Of late, Johnson has blossomed. His streak of four games in double figures -- he has averaged 16.2 points per game over that stretch -- is his longest of the season.
Perhaps his best game in a month came Friday at Utah, when he shot 8-for-14, including 3-for-7 on three-pointers, on the way to 19 points. He also had two assists, and on a night in which the Wolves turned the ball over 25 times, Johnson was one of only two Wolves without a turnover.
Rambis has said all season he sees great potential in Johnson, but he also sees a lot that needs to happen for him to get there. Among what the coach is looking for: better and more aggressive ball-handling and improvement on defense.
Johnson is showing some growth. Mostly a spot-up jumper early in the season, the No. 4 overall pick in last summer's NBA draft has tried to do more off the dribble, and not just with the goal of breaking down his man. In Rambis' system, wing players are expected to also use the dribble to create openings for other players.
The 6-7 Johnson also is working on his midrange and post games.
"He's improving," Rambis said. "In defense, in rebounding, on offense. He's doing more things. Not only the outside shot, but with his back to the basket, playing at the elbow areas. Those are things he's going to be really, really good at. He's not there yet."
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