I still have trust in Johnson’s reputation. Of course he isn’t 2008 Joe, but his veteran mind and skills can still be viable in the right spots. I do believe Gordon, Ariza and Anderson making appearances in suits has given him an opportunity to play. Same opportunity Green was getting earlier but he was absolutely relishing the moments. Given health, I think it’s just about hot hands. Green is a role player. Johnson is a role player. Wright is a role player. Black is a role player. You have enough firepower elsewhere, apparently so much it doesn’t matter if Johnson is a complete negative like he was against the Celtics. My problem isn’t playing him, my problem is letting him fail without even trying to get green a look. At this moment I’d say green earned being the first 3rd stringer in the game.
Have 20 games to get Joe Johnson in shape for the playoffs. Most of shots lately are short needs to get those legs strong again for his shot to start falling on a consistent basis. I also want for Wright get healthy and contribute to the team.
I also want to see what Joe can offer when he gets in better shape. He still has a positive +/-, which is more than Gerald Green can say. That said, he needs to start hitting shots.
MDA's stubborness is about my only concern at this point... but it's not about playing anybody - its about not playing guys... A 9-10 man rotation looks ideal... slower pace seems to suit us just fine... We were the 2nd oldest team in the league (not sure post trade deadline) - so a slower pace and deeper rotation will benefit our guys greatly... ...I'm just hoping MDA doesnt revert come playoff time and cut it back to an 8 man rotation and try to push the pace... I really like the flow we've had lately - playing smarter and getting cheap buckets all over the floor - utilizing isos - but not being the only option - all while showing good defensive intensity... I hope we continue along our present lines and not revert...
GG is a pretty good known quality. We have seen that he is ready from the couch. He is an insurance and another piece that can get hot quickly. We also know his weakness (passing, shot selection, court awareness, defense...). A good piece to have on this championship caliber team, but not likely a key factor. GG not playing is not due to JJ. EG and Prince are eating up all his time. JJ is a good known quality as well, but hasn't been up to his old self yet this season. It has been what? 4-5 games? We need him to play more to see if he can get there. He is an extremely smart player that does nearly everything well and something great (if and when he's back in form). His biggest weakness will always be his defense at his age, but it's actually somewhat a moot point with the Rockets. JJ is seen as a possible replacement for Anderson. We have seen what Anderson have done this season and in past playoff. He is a great catch and shooter at time, but when he is D up, or he is tentative, he's pretty useless. JJ is more versatile. His post-up and ISO with good court vision provide another play maker when the D will have all then attention on Harden and CP3. If he can get there, he is a much better piece for the playoff than Anderson. He can be a key piece to a championship run. We have the regular season to figure that out and it's foolish that we don't attempt to, or give up after a few games.
