2011 Draft Prospect: JaJuan Johnson [Archive]

Bruno

02-25-2011, 04:28 PM

http://5.cdn.bit2host.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/jajuan-johnson.jpg
Height: 6-10
Weight: 221 lbs
Birthday: 02/08/1989
College: Purdue

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/JaJuan-Johnson-5307/)
nbadraft (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/jajuan-johnson)

Mal

02-25-2011, 06:17 PM

I like him, but with McDyess coming back next year, RC should search for backup SF.

RobinsontoDuncan

02-27-2011, 09:36 AM

i think he would actually make a better nba 3 versus a 4.

he would fit perfectly in the spurs system and he could play small ball 4. i like it.

yavozerb

02-27-2011, 12:33 PM

I like him, but with McDyess coming back next year, RC should search for backup SF.

Not a good enough reason not to draft a big if one is available that the spurs like. Mcdyess only has 1 year left anyways and Td is right behind him.

ajballer4

02-27-2011, 10:22 PM

This guy is really good. I would be ecstatic if the Spurs drafted him

Darkwaters

02-27-2011, 11:50 PM

Had a great game against Michigan State yesterday with 20 pts, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks.

http://espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=36150

Mal

02-28-2011, 03:33 PM

Not a good enough reason not to draft a big if one is available that the spurs like. Mcdyess only has 1 year left anyways and Td is right behind him.

Spurs are on win now mode. So far, Spurs have lacks on backup SF, and 3rd string PG.

RobinsontoDuncan

02-28-2011, 04:06 PM

I haven't seen him play at all really, but just from what I have read about him it sounds as though, given the proper coaching and time to develop in the pros, he could mold himself into a poor-man's lamar odom. that would be best case scenario, and much would depend on his ability to improve his ball handling and catch and shoot skills, but there is the chance that this could happen. if so, the spurs would be the perfect place for him to develop these skills as there seems to be no other team in the nba which is as good at player development as the spurs.

in any event, if he were to develop along these lines he could be a very valuable role player for the spurs, the kind of guy capable of banging down low a little bit, stretching the floor when needed, and assisting in the spurs efforts at dominating the glass and defending the perimeter. could be a guy capable of averaging something like 12, 7.5, and maybe a block or two per game. interesting prospect.

lefty

02-28-2011, 04:14 PM

Jajuan as Dejuan's backup

:D

yavozerb

02-28-2011, 04:16 PM

Spurs are on win now mode. So far, Spurs have lacks on backup SF, and 3rd string PG.

Nobody picked at 26-30 is gonna help this team win now, sorry to disappoint. The spurs will keep trying to win now with current players and cheap FA signings, while bringing in youth to gain experience during this ride. Yes, this includes bigs.

Juanobili

02-28-2011, 04:51 PM

Jajuan as Dejuan's backup

:D

they'll be known as "Da Juans"

:whine

Mal

02-28-2011, 07:50 PM

Nobody picked at 26-30 is gonna help this team win now, sorry to disappoint. The spurs will keep trying to win now with current players and cheap FA signings, while bringing in youth to gain experience during this ride. Yes, this includes bigs.

I am talking about backup SF, for 10-12 mpg. Look how good is Neal this year, how good was Blair and Hill. Next year Spurs will have Splitter, in his 2nd year with team, which means he knows tactic better and possibly have impact as RJ and Dice this year.

We are talking, but I am sure RC will draft something special.

Indazone

02-28-2011, 08:01 PM

This dude is a beast. You guys are seriously clueless about him. He'll be a top 10 draft pick and he's going to be either the first or second big man taken in the draft. He has All-Star potential written all over him.

ChuckD

02-28-2011, 10:53 PM

It's the Spurs paradox: if he improves enough, we'll never get him. If he doesn't, who wants him?

spursbird

03-01-2011, 12:06 AM

It's the Spurs paradox: if he improves enough, we'll never get him. If he doesn't, who wants him?
What about GHill?

spursbird

03-01-2011, 12:06 AM

Indazone

03-01-2011, 03:00 AM

There is no way he'll be chosen at 30th.

Indazone

03-01-2011, 03:01 AM

That's like saying he's about as good as Carl Landry. This guy is light years ahead of Carl Landry.

yavozerb

03-01-2011, 09:45 AM

There is no way he'll be chosen at 30th.

no biggie really, if johnson moves up somebody must move down ala james anderson and dejuan blair..

Mal

03-01-2011, 03:05 PM

Anderson was drafted exactly at his value.

