ceez wrote:
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James Johnson Discussion
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Very high on JJ. An improving wing tandem of Derozan and Johnson in the future is something that is very intriguing. Or if we draft a small forward, play JJ at the four, and create some type of versatility, it would be fun to watch. And wouldn't take anything away defensively.Twitter: @ReubenJRD • NBA, Raptors writer for Daily Hive Vancouver, Toronto.
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Matt52 wrote: View PostIf JJ accepts his role off the bench and plays balls out doing it, then keep him around.
I fear when he gets paid after his rookie deal, he stops giving a sh!t. I don't know why, I just get that vibe off him.Twitter @WJ_FINDLAY
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WJF wrote: View PostI think we have the right people for the job, and that is key!
Come to think of it, I don't think I recall seeing that kind of sideline conversation going on with other teams. Has anyone noticed? Or is it something more common on the Raps?
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WJF wrote: View PostI am not sure I agree, I think he does, and will care. In Chicago he was not given an opportunity, nor was he developed as a player, I think that soured him a little and caused him to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder. With Toronto he has been given a chance to play and grow as a player, the tough love Casey showed him I think has been a positive rather than a negative. With an off season further defining his role and honing his skills, James could be one of the top 6th men in the league moving forward, getting time at the 3 and 4 spots. His versatility will keep in the rotation, and the staff will keep him focused.
Irrationally, I can't shake that vibe. I have no grounds for it - just a vibe.
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I am not just looking at his late season play, but rather his whole season of work. He brings things to the table that some of our other wings don't have. He is already a decent defender, able to guard multiple positions, shows passable handles, sees the floor, and has put in lots of work on fixing his shot during the season...with results.
By no means do I think he is our savior at the 3 spot moving forward, but I do feel he could be a valuable rotational player on a good basketball team.Twitter @WJ_FINDLAY
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Arsenalist wrote: View PostSorry, I don't put stock in late-season revivals for players in non-playoff teams.
Everything we've seen from JJ over the past 4 weeks should be taken with a GIANT grain of salt.
Either way, he's not our solution at SF. He's a decent bench player capable of playing SF/PF, but I don't see him having more than a JYD-type role on a playoff bound team.
I'm not saying get rid of the guy. I'm just saying that he likely won't reach his "potential", because next season, wins will actually matter, and living through JJ's learning curve will be a luxury Casey cannot afford. JJ will be turning 26 next year. He's no longer a raw kid with a plethora of time to improve his game.
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Nilanka wrote: View Postlol, exactly.
Everything we've seen from JJ over the past 4 weeks should be taken with a GIANT grain of salt.
Either way, he's not our solution at SF. He's a decent bench player capable of playing SF/PF, but I don't see him having more than a JYD-type role on a playoff bound team.
I'm not saying get rid of the guy. I'm just saying that he likely won't reach his "potential", because next season, wins will actually matter, and living through JJ's learning curve will be a luxury Casey cannot afford. JJ will be turning 26 next year. Not exactly a raw kid with a plethora of time to improve his game.
If he dreams of bigger things than that, I hope the Raptors send him packing. He is not the answer to the starting SF puzzle.
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I feel completely indifferent about JJ. I think his defense is overrated and would be happy to see him moved as part of a deal to land an additional 1st round pick or a wing upgrade (ie: S&T to get Batum or Mayo, or a trade for somebody like Gay or Matthews).
If JJ is still a Raptor next season, I seriously hope he's not a starter. If his ego could deal with it, I think he could be quite effective as a JYD type backup, bringing energy, defense and rebounding off the bench. Assuming either Amir/Davis gets traded and hoping for a top wing to be drafted (MKG/Barnes or Beal, with DD moving to SF), I would be fine with a PF/SF depth chart looking like this:
PF: Bargnani, Amir/Davis, Kleiza
SF: MKG/Barnes/DeRozan, JJ, Kleiza
I think that lineup would give Casey a lot of flexibility to throw out various lineup combinations at the 3/4 spots, creating all sorts of different looks for the opposition to deal with.
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JJ still has another year left on his rookie contract. Plenty of time to get a better feel for any improvement or character/role acceptance. A good backup option to have at the very least. Can anyone think of another SF/PF (versatility) backup in the league who is better, as young/cheap or has the potential to get better?
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