Comments on: A defense for wanting to see Amir Johnson play http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/ A Detroit Pistons blog Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:42:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: The Amir Johnson Bandwagon is filling up | Detroit Bad Boys http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-147625 The Amir Johnson Bandwagon is filling up | Detroit Bad Boys Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:19:38 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-147625 [...] doesn’t seem like that Amir Johnson’s coach … Saunders, like the rest of us, is mystified at how much attention Johnson is getting, both [...] […] doesn’t seem like that Amir Johnson’s coach … Saunders, like the rest of us, is mystified at how much attention Johnson is getting, both […]

]]> By: Meet Amir Johnson « The Wages of Wins Journal http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-127514 Meet Amir Johnson « The Wages of Wins Journal Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:18:18 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-127514 [...] in November, Detroit Bad Boys devoted an entire post to the wonder that is Amir Johnson.  In other words, people have been noticing Johnson for awhile [...] […] in November, Detroit Bad Boys devoted an entire post to the wonder that is Amir Johnson.  In other words, people have been noticing Johnson for awhile […]

]]> By: That didn’t take long … | Detroit Bad Boys http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-126672 That didn’t take long … | Detroit Bad Boys Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:17:34 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-126672 [...] a few months ago, it was like pulling teeth just to get some members of the media to admit Amir Johnson even [...] […] a few months ago, it was like pulling teeth just to get some members of the media to admit Amir Johnson even […]

]]> By: The Argentine Solution: Why Herrmann should replace Hayes | Detroit Bad Boys http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-125937 The Argentine Solution: Why Herrmann should replace Hayes | Detroit Bad Boys Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:54:24 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-125937 [...] our favorite blogger did with Amir Johnson, I call for more playing time for Walter Herrmann and a spot in Detroit’s rotation over [...] […] our favorite blogger did with Amir Johnson, I call for more playing time for Walter Herrmann and a spot in Detroit’s rotation over […]

]]> By: Brian http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-110162 Brian Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:49:43 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-110162 Excellent piece. I 100% agree with you when you say "I don’t think the fans want him to be the next Kevin Garnett or Magic Johnson — just the current Amir Johnson will do...". He would be a nice change of pace with Maxiell, if the Pistons wanted to quicken the pace (say playing the Phoenix Suns). It's nice to think that he has the kind of upside that could churn out a max-contract someday, but the Pistons don't need him to be that player right now. I really don't have a problem with the players Flip puts on the court every night, but it would be nice to see Amir get consistent minutes to see what we're dealing with. Excellent piece.
I 100% agree with you when you say “I don’t think the fans want him to be the next Kevin Garnett or Magic Johnson — just the current Amir Johnson will do…”. He would be a nice change of pace with Maxiell, if the Pistons wanted to quicken the pace (say playing the Phoenix Suns). It’s nice to think that he has the kind of upside that could churn out a max-contract someday, but the Pistons don’t need him to be that player right now. I really don’t have a problem with the players Flip puts on the court every night, but it would be nice to see Amir get consistent minutes to see what we’re dealing with.

]]> By: Flip Saunders on Kevin Garnett at Detroit Bad Boys http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-108376 Flip Saunders on Kevin Garnett at Detroit Bad Boys Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:34:22 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-108376 [...] not the first time Saunders has told a revisionist history in regards to KG, but whatever, I still agree with the second part. KG is one of the game’s [...] […] not the first time Saunders has told a revisionist history in regards to KG, but whatever, I still agree with the second part. KG is one of the game’s […]

]]> By: Amir Johnson - Detroit Piston Tracker - Page 32 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-107177 Amir Johnson - Detroit Piston Tracker - Page 32 - Detroit Pistons Fan Community - PistonsForum.com Fri, 14 Dec 2007 03:56:52 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-107177 [...] Amir Johnson - Detroit Piston Tracker A defense for wanting to see Amir Johnson play at Detroit Bad Boys This lays out the case pretty well I would say. Sometimes when we are pumped up about a guy [...] […] Amir Johnson - Detroit Piston Tracker A defense for wanting to see Amir Johnson play at Detroit Bad Boys This lays out the case pretty well I would say. Sometimes when we are pumped up about a guy […]

]]> By: McDyess and Billups iffy for Golden State | Detroit Bad Boys http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95691 McDyess and Billups iffy for Golden State | Detroit Bad Boys Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:10:28 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95691 [...] Either way, I have to imagine Amir Johnson will get some burn tonight (right? Right?). I mean, could he ask for a more ideal situation? He’s in his old backyard (okay, relatively speaking; he’s from LA, not the Bay Area), the Pistons are short-handed in the frontcourt and facing a team that likes to push the ball in the open court. Seriously, I don’t know if you could have scripted it any better. It’s the perfect recipe for a breakout game — here’s to hoping Saunders doesn’t resent Johnson’s hype as much as some of those in the media. [...] […] Either way, I have to imagine Amir Johnson will get some burn tonight (right? Right?). I mean, could he ask for a more ideal situation? He’s in his old backyard (okay, relatively speaking; he’s from LA, not the Bay Area), the Pistons are short-handed in the frontcourt and facing a team that likes to push the ball in the open court. Seriously, I don’t know if you could have scripted it any better. It’s the perfect recipe for a breakout game — here’s to hoping Saunders doesn’t resent Johnson’s hype as much as some of those in the media. […]

]]> By: Justin http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95226 Justin Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:01:31 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95226 Excellently put together piece Matt. You really tied all the quotes and news bits together nicely. Excellently put together piece Matt. You really tied all the quotes and news bits together nicely.