Bruno

03-01-2011, 03:14 PM

Given that mock drafts have only automatically eligible player (Fredette) among the top20, I don't see how you can have even the slightest idea on where a player like JaJuan Johnson will be picked. The lockout looming will have a huge impact on underclassmen choice to enter in the draft.

yavozerb

03-01-2011, 03:19 PM

Anderson was drafted exactly at his value.

:lol, 19 players better than the big 12 POY...Without injuries I have no doubt he would gone in the lottery.

jjktkk

03-02-2011, 05:46 PM

JJ looks like a lottery talent in the games I've seen him play.

ChuckD

03-14-2011, 09:27 PM

What about GHill?

GHill was different. He was on no one's radar before the Orlando camp. People know who Johnson is. Bigs are also usually overvalued. If he shows anything in workouts, he'll be gone LONG before 30.

DesignatedT

05-05-2011, 10:57 PM

He's possible to be there at 29. Led the B10 in scoring, very long and lanky, can really score the ball. Definitely needs to get stronger.

benefactor

05-06-2011, 05:36 AM

:lol, 19 players better than the big 12 POY...Without injuries I have no doubt he would gone in the lottery.
He was never in the lottery in any mock at any time. Every mock I looked at from the beginning had him very close to where the Spurs were picking.

SenorSpur

05-06-2011, 07:21 AM

Obviously it's still early and draft positioning have and will continue to fluctuate, but all the NBA mock drafts I've seen thust far, have him projected as a late first or early second.

SenorSpur

05-06-2011, 08:00 AM

JaJuan Johnson player profile according to ESPN:

Projection
First Round Bubble Pick

Positives
Long, athletic big man
Good shot-blocker
Explosive leaper
Quick, runs the floor well
Nice mid range jumper

Negatives
Needs to add strength to his frame
Still developing a low post game
Basketball IQ seems to be an issue

kobyz

05-08-2011, 07:40 AM

i mark two realistic option for our pick that will be great fit, JaJuan Johnson is one of them, the other is David Lighty.
Johnson will give us athletic dimension for our front court, he plays both ends of the court, has reliable mid range shot, he is ready to contribute and with McDyess retiring he could help and enter the bigs rotation.
remind me Taj Gibson and Jordan Hill!

xellos88330

05-16-2011, 07:20 PM

JonNOKC

05-18-2011, 07:56 AM

not that it means much but Nbadraft.net now has Johnson going to Spurs with 29th pick

SenorSpur

05-18-2011, 09:55 AM

I like this guy. I am actually quite surprised he is projected around the Spurs pick. His lack of weight does bother me though. It makes me kind of wonder if the Spurs were to pick him, if he could be used at the 3 if say Splitter, Duncan are on the floor together. Triple Towers. :P

Hmmm. The prospect of Johnson at SF? The concept of Pop featuring a player that is bigger for his position, rather than throwing out a player that is undersized for his position, would be a philosophy change for him - albeit a welcomed one.

TJastal

05-18-2011, 12:38 PM

The 2nd coming of Jared Jefferies, can't wait

JonNOKC

05-18-2011, 01:04 PM

In fairness to Johnson he is a much better shooter than Jefferies

dbestpro

05-19-2011, 10:23 AM

This year's Carlos Boozer.

Thomas82

05-20-2011, 11:04 PM

Johnson can play the 3 in the same
Way that Steve Novak or Matt Bonner can play the 3. Except Johnson offers better athletic ability and worse 3 point shooting. However, I can see Johnson turning into a Roy Hibert like player.

Except he's 4 inches shorter.

yavozerb

05-21-2011, 09:34 AM

Except he's 4 inches shorter.

Hibbert in no way plays like a 7 footer since he likes to play away from the basket...The problem is Johnson likes to do the same thing

SenorSpur

05-21-2011, 12:58 PM

THe fact that Johnson's age (22) will likely work against him, could be a positive for the Spurs, who often seem to favor mature, young players. Johnson is the rare, improving senior from a big school. The consensus of most scouts and teams is that any player worth his stock would never stay in school four years. I guess people have long forgot about a kid former player-of-the-year named Tim Duncan, who stayed four years at Wake Forest. I digress.

Back to Johnson, he's an intriguing player - especially his length and his improved perimeter game. However, the negatives that keep popping up about him are serious concerns. His apparent lack of strength and seemingly a lack of rebounding prowess - which really translates into physical toughness. This from Draft Express:

His main issue defensively is defending the post. He does a good job of using his length to contest shots, but his lack of lower body strength really manifests itself in this aspect of his game, as he struggles to deny post position, and is easily backed down, allowing high percentage shots...

