Celtics head coach Doc Rivers
"He really didn't say anything about my role. He just congratulated me on getting selected. Obviously we got some work to do and I'm ready to put in the work."

On going to the C's with college teammate E'Twaun Moore who was selected by the C's in the second round
"I texted him. He called me and we talked about how crazy it was we were on the same team again because we definitely didn't expect it."

On what he knows about Boston
"Not much. I know the Patriots are there and I'm a huge Colts fan. I've seen the battles they've had over the years but that's all I'm familiar with."

On playing with Kevin Garnett
"It's a dream come true. Growing up and watching him, he was my favorite player so learning from him is going to be good."

A. Sherrod Blakely can be reached at sblakely@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Sherrod on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sherrodbcsn.

[jc3celticsphan]

chances he cracks the rotation? I wonder if hes a fast learner we can definetly use his size and speed.
I realy like how he gets his shot off he looks unguardable. still needs to put on some muscle. hope hes in the weight room today.

[LilRip]

will he or won't he be better than Josh Smith?

[mctyson]

He is definitely going to be in the rotation - at least 10 minutes a night at the 3/4.  Expect to see him with Green a lot because that's a versatile 3 and 4 combo.

[Jeff]

may not happen right away, but I like the idea of him and Jeff Green filling the lane on the fast break with Rondo tossing the ball up

[Marcus13]

I like to keep expectations low - but I really am pleased with this pick-up.  I'll think he'll be our 4 off the bench from day one if Baby doesn't return.

Rondo's going to love playing with him

[syfy9]

chances he cracks the rotation? I wonder if hes a fast learner we can definetly use his size and speed.
I realy like how he gets his shot off he looks unguardable. still needs to put on some muscle. hope hes in the weight room today.

He's an incredibly fast learner, man.

http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/jajuan_johnson_scouting_report/5116411

Posted by chris.ransom 
June 18, 2011

Biography JaJuan Johnson Power Forward Purdue

ProsBasketball IQ: JaJuan Johnson has a high basketball IQ. Learning Rate: Learns new plays at a very fast rate.

[lon3lytoaster]

KG needs to get into the gym with him right this instant and teach the kid the dream shake. When that was KG's signature move, it used to be unstoppable. From what I've seen and read, he's got a jump shot so it should be only a matter of teaching him how to get it off over defenders at the NBA level.

[j804]

KG needs to get into the gym with him right this instant and teach the kid the dream shake. When that was KG's signature move, it used to be unstoppable. From what I've seen and read, he's got a jump shot so it should be only a matter of teaching him how to get it off over defenders at the NBA level.

Stoked at the thought of this

[clover]

He is definitely going to be in the rotation - at least 10 minutes a night at the 3/4.  Expect to see him with Green a lot because that's a versatile 3 and 4 combo.

I don't think we'll see him at the 3.

[lon3lytoaster]

KG needs to get into the gym with him right this instant and teach the kid the dream shake. When that was KG's signature move, it used to be unstoppable. From what I've seen and read, he's got a jump shot so it should be only a matter of teaching him how to get it off over defenders at the NBA level.

Stoked at the thought of this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPzSTWi_jd4

15 seconds in.. A baby dream shake turnaround jumper! Love it!

And from this video, it looks like he shoots the ball from very KG-like spots on the floor. I can't help but find that interesting. Every jumper in that video looks like a spot where KG usually shoots from.

[xmuscularghandix]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBZukuSo020
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBZukuSo020
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgJxSPdbplU&feature=related

I like everything i'm seeing.

[diconzo]

He is definitely going to be in the rotation - at least 10 minutes a night at the 3/4.  Expect to see him with Green a lot because that's a versatile 3 and 4 combo.

I don't think we'll see him at the 3.

I think he meant JJ at the 4 and JG at the 3.

[Carhole]

chances he cracks the rotation? I wonder if hes a fast learner we can definetly use his size and speed.
I realy like how he gets his shot off he looks unguardable. still needs to put on some muscle. hope hes in the weight room today.

He's an incredibly fast learner, man.

http://network.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/article_external/jajuan_johnson_scouting_report/5116411

Posted by chris.ransom 
June 18, 2011

Biography JaJuan Johnson Power Forward Purdue

ProsBasketball IQ: JaJuan Johnson has a high basketball IQ. Learning Rate: Learns new plays at a very fast rate.

Funny ESPN scouting says the exact opposite

Negatives   
Needs to add strength to his frame
Still developing a low post game
Basketball IQ seems to be an issue

No one knows for sure on these kids. Big 10 player and defender of the year at 27. Athletic and active, I will take it but lets not pretend we know anything about this kids makeup because 1 internet scouting site made a note about it