INSIGHT TO OUR PICKS - BOSTON HEARALD

Cure in second opinion

Scouting report reveals Celtics got steal in Johnson

By Steve Bulpett / Celtics Beat
Sunday, June 26, 2011

When the Celtics [team stats] wound up with JaJuan Johnson on draft night Thursday, I was among the legions who were profoundly underwhelmed. A skinny, 6-foot-10 guy who managed to slip all the way to No. 27 while being projected even lower by many in the basketball business? No need to wake the banner stitcher.

To be fair, while I watch more college basketball than is generally considered healthy, I didn’t pay rapt attention to Purdue last season after Robbie Hummel was declared out for the year. The skinny, tall kid inside looked good and active, but, with his lack of heft, the first fleeting impression pegged Johnson as a GCP (good college player). To be fair, that wasn’t fair.

Still, I felt comfort in my ignorance when he was picked by the Celts and the needle on the national give-a-damn meter didn’t even twitch. Evidently I wasn’t alone.


We then listed to Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers and the “surprised he was there” talk, and, maybe it was the late hour, but they didn’t seem all that enthusiastic either. So we waltzed into the weekend feeling that the Celtics draft had been no big deal, that they had not gotten anyone who was going to help them this season.

Then the phone rang.

It was another team’s top amateur evaluator — a scout I trust because he has been correct in his projections more than anyone else I’ve known. This scout called in 1998 and said the Celtics had gotten an absolute steal with Paul Pierce [stats] at No. 10, that he had the most NBA-ready offensive package of anyone to come into the league in years.

This same guy now thinks the Celtics did better on Thursday than many teams who picked higher. He didn’t exactly nominate JaJuan Johnson for Springfield or anything, but he thinks the kid can help the team. Now.

“The Celtics did a great job,” the scout said. “This guy should have gone before. Danny did a really good job when he identified this kid. He can play. People up there might think I’m crazy, but JaJuan Johnson is a great replacement for Kendrick Perkins [stats].

“I’m not saying he’s going to step in and be a star, but this kid can help that team. And he’s going to get better.”

The scout then went on to extol Johnson’s virtues.

“He has real skills,” he said. “You’re going to love his mid-post game. He knows how to get the ball in good position, and he can turn over both shoulders. And he runs like a deer. We tested him, and he’s an unbelievable athlete. He has a 39-inch vertical leap and he was beating guards up and down the floor. (Rajon) Rondo and Delonte West are going to love playing with this kid.”

But it’s hard to overlook the fact he’s 6-10 and just 220 pounds. Kevin Garnett’s thin, and he’s listed at 6-11, 253.

“Don’t let the skinny (part) fool you,” the scout said of Johnson. “He’s wiry and he’s tough. All they do in the Big Ten is go out every night and beat the hell out of each other, and this kid was right in the middle of it taking the hits and blocking shots. He’ll surprise you with his low-post defense.”

Still, the Perkins reference seemed a little over the top, so we pressed on the issue, noting that Perk is one of the best inside defenders in the game. The former Celtic may have had trouble defending big men away from the hoop, but he is trustworthy inside.

“Yeah, Perkins can hold position under the basket, but how many really good post-up centers are there in the game anymore?” the scout replied. “I’m telling you, this kid can move a lot better, and he’s still tough. He’s going to be able to get out and guard guys, and he’s not going to back down from anyone. And he’s much better with the ball. He’s a straight-up, no-nonsense good kid.

“There were a lot of foreigners that people got all excited about, and some teams were afraid of (Johnson’s) physical stature, but he’s going to make some teams look silly for not picking him.”

And if JaJuan Johnson makes the Celtics [team stats] rotation this season, he’ll make some of us look silly for yawning on Thursday.

112288

Whoever the scout is that Bulpett refers to has the opinion I had of Johnson after this past season. Unlike some of the writers he must have caught some Purdue games and points out that he saw him work out. I still wanted Faried (unrealisitic) would have been happy with Hamilton and am surprised and pleased that Johnson was there at 27. Doubtful a guy going at 27 becomes Dwight Howard, but I think he's NBA ready, will be a good fit and will contribute meaningful minutes in a spot where we need players.

Hi,
I think this scout either right or he has ulterior motive for lauding JJJ. I hope the former.
I'm not sure, though, about comparing him to Perk. I thought of him as KG's understudy. But, as they say, you never know.
I hope we will have a season this year to find out.

AK

When I saw he was big ten DPOY I knew why they drafted him. Big Ten is a tough league so that says tons about this guy. I think he'll be a decent 5-10 mins a night plug for next year and who knows after that. Here's hoping he can be a solid bench guy for the C's for years to come.