Read moreFrom DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/JaJuan-Johnson-5307/#ixzz1N0gkpeMu
http://www.draftexpress.com

However if he translates into a small forward, at the next level, perhaps these will not be such glaring weaknesses.

Bruno

05-21-2011, 01:53 PM

Aside of Bonner, who sucks, Spurs don't really have mobile bigs with a good outside shoot. I don't know if Jajuan Johnson is good but he seems to be a good fit with Spurs current roster.

yavozerb

05-21-2011, 03:44 PM

I think people mistake Johnson's lack of size for lack of strength. Johnson isn't physically big, but he has been documented to put a lot of work in the weight room. Personally I like him. He has put on around 20 pounds since last season and can be versatile.

JJ was 220 as of thursday at 6'10. I dont think anybody knows if and how much weight he could carry and still be effective. But, I can tell you without a doubt that at 220 lbs he will get posted up ALOT in the association. With that said, I think the spurs could alot worse with the #29 pick and I would not be against taking this guy at all..

SenorSpur

05-21-2011, 04:58 PM

JJ was 220 as of thursday at 6'10. I dont think anybody knows if and how much weight he could carry and still be effective. But, I can tell you without a doubt that at 220 lbs he will get posted up ALOT in the association. With that said, I think the spurs could alot worse with the #29 pick and I would not be against taking this guy at all..

Agreed. I wouldn't at all have an issue if the Spurs selected him @ #29.

Hell, they have worse on their roster now - (hint, hint) :p:

Spurtacus

05-21-2011, 05:13 PM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/706260-2011-nba-mock-draft-where-will-derrick-williams-land-in-this-years-draft/entry/84992-2011-nba-mock-draft-is-jajuan-johnson-the-answer-for-the-aging-spurs

Spurtacus

05-21-2011, 05:17 PM

Johnson weighed in at the combine at 220lbs. 6'10 in shoes; 7'2 wingspan. Looks like he gradually put on weight during his years at Purdue. Probably needs to add another 15 pounds but I believe NBA conditioning coaches will help him there.

I really like this kid at #29.

SenorSpur

05-21-2011, 05:26 PM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/706260-2011-nba-mock-draft-where-will-derrick-williams-land-in-this-years-draft/entry/84992-2011-nba-mock-draft-is-jajuan-johnson-the-answer-for-the-aging-spurs

Good read. Thanks for posting this.

Sounds like Johnson could definitely benefit from some extensive practice time and tutoring from the best PF in NBA history.

Even if he's not ready for a starting role, if Johnson can prove that he can consistently knock down that elbow and midrange jumpers, that would be an immediate benefit.

TD 21

05-21-2011, 05:39 PM

He seems like the best possible fit (out of realistic options) at 29. A legit 6-10 in shoes, long, athletic, mobile, with a solid mid range shot and a good shot blocker. I'm fairly sure I've heard he's a good character guy too. This is exactly the type of PF the Spurs have needed for a long time. He's in the Thomas, Ibaka, Arthur, Johnson (Amir), Warrick, etc. mold.

Unfortunately, even though he's currently ranked in their range, as workouts get into full swing, I've got to think he goes before their pick. Players of his ilk usually aren't around at 29. You look at the recent (relative) success of the types I just mentioned, that's only going to help his stock.

trollt

05-21-2011, 05:51 PM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/706260-2011-nba-mock-draft-where-will-derrick-williams-land-in-this-years-draft/entry/84992-2011-nba-mock-draft-is-jajuan-johnson-the-answer-for-the-aging-spurs

Did bleacher report suddenly become a credible news source? This blog post states nothing that hasn't already said in this thread.

Bruno

05-31-2011, 05:00 AM

He will work out today for Spurs:
http://thehoopsreport.com/workouts.aspx?action=San%20Antonio

SenorSpur

06-03-2011, 06:32 PM

I've read up everything I could find on this kid. He certainly appears to have a fairly versatile and solid skill-set, that could make him an instant contributor to whatever team elects to take him. I like him because he seems to be every bit as good defensively (Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year), as he is offensively.

It's strange that most of th mock drafts haven't fallen love with him. He's kind of all over the place - including as late as early second round. I find that hard to believe.

