Nets Looking at James Johnson

by Tommy Dee on May 19th, 2009 at 10:20 am

The Post, which highlighted theknicksblog several weeks ago when discussing the future of Lawrence Frank, is reporting the Nets like Wake Forest’s James Johnson.

“…With such an overabundance of guards available, the Nets may end up going that route, perhaps selecting a point guard such as Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn. The preference is for help up front, and there is one forward who intrigues them, one they probably would find waiting at No. 11, James Johnson of Wake Forest.

Johnson is a 6-foot-8, 235-pound small forward/power forward type who averaged 15.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. He’s an athlete, considered a good perimeter defender. He can face up, has a post game. He comes with a list of negatives, too: He needs strength, bulk, a better foul shot, more focus and assertiveness…”

Yes, it is my understanding the Nets really do like Johnson, but from what I’m hearing he may not fall to 11 if the Nets stay there. The Raptors are certain to be active this offseason and will take a long look at Johnson who is a tween 3-4, but may have the most polished back-to-the-basket game in the entire lottery. I love his face up game too, again, as much as I love Wilson Chandler.The Rapts will have a huge decison to make should Chris Bosh not sign the anticipated contract extension sure to be offered by Toronto and will need to look for front court help.
  • Chris Alvino

    I saw Johnson play live against BC. At first, I was more impressed with him than I was with Teague and Aminu. Johnson plays with fire and is explosive around the hoop. This was before I knew that he was regarded as a big NBA prospect and before my view was skewed by experts.

    That said, Teague was the best player on that Wake team. I was not high on him back when he was considered a top 10 pick, but he is an absolute sleeper in this draft. If a team drafts him in the late teens or in the 20′s, they will get a good player. Teague’s first step is incredible and his knack for getting to the hoop is as good any point guard in the draft. His handle is suspect, but when he gets a step he explodes to the rim and takes it hard. He never backs down either.