James Johnson

[SacKingZZZ]

better question why is he on the team, the nba has changed you cannot afford having a player in the starting lineup just for defense this is not 1990

Tony Allen, Thabo? Half the centers in the league just play defense.
I'm fine with JJ just focusing on defense as long as he doesn't force the ball on offense.

to be fair JJ is neither allen or sefolosha on defense haha
i wish he was..

I was way high on the guy in college, thought he'd be more of a PF but defensively he's much better than I thought he'd ever be. Especially on the wing. If he finds the right role offensively his defense will really start to shine. JJ can guard just about any position out there. He did a good job on Lamarcus Aldridge in preseason and did an equally good job on Kobe Bryant, that's straight up versatility right there, something you won't find from any other player in the league with the exception of maybe Shawn Marion.

[KF10]

He would be pretty good if he concentrates on his defense & decision making only.

[BosnianBaller_]

[/quote]
I was way high on the guy in college, thought he'd be more of a PF but defensively he's much better than I thought he'd ever be. Especially on the wing. If he finds the right role offensively his defense will really start to shine. JJ can guard just about any position out there. He did a good job on Lamarcus Aldridge in preseason and did an equally good job on Kobe Bryant, that's straight up versatility right there, something you won't find from any other player in the league with the exception of maybe Shawn Marion.[/quote]

no offense but youre highly overrating this guys skill set. just because he played good D in the preseason doesn't translate to success in the nba. hell if that was true jerryd bayless should be an all-star after averaging 30 points a game a couple preseasons ago. johnson is just another one of those players that doesnt have a true position on the court and his pretty good defense can not make up for his total lack of any offensive game. he would be a backup SF/PF on a good team but for us unfortnately he's a starter.

[SacKingZZZ]

Yet, that defense is still continuing. Stop watching the ball and look at the help he provides, look at him attack players when they do have the ball. He hasn't found himself in the offense yet, but defensively, both he and Tyreke are playing pretty darn well. Offensively not so much. Pretty much this is turning out the way I and some others figured from TRob's lack of role/minutes, to no shooting, to bad spacing, etc. Yet, the defense has been pretty decent and they are far more capable from a personnel standpoint than at just about any time I can remember in the last 5-6 years.

Backing up may be the best thing for him and the team, same with Tyreke. Both can defend multiple positions and off the bench you could conceivably put them wherever you want at the time. The shooting woes with both at SG/SF are obvious to any team they have or will play.

[sackings916]

James Johnson is a good role player but just isnt a starting quality player. He's basically a defensive minded Donte Greene. Terrible shot selection and decision making. Really shouldn't be playing any more than 20 mins/game. Solid combo F to have off the bench though, very good defender and plays with a high motor. Also provides versatility and toughness. I think he'd be perfect off the bench next to Thomas Robinson as those 2 really get after it.

[ADoaN17]

I don't mind JJ starting because I actually like his defense. If only we still had TWill still, who could come off the bench, then that would be a solid 3 rotation.

[sackings916]

I don't mind JJ starting because I actually like his defense. If only we still had TWill still, who could come off the bench, then that would be a solid 3 rotation.

He would be fine minus his shot selection and decision making. His lack of basketball IQ kills him.

[Cruel_Ruin]

I don't give a rats ass about his offense. On defense he's been excellent. Probably one of the main catalysts for the defensive improvement so far.

I'd love to see a lineup of Brooks/Thornton/JJ/Hayes/Cousins start eventually. IT/Tyreke/TRob/JT off the bench to round out the rotation.

[BosnianBaller_]

I don't give a rats ass about his offense. On defense he's been excellent. Probably one of the main catalysts for the defensive improvement so far.

I'd love to see a lineup of Brooks/Thornton/JJ/Hayes/Cousins start eventually. IT/Tyreke/TRob/JT off the bench to round out the rotation.

we can't make tyreke come off the bench. he doesn't seem like the type to conform and it would destroy his trade value. i really think the only thing we can do is trade him at this point. tyreke just isn't improving any aspect of the his game. if JJ could just develop that 3-point corner shot like bruce bowen did then i can tolerate him but his lack of IQ just drives me crazy on the offensive end of the floor