Still puzzeled about all the hype. Yeah I hope he does well and playing for 4 years in college is rare now BUT still can't get by this...

If he is THAT good what the heck is he doing still available at #27 ?

Hopefully there will be a season so we can see what we have.

Big Ten is still college hoops it is NOT the NBA. But at least he excelled there.

beat

JJ is 6' 10", has a reliable 17 footer, has all kinds of moves in and around the basket, isn't afraid to get rough, doesn't get hurt, rebounds - hmmmm. That's not all; he blocks shots and runs faster than a guard. The blocked shot is underrated. It's a psychological play, guys start looking over their shoulders, altering their shots. The fact that this kid likes to block shots just warms the cockles of my heart and the balls of my feet. That was Perkins' best skill, indispensable as it proved.

JJ's size and his college career are his perceived flaws, reading between the lines. In college, he is said to have improved each year. But staying four years in college says to so-called experts that you weren't good enough to turn pro earlier, so you're not projected to be as effective as a pro. Still, one might argue that it makes for a more well-rounded game, better confidence and court awareness, better coachability.

JJ doesn't look all that skinny. He has has broad shoulders and plenty of muscles. He weighs 220: Bill Russell was 6' 10" and when he joined the Celtics he weighed 215. At the time the critics said Russ was too skinny, wasn't tough enough, never faced anyone bigger than him in college, that he'd wimp out or something in the pros.

I'm not saying JJ's another Russell. Purdue didn't win any championships and there was nothing reported about what he did in high school. What I'm saying is that that size (6' 10"), coupled with tremendous speed and catlike agility are not that common. A guy like that stands out and is really exciting to watch. Add to that a coach who knows how to bring along young players and teammates who are consummate professionals and love to help their little brothers, - who knows? Maybe Danny just caught lightning in a bottle.

As for the likelihood of a season, I say 'there will be basketball'! Why? Because most of these players have squandered their millions on houses, cars, women, gambling, etc. They can't afford to play hardball. The times they are a' changin'.

rickdavisakaspike wrote:
As for the likelihood of a season, I say 'there will be basketball'! Why? Because most of these players have squandered their millions on houses, cars, women, gambling, etc. They can't afford to play hardball. The times they are a' changin'.

Spike.....sort of like you? LOL

spike

Good post I'm with you, did you actually see JJJ play? I didn't, but very excited to see him play next season. This kid did it in the Big 10, all these Euros I don't know how you can trust the competition level and the stats are always weak. I'll take the Defensive PoY at the 5 spot over these soft Euro bigs anyday.

cow

really like the interviews. both kids were well spoken and ready to learn from the greats.

could we be looking at future starters?

we shall see but I like what we got. two mature two way players.

dboss

Hard to believe Danny got JJJ and a 2nd round pick by trading DOWN. Seems like both of these guys have the potential to be pretty decent two-way players.

I get the feeling Danny's waiting, just like a vulture, for any little opening in every draft.

If one thinks back to his most recent moves, he has gotten three guys (including Green) who may be able to blend with Rondo into a potentially effective transition core. I believe we're seeing the future blueprint for the Celtics taking shape. I'm not saying it will necessarily involve these specific players. But I think it's significant that every recent move has brought more athleticism to the team.

Sam

Once again Danny has shown why he is a former EoY! Nobody is really sayin this guy is going to be instant HOF. They are sayin what they saw, what they observed of his skill set. If it is true, he will be much better than Perk. Is he the backup for KG or JO? Probably will depend on the matchups and who else makes the team. This ain't over yet pholks. I also like the other guy. 4 years together with JJJ and they got game that no other rookie tandem will have until mid season at best. I agree, Sam, we are seeing the future. I still expect at least 3 more years from KG, RA, and PP. albeit with increasingly less playing and starting time. This is shaping up as one of the smoothest rebuilding jobs of all time.
17 going on 18

OH, almost forgot. While we are all concerned about the lockout looming in the NBA, I'm really going to miss Summer League this year. It would be great to see these guys on the floor.

cow

There are videos of the kid somewhere. I think I clicked on a story and there were youtube vids of the kid linked there. He's quick quick quick for a guy his size. He reminds you of Maxwell or McHale with his low post moves. Another thing that comes across is his zest for the game. He seems like one of those guys who wants to play 48 minutes. He's a consistent foul shooter. He hits the offensive boards and, because he's quick and narrow, he slips between defensive players like that earlier skinny 6' 10" center used to do.

Too bad Clifford Ray is wasting away. Too bad they can't bring Russell in for a special big man camp?. Or Cousy for a point guard camp. Or Havlicek for a sixth man camp.

