Defensive Specialist

[Nilanka]

I disagree. I liked JJ at first too. But after watching more you cansee that just because he gets steals, rebounds , blocks does not mean he is a good defender. he is average at best.

I didn't say JJ was an above average wing defender. I said he was our best

He's certainly more reliable than DeRozan, Forbes or Kleiza.

[Nilanka]

I cannot believe the hate that I am hearing for James Johnson on this forum. Are people here raptors fans or haters? This is the first time in the history of our franchise that the same player has led the team in blocks and steals... and all we have to say about that guy is: "He is slightly above average at best ... "

No.

JJ is a gifted defensive player, who has the ability to become even better with maturity, he has incredible athleticism and a nose for blocking shots. He IS a lock down defender.

We all have hard on's for guys like sefolosha because they are on teams that win, I remember similar hard on's for guys like courtney lee, Michael Pietrus, and Trevor Ariza.

The neighbours grass is always greener isn't it.

JJ can be a lock down defender on my team any day. I'm sure Dwayne Casey feels the same way too.

Steals and blocks don't necessarily equate to stopping your man on a consistent basis. Just saying.

[SuperRaptor]

Steals and blocks don't necessarily equate to stopping your man on a consistent basis. Just saying.

Show me some evidence that he doesn't stop his man on a regular basis, and I will believe that steals and blocks don't equate good defense.

[mcHAPPY]

Show me some evidence that he doesn't stop his man on a regular basis, and I will believe that steals and blocks don't equate good defense.

I start this post saying stats do not tell the whole story so here goes:

Net on/off court:

JJ: on -4.6/ off -2.1, net -2.5
Kleiza: on -0.1/ off -4.8, net +4.7

oppPER:

JJ: 14.2
Kleiza: 12.4

To show what you are asking would require watching a lot of game film. I can't think of another way to give an absolute answer.

[Vykis]

I hate when people say that a guy's a good 1on1 defender just because he gets blocks/steals or rebounds. Yeah that is good team defense, but that doesnt mean a guy is a shutdown one on one defender, Bruce Bowen didnt acumulate any major stats, but he was one of the greatest one on one defenders alltime

[Nilanka]

I hate when people say that a guy's a good 1on1 defender just because he gets blocks/steals or rebounds. Yeah that is good team defense, but that doesnt mean a guy is a shutdown one on one defender, Bruce Bowen didnt acumulate any major stats, but he was one of the greatest one on one defenders alltime

Exactly.

A lot of JJ's blocks are weak-side blocks, meaning he's covering for someone else's defensive breakdown. It's not a reliable indicator of JJ's ability to guard his own check.

I'm not saying JJ's a bad defender, I'm just saying that steals and blocks aren't the greatest stats when measuring 1-on-1 defense.

[SuperRaptor]

I start this post saying stats do not tell the whole story so here goes:

Net on/off court:

JJ: on -4.6/ off -2.1, net -2.5
Kleiza: on -0.1/ off -4.8, net +4.7

oppPER:

JJ: 14.2
Kleiza: 12.4

To show what you are asking would require watching a lot of game film. I can't think of another way to give an absolute answer.

Do these stats mean that Kleiza is more efficient than James Johnson? Wow lol.

[mcHAPPY]

Do these stats mean that Kleiza is more efficient than James Johnson? Wow lol.

Statistically speaking, yes.

[torch19]

Here are some more stats ...

Defensive contribution (what they contribute to the point differential on the defensive side)
JJ (-0.99) win
LK (0.28)
* negative is good - meaning you hold your opponent to less points

Defensive Win Shares (how many wins from last season can be attributed to the players' defensive performance)
JJ (2.5) win
LK (1.0)

Defensive Rating (opposition points per 100)
JJ (100) win
LK (105)

I believe in stats, so I got nervous when Matt showed some stats where Kleiza seemed the better defender. I thought to myself "no way!!!, not Kleiza."

Btw, JJ actually ranks #1 in the team for all of those statistical categories, with exception to defensive rating. He is #2, but I don't consider the #1 valid, because it is Solo Alabi (limited minutes). Either way, JJ is the best defender in the Raptors and by far the best perimeter defender.

[SuperRaptor]

Here are some more stats ...

Defensive contribution (what they contribute to the point differential on the defensive side)
JJ (-0.99) win
LK (0.28)
* negative is good - meaning you hold your opponent to less points

Defensive Win Shares (how many wins from last season can be attributed to the players' defensive performance)
JJ (2.5) win
LK (1.0)

Defensive Rating (opposition points per 100)
JJ (100) win
LK (105)

I believe in stats, so I got nervous when Matt showed some stats where Kleiza seemed the better defender. I thought to myself "no way!!!, not Kleiza."

Btw, JJ actually ranks #1 in the team for all of those statistical categories, with exception to defensive rating. He is #2, but I don't consider the #1 valid, because it is Solo Alabi (limited minutes). Either way, JJ is the best defender in the Raptors and by far the best perimeter defender.

Thank you for clearing that up Torch19 you are a legend. I too was very surprised by stats that show that Kleiza is a better defender.

It's nice to have someone on these forums who is willing to do the dirty work and get stats to help settle discussions, addaboy!

Raptors are Stacked.

[AlienOverlord]

I've always liked watching JJ on defense. He sometimes takes a risk to get the steal but often times that's when he gets his best blocks as he chases his man down and blocks him at the rim. Not only does he play great defense but this year he started making much better decisions on offense and he finishes strong at the rim. Not saying his offense is special but I think his defense is. Also, he's a black belt, so you know no one is messing with him.

[Puffer]

I thought James' play was much improved for much of the year. He did go through a stretch of maybe 6-10 games where he made bad offensive decisions. I', just going on what I saw and remember, so take it for what it is. I like what I see of his attitude, on the floor and while on the bench. He seems like a guy that would be willing to work hard to improve. I am interested to see how the coming season works out, with him having a full summer offf to do personal work, and Casey and the other coaches/trainers able to provide some direction. He seems to be modifiable with regards to his game, so I think Casey can work with him, but what do I know..

[Mediumcore]

I think JJ deserves another year to hone his defensive skills. He very well could be the specialist we're looking for. He's surprisingly athletice, has good size and is tough. If he can learn to play smarter and a bit more under control he could be a solid back up SF.

[torch19]

James Johnson should really work at toning his body. He's really strong, which I think affects his shot a little. He's at 12% body fat and weighs 240 right now. He has done a great job since his rookie season, but he still needs to work on it more. He's already a good athlete where he stands now. It should only make him better.

He's 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan. More agile and faster than DeMar even at his size. If he sheds some more weight and tones down instead of lifting heavy, he should be able to be even more effective defensively and his shot would benefit as well.