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5 months ago: BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 04: JaJuan Johnson #12 of the Boston Celtics passes the ball as Dennis Horner #31 of the New Jersey Nets defends on January 4, 2012 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeated the New Jersey Nets 89-70. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Celtics are in need of productive big men. So it was frustrating from a certain standpoint to see our first round draft pick sitting on the bench for the first third of the season. I personally wasn't mad at Doc because (despite some fans' opinion of his history with young players) I figured if the kid could play defense he'd be out there. If the game was too fast for him, he would just be a liability.
But he is starting to get some run now - in part due to the revolving door of injuries but also because he's earning his time in practice. So far, he's done well with that opportunity.
Johnson, Wilcox keep C's moving forward
Johnson admitted his nerves flared a bit when Rivers first told him to check in, but any jitters quickly dissipated after a few trips up and down the floor. Following his first stint of important minutes in a Celtics uniform, Johnson received nothing but praise from his coach and his teammates.
"JaJuan's playing great," said Rivers. "You know, he's just active and athletic. He's just active and he trusts his shot. And that's good for us, too."
Added Pierce: "I always talk to the younger guys and always tell them to be ready, because it's a long season and your number's going to eventually get called at some point or another. And you have to be ready. And [Johnson]'s shown that he's getting better throughout the course of the year and staying ready, and it showed tonight how comfortable he was. He's learning the plays, he's learning the system, and he really looked good tonight."
If he can continue to contribute, he'll actually put himself ahead of Avery Bradley's learning curve. That would be encouraging. It would also make me feel a little bit better about the next generation of Celtics. I've always thought Johnson had the talent, but it is up to him to make the most of it. The sample size is too small right now, but so far so good.
0 recs | 18 comments
Great Trade Bass
For a better Center, too many PF’s on this team.
mcshane41 - February 5, 2012
no
that is all
Jeff Clark - February 5, 2012
+1. Hell no.
japsuki - February 5, 2012
Gotta give it up to JJJ!
Talk about stepping up for Bass’ absence!
Solid game for a rookie big who rarely sees playing time. And he seems very willing to learn from the veterans and Doc, which is always a good thing with younger players. More injuries will happen the rest of the season (hopefully minor ones), and it’s great to know that the bench is starting to get the rhythm despite lack of consistent playing time.
I still hope we can pick up 1 more big… and hopefully not via trade ‘cos the way everybody’s playing, I don;t wanna see anybody go for this season.
Of course, hats off to Wilcox as well. Awesome hustle! Don’t worry big guy, you’ll have your first playoff experience soon ;)
japsuki - February 5, 2012
I’m not sure I can watch sports anymore.
jurrasicearl - February 5, 2012 via mobile
I wouldn't mind trading bass
If we got a really good center (Javale McGee or Tyson chandler level guy) but the problem is bass is only a rental so no one is going to give up a good center. I think a better trade is Bradley and dooling for Augustine
JuJuan some moore - February 5, 2012 via mobile
I probably ought to explain more
bass is incredibly good but i doubt he is on the team next year so if we could get a center of the same talent level as bass for him i think we should do it. we have a surplus of PFs so if we could slide some of that to the Center position that would make our team better. if bass is leaving (IMO he is) then that means we go all out to get a championship or we trade him for the future
JuJuan some moore - February 6, 2012
i think this makes us a championship team
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7jfn5ep
i think Charlotte does this for sure and i think denver is a great trade partner with us. they have plenty of centers and are starting nene at PF since their best PF is al harrington
i doubt the nuggets do it in this form but i think we could get a center from them for bass
Rondo/Augustine (this would give us the best 1st+2nd string PG combo in the NBA)
Allen/ Moore (experience and youth both great at scoring)
Pierce/Pietrus/ Sasha
KG/ Wilcox/ JJ
Mozgov (or birdman or Koufos)/Oneal
JuJuan some moore - February 6, 2012
Maybe
I don’t think Denver gives up Both centers— I would take Mosgov in a minute— he has great soft touch on jumpers and FTs- runs the floor great (even though 7 footer)-
P stoff - February 6, 2012
JJ looked great...
considering it was his 1st real NBA action.
I hope Doc may has more confidence to play him in the future, especially in the latter part of the season where there will be alot of back to back games and KG plus Bass may need some additional bench rest.
fordescort - February 5, 2012
Trade bass, Trade Bass, Trade Bass, thats all i see. Bass is one of the most if not, consistent guy we have on this team. Trading him would be idiotic. Unless we get someone like DeAndre jordan. :) then im happy. haha
CKgreen - February 5, 2012
Seriously, man
Guy sits one game and everyone has already forgotten what the guy does for our team. Ridiculous.
KY Celts fan - February 5, 2012 via mobile
As we get into the "Stern You" part of our sched....
JJ and Moore will get their opps for mins…
David Henderson - February 5, 2012
I agree... and hahahah for "Stern You" :D
japsuki - February 5, 2012
I like what I see
He seems to have a good shooting touch and scoring sense. I think he needs to add some strength to his body to defend the forward spot but I’m very encouraged and I think he could be valuable possibly as soon as this year. He contributed to the win today.
p-peazy - February 5, 2012
Our lineup is great
No need to trade so far. Trading some one now will kill our current chemistry which is now begining to work.
celtics2011 - February 6, 2012 via mobile
Watching new guys develop....
…is one of the most fun parts of being a fan. Johnson did shoot with confidence.
Bradley, oh my God, is going to shoot it over the backboard one of these days. That kid has zero confidence in his shot. But he’s making his mark on D and I hope the shot will come. It’s nerves. He couldn’t have been that highly rated coming out of HS if he had no shot.
Back to Johnson. The knock on him is that he’s light. Well, KG is light. I see some KG in him – playing long, getting the help D idea – I like that. There is only one KG, but we’ll have to replace him soon and this kid could be a very good understudy. Nice draft pick, Danny. He will be better than a lot of guys picked ahead of him.
Wildblu1 - February 6, 2012
Problem-- for the future
People want to keep KG, Bass. Wilcox is doing pretty well too. Then there is JJJ. Something has got to give. For this year- we can get away with Wilcox /Kg playing a little center, but not long term. Eventually we need to get rid of Wilcox,KG or Bass -and add a center. I love Mosgov (did he get hurt recently?) – the guy is a seven footer that can run and shoot (and young). Maybe Danny /Doc will showcase JJJ in hopes to package him to get a big name center? Who knows…
P stoff - February 6, 2012
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