Or Tommy for a running game camp. Tommy and Havlicek used to comment on how the Cowens era team, with an undersized center, tried to run on every play. They practiced the running game incessantly in training camp. They practiced running with two men, three, four and five.

The point is that it's actually there, the light at the end of the tunnel, the style of basketball designed to destroy opponents by running them into the ground, is possible again with Rondo, West, Green, JJ and pick one from column P, R or K.

Hate to anoint JJ before his baptism of fire, but looking ahead to the upcoming season (leap of faith as it may be), let's say somewhere around the 10 minute mark of the first period of games, when those thirty-something legs start getting heavy, bring in Green and JJ off the bench, and maybe Ray too as the sixth man, give Rondo the green light, and dang!, I just came up with a name for them - the Green Light Gang.

When does training camp start?

Mulcogi,

There are so many unknowns—when, if, and at what levels of proficiency these new guys will be contributors; how the Three Amigos will cotton to facilitating a seamless transition that will eventually ease them out and ease others in; whether Rondo will react positively to changes over time without imploding; what path Doc will pursue; what other players (presumably veterans) the Celtics will be picking up; and, perhaps most of all, if and when there will be a season.

At this juncture, the only indication that seems definite to me is that Danny is wasting no time in trying to make this a more athletic team...which should be right in Rondo's wheelhouse as well as going a long way toward keeping the team as competitive as possible with teams like the Heat and the Thunder.

Nothing ever works out as seamlessly as we would like. But, at the very least, those fans who are interested in increasing their knowledge of the architecture of basketball teams should find the Boston Celtics very interesting in the near-future.

Sam

sam wrote:Hard to believe Danny got JJJ and a 2nd round pick by trading DOWN. Seems like both of these guys have the potential to be pretty decent two-way players.

I get the feeling Danny's waiting, just like a vulture, for any little opening in every draft.

If one thinks back to his most recent moves, he has gotten three guys (including Green) who may be able to blend with Rondo into a potentially effective transition core. I believe we're seeing the future blueprint for the Celtics taking shape. I'm not saying it will necessarily involve these specific players. But I think it's significant that every recent move has brought more athleticism to the team.

Sam

Sam,

Your "vulture" example may just have hit it square. To me it looks like Danny's trying to execute a blueprint and the key elements seem to be defense and an uptempo (dare we dream even running?) game.

The players keep moving in and out but the style and elements look like they're taking shape.

This year's draft was belittled as being relatively weak, but that doesn't mean no talent at all. What's more if you look at it from the team concept that works best in this sport (Dallas over Miami sound familiar to anyone) individual all-around star players may not be as important as players who fill specific needs to compliment the overall team. I think a lot of draft analysts (that's a real job?) get enamoured with the potential superstar players and if a draft doesn't contain Durant and Oden it's considered weak. I think by using that line of reasoning the fact that there were several NBA ready players, especially forwards, got missed by the press.

Several teams had drafts that I expect will turn out reasonably well. Did anyone draft the next Michael Jordan this year? Probably not. Did anyone get the next Kenyon Martin, David West or Richard Hamilton? Possibly several. I think this is where we fit this time around. Danny likely saw Jordan Hamilton and Johnson still on the board when we picked and knew either one would work for us if the other got selected. By trading down two spots with a guard NJ could use, and was afraid Denver would take, as a chip we came away with a pick we need now and a future pick. Brooks is gone, so Denver takes Hamilton. In return for Brooks we still get Johnson and a future pick too. Smart.

We got two players that appear to be a good fit; we'll see for sure when they get to lace 'em up. We also got a future draft pick in the 2014 second round and got all that accomplished while keeping a pick acquired from the Clippers that may be worth a little something in 2012.

I'm guessing at Ainge's exact thinking of course, but that's the way it looks and if so you've got to love that vulture/President/GM perched in our front office.

Regards

If we can develope into anything close to those 73-74-75-76 years with a consistant running game OH BOY.... those were MY favorite teams.

With Cowens and Silas boarding Hondo White Westy Chaney Scott (and others) and to a lesser extent even Nellie filling the lanes then Cow as the trailer for an open look from the top of the key if the break failed. That was a joy to watch.

beat

Sam,
One of the fun things about this time of year is that it is all conjecture. There is no real evidence, just lots of guesswork. Makes it fun for all us fanaticos. lol
I have a lot of confidence that KG, RA, and PP want to finish their careers in Boston. I also feel that they will not obstruct younger players getting more minutes as they transition to support roles. I don't expect this to happen for all 3 this year. I think Green will help decrease the load on Paul but wouldn't expect much from JJJ this season. Limited backup at best, dependent upon who else fills the roster.
I have to admit that I didn't cotten to Rondo's handling of the Perk trade but he continues to mature and will be fine, especially when experiencing success. Given that things won't necessarily work out as seamlessly as we want but equally given, IMO, that these Vets will make the transition much better than some would think. But then again, I am somewhat predjudiced even though my glasses really aren't tinted green. lol

beat wrote:If we can develope into anything close to those 73-74-75-76 years with a consistant running game OH BOY.... those were MY favorite teams.

