Jajuan Johnson arrived at the practice facility

[dmny5000]

Celtics rookie Jajuan Johnson arrived at the practice facility this morning to workout. Still no KG, Paul or JO sightings yet.

Glad he's putting the work in. A little surprised that he's allowed in without being signed though.

[Yogi]

Every player is allowed into any NBA facility including free agents and draft picks.

[Marcus13]

Good for the rook - let Ray's work ethic rub off on him a little bit

[Jon]

I don't know about you guys, but I have pretty high hopes for JaJuan for two reasons:

1) He's a four year college player, so there shouldn't be a ton of an adjustment period for him.  Danny's done well with players with significant college experience like Baby and Powe.  More importantly, Doc has played guys like him. 

2) JaJuan is pretty rare in that he's a four year college player with outstanding athletic ability.  Often players with outstanding athletic ability get drafted earlier in their college careers before getting the chance to polish his game.  And last year, Shaq proved there's lots of alley-oops available when defenses focus on our Core Four and Green proved there's breakaway dunks to be had if you can get down the court quickly and Rondo has the ball. 

While JaJuan may never be a star, I think it's certainly possible he could be a valuable rotation player this year.  And that could be huge given our need for big men. 

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I don't know about you guys, but I have pretty high hopes for JaJuan for two reasons:

1) He's a four year college player, so there shouldn't be a ton of an adjustment period for him.  Danny's done well with players with significant college experience like Baby and Powe.  More importantly, Doc has played guys like him. 

2) JaJuan is pretty rare in that he's a four year college player with outstanding athletic ability.  Often players with outstanding athletic ability get drafted earlier in their college careers before getting the chance to polish his game.  And last year, Shaq proved there's lots of alley-oops available when defenses focus on our Core Four and Green proved there's breakaway dunks to be had if you can get down the court quickly and Rondo has the ball. 

While JaJuan may never be a star, I think it's certainly possible he could be a valuable rotation player this year.  And that could be huge given our need for big men. 

Ditto this. I think he can and should be a rotation guy, particularly with our need for size, youth and athleticism.

[Cman]

Every player is allowed into any NBA facility including free agents and draft picks.

The OP probably meant that he was surprised JJ's agent allowed him in.

[PosImpos]

I don't know about you guys, but I have pretty high hopes for JaJuan for two reasons:

1) He's a four year college player, so there shouldn't be a ton of an adjustment period for him.  Danny's done well with players with significant college experience like Baby and Powe.  More importantly, Doc has played guys like him. 

2) JaJuan is pretty rare in that he's a four year college player with outstanding athletic ability.  Often players with outstanding athletic ability get drafted earlier in their college careers before getting the chance to polish his game.  And last year, Shaq proved there's lots of alley-oops available when defenses focus on our Core Four and Green proved there's breakaway dunks to be had if you can get down the court quickly and Rondo has the ball. 

While JaJuan may never be a star, I think it's certainly possible he could be a valuable rotation player this year.  And that could be huge given our need for big men. 

i feel good about JJJ too.  he averaged 20-10 in a defense-heavy conference and also won the Pete Newell award, which has a very good track record of projecting at least moderate success in the NBA (Marcus Fizer and Jason Collins being the only ones who never really made much of an impact). 

glen davis was the last late 1st / second round draft pick to win the pete newell award, and he clearly exceeded expectations considering where he was drafted.  i hope that JJJ will do the same.

[csfansince60s]

JJJ was also Big 10 DPOY as well as Big 10 Player of the year.

I think his upside is a very solid starter and more than just a role player.

He has the maturity, work ethic, speed, shooting ability and hops to make a big impact. Don't think his lack of bulk hurts him a real lot ath the 4. Hopefully Doc plays him decent minutes.

[cman88]

it will be interesting to see if he put on some bulk in the offseason.

[dmny5000]

it will be interesting to see if he put on some bulk in the offseason.

At Rondo's charity game he looked about the same. Could have added some weight without it being very noticeable but not too much. I think his body might be alright though, I only worry about his low post D since he might be easy to back down.

[Celtics4ever]

Strength is easier to add than bulk.   Only people with the right genes bulk up well.   Everyone can get stronger.  I seen guys who done roids get stronger but not as big as guys who had the genes.  I think the kid has skinny genes.

JJ's  athletic ability is going to wow some here.

[dmny5000]

Strength is easier to add than bulk.   Only people with the right genes bulk up well.   Everyone can get stronger.  I seen guys who done roids get stronger but not as big as guys who had the genes.  I think the kid has skinny genes.

JJ's  athletic ability is going to wow some here.

Yeah that's true. I must admit I laughed a little when I read that about him having skinny genes haha.

I was saying that on another thread a few days ago, he can do some incredible things.

[csfansince60s]

Strength is easier to add than bulk.   Only people with the right genes bulk up well.   Everyone can get stronger.  I seen guys who done roids get stronger but not as big as guys who had the genes.  I think the kid has skinny genes.

JJ's  athletic ability is going to wow some here.

Agree.

Marcus Camby did pretty well with a similar frame and worked on his strength.

[PosImpos]

Strength is easier to add than bulk.   Only people with the right genes bulk up well.   Everyone can get stronger.  I seen guys who done roids get stronger but not as big as guys who had the genes.  I think the kid has skinny genes.

JJ's  athletic ability is going to wow some here.

yeah, i think when a player is coming into the nba after spending 4+ years playing in college, you can more or less expect that physically they are who they are going to be.  perhaps you can expect them to add a little bit of bulk and improve their strength, but we're not talking about a gangly teenage one-and-done-er here.

[Liam W]

Good to see the big man getting in early + getting going

Chris Forsberg said he declined Media interviews, But he said he looked good early on