The kid is 6'9" and is as athletic as they come. Reminds a lot of people of Tracy McGrady but can shoot like Glen Rice. A great defender that can deny the entry pass and take away lanes. Can run up and down the court all day long with Francis and Mobley. Perfect for the small Forward position, but can also switch to play the 2 guard spot and even the point guard positio to rest Francis. This kid could be special, he will probably be there at the 9 spot. Long arms, tall, athletic, has a good head on his shoulders, intelligent, and a good kid. I dont think we could go wrong. Let me know what you guys think ------------------
I like Dermarr's overall talent, but the one thing that concerns me is all the scouting reports have said he lacks intensity and desire. The last thing we want is another Cato on our hands. Also, when Kenyon went down with the leg injury, it should have been Dermarr's time to shine. It wasn't. I don't deny that he is VERY talented- it's just it seems like he lacks some of the intangibles that turn a player from good to great. ------------------
What DerMarr Johnson are you watching? He is not a good defender! ------------------ "I don't care how tall the guy is, trade his ass!"
emoreland, DeMarr Johnson obviously has his detractors on the BBS, but I AM NOT ONE OF THEM. I would draft DeMarr Johnson with our #9 pick in a NY second!!! DeMarr is a very good outside shooter who can also take his man off the dribble. He causes matchup problems with his height (6'9") and long arms. IMO, the Rockets are a somewhat short and subaverage outside shooting team. Furthurmore, it isn't any secret that Walt Williams and Matt Bullard's knees are not getting any younger (and we should be thinking ahead). DeMarr is tall enough to play SF if he bulked up. Not to mention that we do not know for sure that we will be sucessful in resigning Cuttino Mobley. Do you think the Utah Jazz figured that they would be loosing Shandon Anderson last year? We should know better than anybody to take nothing for granted. I envision Cato, DeMarr, Mobley (I hope and pray we keep him) and Francis running our pressing defense (talk about long arms and quick hands in that lineup). DeMarr learned to play a pressing style of defense under Max Good and Bob Huggins at Cincinnati. As for his supposed lack of intensity and desire, the comment in Clutchcity.net about DeMarr was not that he lacked desire, but rather that "he's so talented it sometimes appears as if he's playing without passion". To each his own as far as interpretations go, but that doesn't read to me as if he lacks intensity or desire (just that he is very talanted). As for another of his above detractors, if you want to judge a player by one game, then it is FOR **** SURE the Rocket's would never want Mike Miller. Because he played not one but two COMPLETELY AWFUL games (back to back) in the NCAA semi-finals and finals (the biggest games of his college career). I was on vacation in Tampa Bay watching Florida in those two games, and Mike Miller couldn't buy a basket (he even missed some point-blank layups). I was rooting for Florida and Miller was so pathetic in those two games that I wanted to cry (ok mabey I had some beers). Cincinnati wasn't expected to advance past the first round (after that shocking loss of Kenyon Martin to injury just before the start of the NCAA round of 64. But win they did and Johnson played a good game in the first round. My point is, you cannot judge a book by its cover or a player by just one game. I'd be elated if we are lucky enough to draft DeMarr at Number 9! ------------------ [This message has been edited by Swami (edited May 29, 2000).]
Swami, who didn't expect Cincy to move on? He went 10 for 32 in games sans kmart to score a whopping 25 pts. Averaged 2 assists. His rebounds went up as he twice had 7. Yes he has skills. Great shooter. I just don't see him using them. He seems to have developed Horry syndrome at the 3 pt line. ------------------ "You've got 6 fouls, use them well" -Derrick Coleman
DERMARR Johnson is, as previously stated, not a very good defender at all. He is a good athlete with some good size, and skills for 6'9".....but he weighs about a buck and a dime. He is frail. He will most definitely spend much time in the weight room over the summer, and if he is the type that can't put on weight no matter what he eats and lifts, he is in trouble. What position does this guy play for you? Does he play the 3? The 2? He possesses average quickness...will he be able to defend at those positions? He is too slight to play 4 and 5, and lacks the ballhandling to play point. He needs some development before he can get any PT, in my opinion. I don't like him as a draft pick for us unless we get him late in the first or early second. I think he is overrated coming out of Cinci. I think the concentration of the opposition on Kenyon Martin made Dermarr look better than he really is. Pete Mikeal is a better, and more experienced player. I pass. ------------------ HOOP-T Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back! [This message has been edited by HOOP-T (edited May 31, 2000).]
DerMarr Johnson is a shooting guard. He doesn't rebound or play defense. Houston already has offense, they need defense. ------------------
If you consider TMac a 2 guard, then Dermarr is a 2. He is one of the "New Breed" type of players to say. I personally would have him play 3 in spots his first year (he's not ready yet), and have him work out this summer and next and put on about 10-20 pounds. Then when he's matured, become a full time SF. His D is average. He's not a liability, but he's not Gary Payton. ------------------ Rockets fans wanted at hoopsboards.com Draft Chat, NBA Chat, Team Chat, and more!
Having see DerMarr in almost every game this year I have to say he is NOT ready for the NBA this season. He can be an excellent shooter but I must say I was disappointed in how many open shots he missed. He had some good games and some where he disappeared. He did show a willingness to take his man off the dribble and I think it is something he can develop. I don't think there is a problem with his fire. He played with emotion, he just doesn't wear it on his sleeve like others do. Also keep in mind he was playing with Kenyon Martin and Pete Mickeal who were plenty emotional. Defensively DerMarr isn't too bad, but he needs to improve his footwork (what college freshman doesn't) and quit relying on his long arms and physical advantage which will be diminished at the next level. Overall don't expect an immediate contribution from DerMarr. Drafting him means you are willing to wait a couple of years before he makes a major dent in the rotation. Comparing him to Mike Miller at Florida, Miller has a more polished overall game than DerMarr. ------------------