With Cowens and Silas boarding Hondo White Westy Chaney Scott (and others) and to a lesser extent even Nellie filling the lanes then Cow as the trailer for an open look from the top of the key if the break failed. That was a joy to watch.

beat

beat,

I'm with you there.

Off topic update; Michael finished Little League Sunday, and as of Monday started a session at an annual basketball camp. It's his first time playing with older and bigger kids so on the first day he was surprised that he was the smallest kid on the team he was placed on for the morning. I guess that didn't stop him from getting into the low post and getting his shot though. On the second day he discovered what receiving a flying elbow to the mouth feels like when rebounding in a crowd. Despite his story about the blood and gore I noticed there wasn't even a fat lip, so I had to tell him sorry, it doesn't count. This morning he left the house speculating how long it would be before he could dunk. Extended baseball season is coming up next. Summer is still a great time to be a kid.

Regards

Marcus is still speculating as to when he will touch the rim. ( if ever) You know white kids can't jump! Measured him and he's gone up a little now about 6'1"

His baseball games were cancelled this eve but is suppose to play tomorrow and 2 on friday! We shall see , some teams are having trouble fielding enough players.

beat

rickdavisakaspike wrote:cow

There are videos of the kid somewhere. I think I clicked on a story and there were youtube vids of the kid linked there. He's quick quick quick for a guy his size. He reminds you of Maxwell or McHale with his low post moves. Another thing that comes across is his zest for the game. He seems like one of those guys who wants to play 48 minutes. He's a consistent foul shooter. He hits the offensive boards and, because he's quick and narrow, he slips between defensive players like that earlier skinny 6' 10" center used to do.

Too bad Clifford Ray is wasting away. Too bad they can't bring Russell in for a special big man camp?. Or Cousy for a point guard camp. Or Havlicek for a sixth man camp.

Or Tommy for a running game camp. Tommy and Havlicek used to comment on how the Cowens era team, with an undersized center, tried to run on every play. They practiced the running game incessantly in training camp. They practiced running with two men, three, four and five.

The point is that it's actually there, the light at the end of the tunnel, the style of basketball designed to destroy opponents by running them into the ground, is possible again with Rondo, West, Green, JJ and pick one from column P, R or K.

Hate to anoint JJ before his baptism of fire, but looking ahead to the upcoming season (leap of faith as it may be), let's say somewhere around the 10 minute mark of the first period of games, when those thirty-something legs start getting heavy, bring in Green and JJ off the bench, and maybe Ray too as the sixth man, give Rondo the green light, and dang!, I just came up with a name for them - the Green Light Gang.

When does training camp start?

Spike,

Your post pumped me up! I am really looking forward to seeing this kid.

Thanks!

Pete

Hmmm....let's see. 6' 10", 220. Very good mid-range game, which seems to be expanding into three-point range. Great touch around the hoop, with a really good hook shot and the jumper over either shoulder. Very quick. Runs like a deer. A real leaper! Very persistent, and likes to mix it up. Possible defensive stud.

Geez, one inch shorter and 10 pounds heavier and I'd almost expect to hear him yell at a ref, "Now THAT'S a foul." I know a taxi company where he can make some extra change. And a bench in Boston Public Garden just waiting for him.

Hey, I can dream can't I?

Sam

sam wrote:Hmmm....let's see. 6' 10", 220. Very good mid-range game, which seems to be expanding into three-point range. Great touch around the hoop, with a really good hook shot and the jumper over either shoulder. Very quick. Runs like a deer. A real leaper! Very persistent, and likes to mix it up. Possible defensive stud.

Geez, one inch shorter and 10 pounds heavier and I'd almost expect to hear him yell at a ref, "Now THAT'S a foul." I know a taxi company where he can make some extra change. And a bench in Boston Public Garden just waiting for him.

Hey, I can dream can't I?

Sam

Needs red hair!

beat

I wish I was as thin as this year's draft. If so, I wouldn't be diabetic, have high cholesterol, or high blood pressure!

MD.

Nice dream Sam!!

JJJ is 6'10" and 220 lbs, age 22. Joakim Noah is now 6'11", 235 lbs. age 26.
I see a lot of similarities between the two. Except that Noah's mom was Ms. Sweden, 1978.