Johnson at the 2 slot would really hurt the team. I don't think the team is ready for that just yet as they've mostly been running him at the 1 slot. It would be rough, and not cause Johnson lacks the ability to penetrate plus he's a good finisher at the rim, but because of his size - he's 6'3! Maybe when he finds his stroke the team might feel more comfortable about trying him at the 2 eventually. But imagine his D at the 1 slot and get the big fella back in there, ariza's D at the 3, that would be a simply suffocating amount of D for anyone.
He had some big money shots early on, but Johnson's explosive plays to the rim came from catching people asleep. Maybe he's afraid of shrinking from increased exposure.
I think the other guys will make sure Johnson gets touches. The question is whether Johnson will get enough touches to really get off. However, it may not matter. With Harden stroking it from deep, and D-Mo pounding it down low, Johnson really just needs to fill in any gaps that remain.
yes, but the reality is that James is the point guard and hence his 7 assist per game. The rockets "point guard" is really in charge of defending the other teams point guard and hitting open shots. Johnson does the defending better and Canaan's offensive is currently better, especially when talking about hitting open shots.
Johnson's game needs to some polish, but I like that he's essentially fearless on the court. And he's insanely athletic, so he can play taller than he is. He and Canaan are different types, and I'd like to see more of both of them. Canaan should be setting up plays and knocking down Canaanballs from the perimeter. Johnson should be the recipient of good passes that he takes strong, but smarter than he has been, to the basket.
If Nick will get any chance to play the next couple games, it may as well as the end of Canaan's career being a Rockets. McHale focus more on the efforts and defense than anything else for every players on this team except Harden.
Can't believe that some are talking about cutting Nick to make room for a buyout guy. Nick Johnson is the future. Don't lose him to pursue a short term fill in. A Johnson in hand is better than two in the bush. Play him, don't trade him!
Dwight took that advice and it hasn't gotten him very far this season. Apparently Harden has two in a different bush every 2 days and he's an MVP candidate.
Can't give up on him too soon. IF a player needs to be cut for a buyout, Dorsey is the one that should be cut.
With the rookies being added, people are forgetting about Nick Johnson again. It's kind of natural to be more excited about the new toy, but a 2nd year player, even one that barely played in the NBA in year one, is more likely to contribute than a rookie. Doesn't always work out this way (see Canaan, Isaiah), but we've seen multiple examples of these in recent Rockets history: Marcus Morris, Terrence Jones, Donatas Motiejunas, Aaron Brooks, etc.
A lot of improvement comes during offseason workouts with personal trainers/skills coaches. Nick's main issue is that he isn't much of a shooter. In the NBA, it is difficult not to get in the way when you are a role-player guard who doesn't shoot 3s. He already brings very good energy on defense.
