<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Former Florida State power forward Alexander Johnson, who played for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, has agreed to join the Heat and will sign a contract today, Miami-based agent JasonLevien said. The Heat has been searching for depth at power forward behind Udonis Haslem because Antoine Walker will be needed to play a lot at small forward this season and Wayne Simien is recovering from knee surgery. Johnson, 6-9, is expected to sign a two-year, $1.5 million contract, with the second year at the Heat's option. Selected by Indiana in the second round of the June 2006 draft, Johnson averaged 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds for Memphis last season and shot 53.9 percent from the field. He appeared in 59 games, averaging 12.5 minutes. ''He's an explosive athlete and plays with a great amount of energy,'' Levien said.</div> Source: Miami Herald
Good move by Miami, he's a young guy that can produce for them. He's very foul prone, but he can score a little, rebound well enough (at a close rate to Haslem), is athletic, and can block some shots. Also helps them at least have another player to play PF if they end up trading Haslem.
<div class="quote_poster">hoops4life Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">dont know a damn thing about him. is he capable of being the number 2 pf to haslem?</div> It'll be his second year in the nba. And he showed birghtspots in his game in limited minutes. I dont think hes quite ready for the starter role, but I think he's a good backup/compliment to Haslem.
Agreed, he should be an adequate backup to Haslem. He's a hustle player and knows how to use his body to bang in the post. He doesn't have the jumpshooting range Haslem has, but those are skills he can always learn and develop in the offseason. I'm actually wondering if this move is a precursor to the Heat dealing Haslem for Artest. PG - Jason Williams or Smush Parker SG - Penny Hardaway or Smush Parker SF - Dorrell Wright PF - Ron Artest C - Shaq When Wade gets back... PG - Jason Williams or Smush Parker SG - Dwayne Wade SF - Dorrell Wright PF - Ron Artest C - Shaq
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm actually wondering if this move is a precursor to the Heat dealing Haslem for Artest.</div> That's what I was saying, it's definately a possiblity.
<div class="quote_poster">og15 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">That's what I was saying, it's definately a possiblity.</div> If Riley can convince PJ Brown to play a season, it would pretty much seal Haslem's fate. The Heat could buy another year of development for Simien and Johnson.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The Heat could buy another year of development for Simien and Johnson.</div> Yeah and Brown would be the perfect teacher. Well dang with him Shaq and Zo, theres no reason they cant help Simien and Johnson out in development terms.
i guess if riley ends up convincing pj brownies (as my friend likes to call him) to come back, our whole offseason will look worthwhile. we add depth at power forward, bring in veteran leadership, and help our youngsters develop. if we could get him, and possibly pull off a trade for someone like bibby, i would be satisfied.
This basically sends Udonis out the door..hate to see him leave since hes from Dade but there's really nothing we can do about this. It needs to be done.
i dont see how this signing means haslem is gone. we needed a BACKUP at pf, and we got it. if riley plans on trading udonis for someone and putting johnson in as the starter, hes crazy. dont count on us trading haslem for artest either: "I don't think a trade's going to happen. I don't think anybody will give me up the way I've been working out this summer." -Artest
