Amir Johnson returns — and won’t be traded

by Matt Watson on Jan 23, 2007 3:38 AM EST

Amir Johnson returned to the Pistons following a six-game stint with the NBDL's Sioux Falls Skyforce. While the level of competition in the D-League isn't anywhere near the NBA, it was good to see Johnson get some regular playing time.

He certainly made the most of it, too -- in 29.8 minutes, he averaged 17.8 points (53.4 FG%), 3.3 blocks and 7.2 rebounds per game. Since we're crunching numbers, I'll also point out that of his rebounds, he averaged 3.3 offensive boards -- for some perspective, that's enough to rank inside the top 10 were he to do that in the NBA.

A lot of fans (myself included) have high hopes for Johnson, who has the athletic ability to be a big star in this league someday. He very rarely gets into games with the PistonsJohnson has played all of 60 minutes over 12 games in his brief NBA career., but I don't doubt that he'd be playing significant minutes every night for a lot of teams around the league were he in a different situation. That said, I was encouraged to read the following in the Detroit News regarding his brief stay in the D-League:

His play drew a lot of attention from NBA scouts and general managers, many of whom have contacted the Pistons about Johnson. President Joe Dumars made it clear Johnson was not available.

"Amir might be the only untouchable in the league who's on the inactive roster," said George David , director of scouting.

Johnson returns [Detroit News]

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I can’t wait to see more from this kid over the next few years.

by Rocky Cliffs on Jan 23, 2007 5:20 AM EST reply actions

I had his 18 points in 18 minute performance against the Bucks last year on tape and mistakenly deleted it.

by themicrowave on Jan 23, 2007 7:45 AM EST reply actions

You know, I should be excited to read that quote from David, but I’m not. I’m just struggling to see where Amir’s minutes are going to come from. Is his best hope for next year to get Maxiell minutes or Dale Davis minutes?

And the potential Webber resigning makes me think that Amir could be close to obtaining Memo minutes… for someone else.

(I haven’t had my coffee yet this morning.)

by Ian Cameron on Jan 23, 2007 9:19 AM EST reply actions

I’m not 100% sold on Webber being here next season. I think this is one and done, particularly if we don’t win a title. We don’t hold any rights to Chris and re-signing Billups is a priority. If ANYONE, ANYWHERE wants Webber they can sign him for more than we can (its complicated but I have my reasons for saying that).

Next year, you can expect Nazr to be gone, Webber to be gone, Davis to be gone and possibly McDyess if he plays well enough to earn another long term contract or possibly even a raise by opting out.

We’re going to see more Delfino at the 2 and AJ at the 3 with Max at the 4. I’m not worried about that at all. We just gotta re-sign this kid to a decent length deal that makes him happy and doesn’t compromise the books.

by TheMicrowave on Jan 23, 2007 12:50 PM EST reply actions

Well… is there anyone that can be traded that will give him more minutes?

by Michael on Jan 23, 2007 1:52 PM EST reply actions

I thought Amir was going to be a Power Forward. I remember reading some time back that he was still growing and that’s why he hasn’t been able to bulk up.

Amir won’t get minutes this year. But, Nazr, Webb, Davis and McDyess could all be gone next year.

As for trades, I’ve heard Nazr for Bonzi Wells. I assume this means Houston would throw in Mutombo (not likely) or Bob Sura (Don’t know much about his game, other than that he’s hurt. Can he play the point?).

Maggette wants out of Clipper land. Wonder if they would take Nazr and Delfino (who I like, but you gotta give them something). Maggette’s erratic but he’s a great defender and he’d give us the one thing we needed last year. Someone who could get to the rim at will.

by Quick Darshan on Jan 23, 2007 2:07 PM EST reply actions