Johnson earning some respect

[Natebishop3]

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2010/11/a_blessing_in_disguise_meet_ar.html

From late-night sessions in the gym to late-night conversations in the hotel rooms of veterans, Johnson continues to show that he is more than just a compelling story about a kid who makes good after being drafted in the second round.

Johnson, it is becoming more and more clear, could be something special.

“You know, when they traded Jerryd Bayless, that raised eyebrows,’’ Camby said. “But now, when you see the way Armon has been playing and leading this team, it’s sort of like a good move. I mean, I love Bayless. I talk to him every day, and I miss him. That’s my guy. But this is a business, and I think management made a good decision with Armon.’’

This quote by Camby was really telling. I love when vets have an open take on a subject like this.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

nice article

 

[Pinwheel1]

The "floater" is huge. Every player that is able to master that shot becomes a legitimate offense threat. That shot is next to impossible to stop against quick players. We knew he could finish, we saw signs that he had the floater, and now we see signs that he may have the potential to keep the defense honest with the 3 ball. He will have his ups and downs this season, but it is all very encouraging to go along with his D and his ability to run the team.

 

[HailBlazers]

Nice. One again I'll let the vets silence the critics around here.

 

[Natebishop3]

I just think that's really cool that Camby has taken a point guard under his wing, and I think it's equally as cool that this young kid is so thirsty for knowledge. He's like Wesley Matthews 2.0

 

[Wheels]

I just think that's really cool that Camby has taken a point guard under his wing, and I think it's equally as cool that this young kid is so thirsty for knowledge. He's like Wesley Matthews 2.0

he was a 2nd rounder... he wants that $9 Million as well next year

 

[andalusian]

he was a 2nd rounder... he wants that $9 Million as well next year

Will not happen as the Blazers signed him for 2 years. Utah only signed Wes to a 1 year deal...

 

[Wheels]

Will not happen as the Blazers signed him for 2 years. Utah only signed Wes to a 1 year deal...

damn you and your facts!

 

[mook]

Will not happen as the Blazers signed him for 2 years. Utah only signed Wes to a 1 year deal...

So we don't own his Bird rights? Or is there a team option on that third year? (I assume there is after what happened with Gilbert Arenas a few years ago.)

 

[zeded]

"In the second half, Johnson did more than give starter Andre Miller a breather. He played what coach Nate McMillan called "a perfect floor game," hitting all four of his shots and finishing with 10 points, five assists and one turnover. "

Coach is in love.

I've never seen Mac this effusive, EXPECIALITY, for a rookie.

 

[Natebishop3]

"In the second half, Johnson did more than give starter Andre Miller a breather. He played what coach Nate McMillan called "a perfect floor game," hitting all four of his shots and finishing with 10 points, five assists and one turnover. "

Coach is in love.

I've never seen Mac this effusive, EXPECIALITY, for a rookie.

God help us!

 

[andalusian]

So we don't own his Bird rights? Or is there a team option on that third year? (I assume there is after what happened with Gilbert Arenas a few years ago.)

The original quote was for "Next year", thus the "Will not happen" reply. Might happen a year after that...

I believe this was the case with Milsap...

 

[Pinwheel1]

So we don't own his Bird rights? Or is there a team option on that third year? (I assume there is after what happened with Gilbert Arenas a few years ago.)

Yes we will have some sort of option. Like you said it was changed after the Arenas situation. What exactly it is I don't know. But Utah had the right to match after just one year. So we will at least have that option unless they change it with the next CBA.

 

[Nikolokolus]

God help us!

I tried to picture Nate saying that about Sergio, Bayless or Jack and I just can't form the mental image.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

The way he's playing is making me and a lot of others forget about Babbitt and Williams. It reminds me of the introduction of Bayless where Batum was kind of an afterthought at the press-conference behind the "steal of the draft" Jerryd Bayless and the "fallen Angel" Ike Diogu. Yet the least talked about of the prospects, Batum, came out and showed he can really play in this league.

.

 

[BlazerBeliever]

And to think that Batum is the only one around.

 

[andalusian]

And to think that Batum is the only one around.

Is president Ike still in the league? I remember some arguments in the forum where some members told me he is so good...

 

[zeded]

I tried to picture Nate saying that about Sergio, Bayless or Jack and I just can't form the mental image.

It probably shouldn't have, but that made me laugh.

 

[Nikolokolus]

The way he's playing is making me and a lot of others forget about Babbitt and Williams. It reminds me of the introduction of Bayless where Batum was kind of an afterthought at the press-conference behind the "steal of the draft" Jerryd Bayless and the "fallen Angel" Ike Diogu. Yet the least talked about of the prospects, Batum, came out and showed he can really play in this league.

I'll be completely honest, I kind of already figured Babbitt and Williams would be invisible men based on the way Mike Rice and Mike Barrett were gushing about them all off-season (usually on Courtside broadcasts) when they couldn't stop talking about William's hops and Babbitt's great practice three pointers. I kept thinking to myself, "Great, but can they actually play?" Sure the jury is still out on those two, but my gut tells me neither ends up doing much on this team.

 

[andalusian]

but my gut tells me neither ends up doing much on this team.

I think Babbit has a good chance to be a decent NBA player - simply because of his ability to shoot, rebound and handle the ball a bit. His biggest contribution to this team however might be in his trade value - simply because of the strength of the roster.

 

[MickZagger]

Were closing the book a little bit too early on the other two rookies.

Babbitt will be a player in this league.