has Amir Johnson made a difference?

[Tr1boy]

He is now considered the highest paid player on the team.   

Has he made a difference for this years squad?

[CelticsFan166]

He has made a difference simply be being the large, veteran defensive presence on the inside we were so sorely lacking last year. While he may not put up big numbers his work ethic and defense fit this team like a glove and his offensive rebounding has been a large part of our success

[heldthemhanging]

I would argue that he absolutely has. Much like his time with Toronto, he does a lot of good small things that helps you win. He sets good screens, takes smart, high percentage shots, is a good help and on-ball defender, and does an admirable job of hitting the boards. He's not outstanding at any one thing, but he doesn't really have any outstanding weaknesses either.

[td450]

I thought that last year the weakest part of the team was that they could get bullied inside pretty easily. They look to win about 10 more games this year and I don't see them getting regularly bullied any more. You can point to Sullinger and Olynyk improving defensively, but you have to give the bulk of the credit to Amir.

[Denis998]

He has made a huge difference, easily the most underrated player on this team. He is the reason why are defense is what it is today. He took this team from like 11th in defensive rating last year, to what it is today.

[Csfan1984]

Yes he has made a difference. I was hoping for more but it hasn't been disappointing either.

[Tr1boy]

so with the overwhelming positive response, pick up the team option for next season?

[Csfan1984]

so with the overwhelming positive response, pick up the team option for next season?

Almost by default because the market is slim and there is a ton of cash to spend by teams.

[mctyson]

so with the overwhelming positive response, pick up the team option for next season?

Almost by default because the market is slim and there is a ton of cash to spend by teams.

The one issue I have with him is that he can't sustain a lot of minutes.  We need depth behind a player like that, so we will need to retain Zeller as well.  While Amir may be "cheap" at $12 mil, Zeller will certainly get a hefty raise so in effect we are paying more for Amir.

[Denis998]

so with the overwhelming positive response, pick up the team option for next season?

Almost by default because the market is slim and there is a ton of cash to spend by teams.

The one issue I have with him is that he can't sustain a lot of minutes.  We need depth behind a player like that, so we will need to retain Zeller as well.  While Amir may be "cheap" at $12 mil, Zeller will certainly get a hefty raise so in effect we are paying more for Amir.

i hope i never see Zeller again in green after this season.

[Tr1boy]

so with the overwhelming positive response, pick up the team option for next season?

Almost by default because the market is slim and there is a ton of cash to spend by teams.

The one issue I have with him is that he can't sustain a lot of minutes.  We need depth behind a player like that, so we will need to retain Zeller as well.  While Amir may be "cheap" at $12 mil, Zeller will certainly get a hefty raise so in effect we are paying more for Amir.

i hope i never see Zeller again in green after this season.

me too

I like Jerebko but if he is not back next season, not a big deal also

[mahonedog88]

He hasn't lived up fully to what I thought he was going to be, but he's certainly made a difference to this team.

If anything, him starting has moved Zeller to his rightful spot as a BACK-UP center, because that's all Zeller is.

Amir hasn't been a huge difference in terms of rim protection, but the threat is at least there more than it was last year.

[Celtics4ever]

We are usually better when he is on the floor, he is the only big we have that can score in the post at a good FG% .

[SparzWizard]

Amir Johnson will complement Al Horford next year, no worries 

[danglertx]

Kind of impossible to say when you don't know how free agency is going to play itself out.  Two of Sully, Zeller and Jerebko are probably out if we sign a free agent 4 or 5.  Turner is probably out if we get Simmons or a 2 or 3 in the lottery.

If Mickey gets playing time and looks good, maybe none of Sully, Zeller and Jerebko are back.  I can't see us bringing in three more rookies so undoubtedly either picks get pushed off into the future or they get traded or consolidated in a higher pick.