Amir Johnson an Early Camp Favorite

The Boston Celtics never provided the free agency fireworks that were promised but they still managed to secure one of the more established players currently on the team. Amir Johnson may not be a superstar but with the impression he has already left in camp the Celtics are having no regrets about their top free agent acquisition.

After just the first two a day session and the first 10 minute scrimmage, Brad Stevens was raving about the newly acquired power forward.

The Celtics have made it clear that defense is a priority and Stevens had this to say about Johnson: “I thought he was terrific in a system he hasn’t played in yet – largely because he played with a motor regardless of whether he made mistakes or not”. One of the main reasons the Celtics overachieved last season was because a collective relentless motor. The Celtics never let their opponent out hustle them, putting themselves in the best possible position to succeed.

Apr 21, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Wizards center Kevin Serapin (13) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) in the fourth quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Wizards beat raptors 117 – 106. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson was never an elite rebounder or shot blocker with the Toronto Raptors. He has never averaged double digit rebounds and has never averaged more than 1.6 blocks per game. However, if he is doing all the little things on the court and is ensuring they never lose the battle for 50/50 balls, he will be tough to beat out for the starting position. Things get even more exciting considering how early it is in camp. For Johnson to immediately have an impact it suggests that he will continue to improve as he gets more comfortable in the system.

The implication in Stevens’ quote is that Johnson was in fact making mistakes. The good news is that now is the time for those mistakes. Johnson has been in the league long enough that he should not have too much difficulty getting used to Stevens’ system. If Johnson can combine that motor without mistakes on the court then he can be one of the top defenders on the team and the Celtics desperately need a defensive leader in the front court.

Stevens’ praise for Johnson was not limited to the defensive end as he also had this to say: “offensively, he’s just a real good team player. He can catch the ball on the seam on a pick and roll and make the right pass; he can catch the ball on the seam and go up and make a floater; he can dunk on the roll; he’s a good rim runner”. It’s no surprise that Stevens has recognized Johnson’s ability to finish at the rim as he has never finished a season finishing at a rate lower that 67% at the rim.

The Celtics will value his reliable finishing but Stevens’ emphasis on his ability to pass and to make smart decisions in pick and roll is even more important. Stevens’ offensive system depends entirely on ball movement and any player that wants to be a crucial portion of the offense needs to be able to create opportunities for his teammates.

Making smart decisions is also going to be essential. The Celtics depend too much on flow to have players that are disrupting the offense and turning the ball over. The Celtics need an elite scorer but it is more important to maintain Stevens’ effective offensive system and the early indications are that Johnson will compliment Stevens’ system beautifully.

The Celtics are certainly going to have an intense battle for power forward minutes and with Jared Sullinger appearing to be in better shape, Johnson will have to continue his great start in training camp if he wants to be the opening day starter.

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