Doc: Chris Johnson an absolute option, C's have interest

[rondohondo]

* Rivers confirmed that the Celtics have interest in recently released Chris Johnson, who had two cups of coffee with the team last season (one in training camp; another on a 10-day contract in February) before being signed by the Blazers. "We thought about just signing him for [Saturday's game] because he had that sensational game there last year in Denver," Rivers joked about Johnson's rushed debut with Boston on the heels of the Kendrick Perkins trade. "We were just going to sign him and say, ‘Run like a gazelle again.’ No, we are [interested]. We’re looking at everybody. Chris is an absolute option, no doubt."

And on the JO situation

* Rivers also kept the door open just a crack that Jermaine O'Neal, sidelined for the past 11 games due to a let wrist ailment, could return to the team, but said he's letting O'Neal, his agent, and Danny Ainge sort everything out back home. As for his outlook on the situation: "If he comes back, he comes back; If he doesn’t, we’ve been pretty good."

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4690979/doc-talks-johnson-j-o

Think I would rather have Sheed if he is even capable of playing 10-15 mins a night

[pearljammer10]

I hope Oneal is able to come back. I know he gets a bad wrap around here but I like his play. He brings incredibly underratted defense to this team.

[theswitch]

I'd take Johnson, that'd be nice. Hopefully he's had a sandwich or two and can improve defensively, but at least he plays with a lot of energy.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I hope Oneal is able to come back. I know he gets a bad rap around here but I like his play. He brings incredibly underrated defense to this team.

I agree.

[green7]

I hope Oneal is able to come back. I know he gets a bad wrap around here but I like his play. He brings incredibly underratted defense to this team.

what about rebounding?

[Who]

What does Chris Johnson bring that Greg Stiemsma doesn't bring?

I'd rather see Boston add a big body for their third string center. Someone with physical toughness who can defend the post.

[jc3celticsphan]

him and stiemsa on the court block party!

[letsgoblue86]

This makes me mad, Chris Johnson is one inch taller and ten pounds LIGHTER than JJJ.  

I think Doc just has it in for this kid.

And blah blah blah we need a center, so we go after a player who weighs less than JJJ (who isn't allowed to play center) to play for us?

If a 220 pound JJJ gets bullied by NBA centers, a 210 pound Chris Johnson won't?

This makes zero sense.

[green7]

i really do wish kaman get's brought out of his contract.

but also i really think danny should sign williams he was waived by the rockets maybe he can show more effort in boston

[Celts Fan 92]

Would rather go down to the D League nd sign Earl Barron

[Jon]

I hope Oneal is able to come back. I know he gets a bad rap around here but I like his play. He brings incredibly underrated defense to this team.

I agree.

I agree too. 

If JO is done, I'd bring on Johnson and try to bring in someone else too (like Kaman).  If he's not, I'd wait a few days and see if Kaman's available. 

[CelticG1]

What does Chris Johnson bring that Greg Stiemsma doesn't bring?

I'd rather see Boston add a big body for their third string center. Someone with physical toughness who can defend the post.

I don't disagree with who we should go after but Johnson adds a lot more speed and a lot more athleticism for a big guy.

Doc just mentioned that he was on the radar pretty much. I think every big man is pretty much on the radar for us especially if the first few options fall through

[LooseCannon]

If you wanted the team to get younger and more athletic, Chris Johnson seems like the option in that direction that Doc is most likely to actually play.

[Interceptor]

And blah blah blah we need a center, so we go after a player who weighs less than JJJ (who isn't allowed to play center) to play for us?

Well... one of these guys has experience playing C in the NBA.

[pp34isthe1]

Hope Danny gives a workout to Earl Barron. I think it was last season or two that he pulled down 18 boards against us.

I know free agent journeyman dont usually work out for us (see Dooling trade) but at 7 ft with experience id take the gamble considering the front court now.