]]> By: Garrett http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95210 Garrett Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:10:03 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95210 Zing! Take THAT, McCosky! Burn. Zing! Take THAT, McCosky! Burn.

]]> By: PistonsGirl4Life http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95203 PistonsGirl4Life Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:51:48 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95203 Dear Chris McCosky, Lets be honest here. This isn't about Amir or even Piston's fans. This is about your boy Flip Saunders and the power struggle brewing in the Piston's head office about who decides who does and doesn't play. Some facts: - Pistons fans are excited about Amir because Joe Dumars (a LEGEND around here) has TOLD us to be excited. Countless times this past offseason and in training camp Joe came out and TOLD us that Amir was ready to play and DEFINATELY would do so. The man who built a team out of parts NOBODY ELSE WANTED couldn't stop HIS excitement in public interviews when talking about Amir, htf do you expect us to. This isn't opinion McCosky, it's WHAT JOE DUMARS WHO IS A WAY BETTER TALENT EVALUATOR THAN YOU ARE SAID... kay homie? - Amir's defensive game has already been established as more than just "NBA worthy", it's downright tantalizing. His offensive game is significantly less polished... however ANY idiot can see that a PF who runs as FAST AS RIP HAMILTON (who is btw one of the fastest SG in the league) and can dunk at will while open will be HIGHLY effective in transition. -Flip Saunders prefers highly structured offensive sets complete with detailed play calls and a decent amount of shot clock milking. This strategy is very effective will veteran players who are familiar with the system. Otoh it is the antithesis of Amir's game atm. Flip would have to A) coach basketball and B) make some adjustments to his offence to work a player like Amir in. - This offseason Flip almost lost his job. I know everyone in Pistonsland has said that was never the case but that's obviously good PR and nothing more. Dumars forced Flip to rebuild his staff (firing Saunder's best friend in the process) and spent the entire offseason promising fans that THIS year the Pistons would develop a bench (note it's unusual for a GM to tell fans how a team will play next season, usually the coach will discuss that while the GM focuses on the roster changes). Saunders is now being asked to coach with guys he didn't pick and use players he doesn't covet "or else". If that isn't slapping one's basketball penis down on the table and saying "it's my show Flipper", I don't know what is. So lets see if I cracked the case yet McCosky: 1) Flip doesn't like being told who to play and how to play 2) His boss has publically done just that 3) He's powerless to stop it but he can certainly use friendly members of the media to undermine Joe's decision. 4) You have alot of spare time and LOVE telling Pistons fans how deluded they are. You like Saunders and don't know this Amir kid from boo... a story (or rather two) is born. did I get it? Dear Chris McCosky,

Lets be honest here. This isn’t about Amir or even Piston’s fans. This is about your boy Flip Saunders and the power struggle brewing in the Piston’s head office about who decides who does and doesn’t play.

Some facts:
- Pistons fans are excited about Amir because Joe Dumars (a LEGEND around here) has TOLD us to be excited. Countless times this past offseason and in training camp Joe came out and TOLD us that Amir was ready to play and DEFINATELY would do so. The man who built a team out of parts NOBODY ELSE WANTED couldn’t stop HIS excitement in public interviews when talking about Amir, htf do you expect us to. This isn’t opinion McCosky, it’s WHAT JOE DUMARS WHO IS A WAY BETTER TALENT EVALUATOR THAN YOU ARE SAID… kay homie?
- Amir’s defensive game has already been established as more than just “NBA worthy”, it’s downright tantalizing. His offensive game is significantly less polished… however ANY idiot can see that a PF who runs as FAST AS RIP HAMILTON (who is btw one of the fastest SG in the league) and can dunk at will while open will be HIGHLY effective in transition.
-Flip Saunders prefers highly structured offensive sets complete with detailed play calls and a decent amount of shot clock milking. This strategy is very effective will veteran players who are familiar with the system. Otoh it is the antithesis of Amir’s game atm. Flip would have to A) coach basketball and B) make some adjustments to his offence to work a player like Amir in.
- This offseason Flip almost lost his job. I know everyone in Pistonsland has said that was never the case but that’s obviously good PR and nothing more. Dumars forced Flip to rebuild his staff (firing Saunder’s best friend in the process) and spent the entire offseason promising fans that THIS year the Pistons would develop a bench (note it’s unusual for a GM to tell fans how a team will play next season, usually the coach will discuss that while the GM focuses on the roster changes). Saunders is now being asked to coach with guys he didn’t pick and use players he doesn’t covet “or else”. If that isn’t slapping one’s basketball penis down on the table and saying “it’s my show Flipper”, I don’t know what is.

