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Monday, September 15, 2014

SQ14 #52 Chris Johnson Is the Most Painful Cut

I’ve had two titles awaiting a column for weeks.  Both have to do with this long bundle of energy with the smooth 3-pt shot.  There are at least three players who look to be locks for a roster slot, for which I would gladly swap out Chris Johnson.  I also think that likely changes in the team’s style would maximize Johnson’s usefulness, with some slight alterations to Chris’ game.  For me no other player currently on the horizon holds such allure.

As I have pored over the roster, slots, positions, guaranteed contracts, needs, and potential, I keep coming back to the one players that I will really hate to see cut.  Yes, with Evan Turner the Celtics would have 15 guaranteed contracts, the maximum number of slots on an NBA roster.  Yes, Johnson is not guaranteed and play last season tailed off at the end (and got no better in summer league).  Yes, there are a lot of players who can play shooting guard (Chris’ best position in my opinion) expected in training camp.  However, the Celtics need long-distance shooting and energy and an eagerness to run; and those are the top three line items on Johnson’s resume.

It has also occurred to me that Boston did not make full use of Johnson’s premier qualities last spring.  John Havlicek leveraged an incessant motor into a devastating offensive weapon.  By staying in constant motion he wore down the opponent’s best wing defender, created open opportunities by outworking his defender who just could not keep him covered for 24 seconds and for his teammates by drawing help defenders, and just generally demoralized defenses who were constantly frustrated by their inability to keep him controlled even when they made him a priority.  Johnson ran to a corner . . . and generally stayed their using his outside shot threat to spread the floor.  To me, Chris should be the definition of a motion offense, adding slashes to the basket and along the baseline as regular features of his court activity. 

The Celtics look to have a team well suited to a running game.  This, plus the motion offense play to Johnson’s strengths (as well as Rondo, Bradley, Smart, Green, and Zeller, perhaps more).  I’d like to see Johnson add a stop-and-pop as well as improve his finish around the basket.  Adding some upper body strength would probably improve both as well as his defense.




Here's hoping that Danny Ainge comes through with that roster consolidation/clearing move.

Only 12 more days until training camp.[Discuss on CG Forums!]

1 comment:

  1. I too wish we could keep Johnson. I like his game and his hustle and his attitude. I'd much rather dump Anthony in favor of Johnson. 12 days till training camp... I'm getting excited!!!!

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