Amir Johnson in decline? Look again.

[vini_vidi_vici]

I don't disagree he's important.

But, I would also argue that the role he plays, and should play going forward, should not be our starting PF, nor on a starting PF salary. I think we need to get someone else in here to start for us, either via FA or trade. We need whatever contract Amir is on to be an asset. Because despite his importance and contribution he is not going to be the factor that wins us a title.

Why are terrible sports cliches so definitive??

How do you know this? how would anyone know this?? Id argue everything you wrote is conjecture.

Its fair to say you think the Raps need a PF, id argue with PP/AJ/JJ/etc.. I wouldnt want to allocate more resources on a position with the most depth.

Let me guess, you want another high USG PF?? Not one that can replace the PnR D, or screening the offense needs?? The best NetRTG of the starters?? Ive read this all before.

We have a high USG DD/KL, along with LW off the bench, GV gets alot of USG, ppl are clamouring for more JV USG, we need a low USG PF on this team as constructed. Now if you want to advocate blowing it up (meaning perhaps 2-3 starters gone/changed), I might be more amenable to listening to getting a different big.

Again, sometimes I think ppls expectations of Amirs previous athleticism have been greatly over exaggerated, and that they dont value things like screeners in a great offense, or the defensive side of the ball, +/- stats, etc.. its just the standard fantasy stats (REBs/Shooting/etc..). Lets not forget hes a really good passing big man (just behind Durant/Butler in players who played >=20 MPG/Forwards at ASTr).

[knickerbocker2k2]

We have a high USG DD/KL, along with LW off the bench, GV gets alot of USG, ppl are clamouring for more JV USG, we need a low USG PF on this team as constructed. Now if you want to advocate blowing it up (meaning perhaps 2-3 starters gone/changed), I might be more amenable to listening to getting a different big.

EXACTLY. This is what "we need new PF" people don't understand. Lowry/DD are high usage players. If you want JV to be your post player, that is another high usage player. There is no room even for someone like Mislap because if he is only going to get 15% usage, there is no justification for $15M salary. Waste of resources and bad fit as team.

There is no better fit for this team as constructed than Amir. You are not going to replace Amir with highly touted FA. Hopefully Masai can make under radar move for replacement/backup for him.

[JYD]

Why are terrible sports cliches so definitive??

How do you know this? how would anyone know this?? Id argue everything you wrote is conjecture.

Its fair to say you think the Raps need a PF, id argue with PP/AJ/JJ/etc.. I wouldnt want to allocate more resources on a position with the most depth.

Let me guess, you want another high USG PF?? Not one that can replace the PnR D, or screening the offense needs?? The best NetRTG of the starters?? Ive read this all before.

We have a high USG DD/KL, along with LW off the bench, GV gets alot of USG, ppl are clamouring for more JV USG, we need a low USG PF on this team as constructed. Now if you want to advocate blowing it up (meaning perhaps 2-3 starters gone/changed), I might be more amenable to listening to getting a different big.

Again, sometimes I think ppls expectations of Amirs previous athleticism have been greatly over exaggerated, and that they dont value things like screeners in a great offense, or the defensive side of the ball, +/- stats, etc.. its just the standard fantasy stats (REBs/Shooting/etc..). Lets not forget hes a really good passing big man (just behind Durant/Butler in players who played >=20 MPG/Forwards at ASTr).

Chill out, It's an opinion. I wouldn't rush to change our PF situation either, I just don't want to sign Amir to a deal we regret where we have a hard time moving pieces around if we want to make changes later. That said, he's still worth overpaying a little because his value isn't niche or anything, a lot of teams would love him.

I don't want a high usage PF, I agree Amir is the right type of PF actually, next to JV, but long term we need to seek out, and be in a position to seek out a solution at starting PF, someone who can grow with JV and play heavier mins. Or maybe we get a better 3rd guy to defend up front over someone like Patterson. Or maybe a proper rebounding/defending starting SF would help a lot too.

Anyway I trust MU to find the right price and keep Amir.