So lets see if I cracked the case yet McCosky:

1) Flip doesn’t like being told who to play and how to play
2) His boss has publically done just that
3) He’s powerless to stop it but he can certainly use friendly members of the media to undermine Joe’s decision.
4) You have alot of spare time and LOVE telling Pistons fans how deluded they are. You like Saunders and don’t know this Amir kid from boo… a story (or rather two) is born.

did I get it?

]]> By: Keegan http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95157 Keegan Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:36:42 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95157 More McCosky hilarity: Josh Smith "had to be restrained by coaches and teammates" http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071112/SPORTS0102/711120380/1127/SPORTS0102 A mere day later, "I wasn't trying to make it sound like Smith and Lue were going to blows or anything like that..." http://info.detnews.com/redesign/blogs/pistonsblog/index.cfm?blogid=1092 McCosky's vaunted college education = Creative Writing major? More McCosky hilarity:

Josh Smith “had to be restrained by coaches and teammates”
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071112/SPORTS0102/711120380/1127/SPORTS0102

A mere day later,

“I wasn’t trying to make it sound like Smith and Lue were going to blows or anything like that…”
http://info.detnews.com/redesign/blogs/pistonsblog/index.cfm?blogid=1092

McCosky’s vaunted college education = Creative Writing major?

]]> By: Quick Darshan http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95155 Quick Darshan Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:32:57 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95155 IsraeliPiston, from what little I've seen, Amir doesn't really have an inside game yet (other than putback dunks and facing up and driving from the high post). Count me as the one person who AGREES WITH MCCOSKY here. I think the Amir love is fed by an irrational hatred of Nazr (who's as good a fourth-soon-to-be-fifth big man as any team in the NBA has) as well as an unsubstantiated claim that Flip is averse to playing the bench even though it's actually good this year. Hayes is getting good minutes. So is Maxiell and to a lesser extent Nazr. Amir even got in during the second quarter of the last game (after missing a team flight, I might add). Also, Flip showed no hesitation in starting Afflalo two games and I believe he's played in every game. Pistons fans, don't fear. Amir will play. And he will have a some bright moments surrounded by just as many head-shakingly bad plays. IsraeliPiston, from what little I’ve seen, Amir doesn’t really have an inside game yet (other than putback dunks and facing up and driving from the high post).

Count me as the one person who AGREES WITH MCCOSKY here. I think the Amir love is fed by an irrational hatred of Nazr (who’s as good a fourth-soon-to-be-fifth big man as any team in the NBA has) as well as an unsubstantiated claim that Flip is averse to playing the bench even though it’s actually good this year.

Hayes is getting good minutes. So is Maxiell and to a lesser extent Nazr. Amir even got in during the second quarter of the last game (after missing a team flight, I might add).

Also, Flip showed no hesitation in starting Afflalo two games and I believe he’s played in every game.

Pistons fans, don’t fear. Amir will play. And he will have a some bright moments surrounded by just as many head-shakingly bad plays.

]]> By: PistonsNationBlog.com » Blog Archive » PN hook'd up http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95135 PistonsNationBlog.com » Blog Archive » PN hook'd up Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:38:18 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95135 [...] DBB makes a case for all the Pistons’ fans jonesing for Amir Johnson [...] […] DBB makes a case for all the Pistons’ fans jonesing for Amir Johnson […]

]]> By: joejoejoe http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95124 joejoejoe Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:16:37 +0000 http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2007-11-12/a-defense-for-wanting-to-see-amir-johnson-play/#comment-95124 If I recall it's not just fans but Amir's teammate who are rooting for him. I think the looks on their faces when he does something amazing tells the story - even NBA pros agree the kid has video game moves in a likeable package. What are mere fans supposed to do -- root against him? OT: McCoskey got a bit of play in TrueHoop today -- and not the good kind. Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a follow up story on something negative McCoskey said about Josh Smith. Smith's reply? "It's a lie." Tyronne Lue backs up Josh Smith's account. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-285/Tuesday-Bullets.html If I recall it’s not just fans but Amir’s teammate who are rooting for him. I think the looks on their faces when he does something amazing tells the story - even NBA pros agree the kid has video game moves in a likeable package. What are mere fans supposed to do — root against him?

OT: McCoskey got a bit of play in TrueHoop today — and not the good kind. Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a follow up story on something negative McCoskey said about Josh Smith. Smith’s reply? “It’s a lie.” Tyronne Lue backs up Josh Smith’s account.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-285/Tuesday-Bullets.html

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