Still, the Spurs could certainly use a this type of talent infusion into their frontline. I remember he was scheduled to work out for the Spurs on the 31st. I'd certainly like to know how that worked out.

benefactor

06-21-2011, 08:02 PM

-Purdue big man JaJuan Johnson ranks as the highest usage player in this sample at 18.7 possessions per-game and scored a marginally above average 1.052 PPP overall. Johnson's perimeter orientation limits his rankings a bit, but he gets a boost from the fact that he turned the ball over a sample low 8% of the time.

Keep reading...

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Situational-Statistics-the-2011-Big-Men-Crop-3761/#ixzz1Pxj9fbVt
http://www.draftexpress.com

SenorSpur

06-29-2011, 10:33 AM

Im liking him more each day, but something tells me he is gonna go before we pick. I would not be shocked to see him go to NY, PHILLY, MIN, PORT OR HOUST and BOS. But if he falls this far, I look at him as a future SF/PF who could cause alot of mismatch problems.

And you were right on with your assumption, Tex. The fact is, because the Spurs were seemingly so hot after Joseph, I'm not sure the Spurs would've taken him even if he were on the board. It would've been an interesting dilemma. Of course, the PF position still remains in flux.

elemento

10-26-2012, 09:06 PM

Bumping I am not getting my hopes so high, but it's worth a look.

There's a good chance to see Jajuan Johnson waived by the Rockets before the deadline. They have 18 players right now and still have to make 3 cuts. Johnson was not happy when the Celtics traded him to Houston and he is getting absolutely 0 playing-time in the pre-season games. Considering that Houston has massive glut in the PF position, there's a very good chance to see him waived or at least traded for peanuts.

He is 6'10, he has a good mid-range shot and he is known for his shot-blocking skills. Not perfect obviously, but fits the bill for SAS. PS: Maybe SA is waiting for the right guy to be waived and that's why they dumped Curry and Brown. At least i want to think that way :lol

Bruno

10-26-2012, 11:40 PM

With Powell waived, Spurs have now the roster spot and the money to try a player like him. I don't really know Johnson but it seems to be a smart move on the paper.

CGD

10-28-2012, 11:44 AM

https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/262585540254257153

jyra

10-28-2012, 12:22 PM

262600214307823616

Bruno

10-28-2012, 02:18 PM

Not a bad athlete:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YSeKnt8tQo

A negative about him is that his professional career has been unimpressive to say the least. He failed to get playing time with Celtics while they were plagued by injuries at PF/C during last season and his SL performance wasn't great.

mountainballer

10-29-2012, 11:24 AM

^^^ that's right. and he is quite old for a sophomore. (23)
on the other hand, it's been only one season on a very strong veteran stacked team. we know that some players explode in their 2nd year, after an underwhelming rookie season.
what is really intriguing about Johnson:
w/o shoes: 6' 9" - in shoes: 6' 10" - weight: 220 - wingspan: 7' 2" - reach: 8' 11.5" - vertical: 38.0"
that's some fantastic numbers for a combo forward. and he is a good athlete, as you mentioned. so there is something to work with.
he might have the potential to become a longer version of Hakim Warrick (Warrick also struggled in his 1st year) and while I don't think that warrick would lift the Spurs significantly, I wouldn't mind to have him on this roster. so Spurs should at least think about Johnson.

xellos88330

10-29-2012, 11:56 AM

If I remember I wanted the Spurs to draft this dude. I wouldn't mind seeing him given a shot.

elemento

10-29-2012, 05:17 PM

How long until we know he cleared waivers?

I have the feeling that the freaking Bobcats will claim him :lol

Bruno

10-30-2012, 02:06 AM

How long until we know he cleared waivers?

I have the feeling that the freaking Bobcats will claim him :lol

His waiver period will end Wednesday at 5 pm ET and he should clear waivers.

When a team claims a player from waivers, they had to take him with his original contract. JaJuan Johnson's contract isn't very friendly so teams shouldn't claim him. They will likely pursue him once he clears waivers to sign him to a new and more favorable contract for them.

Chinook

10-30-2012, 10:45 AM

His waiver period will end Wednesday at 5 pm ET and he should clear waivers.

When a team claims a player from waivers, they had to take him with his original contract. JaJuan Johnson's contract isn't very friendly so teams shouldn't claim him. They will likely pursue him once he clears waivers to sign him to a new and more favorable contract for them.

With this in mind, how much do the Spurs have to offer him? I know they have some of the MLE left from Diaw's contract, but I believe they only have enough to sign a rookie to a minimum deal. Am I correct in thinking that, or is there enough to sign Johnson for more than two years? Not that it matters much, as a two-year deal may be better for both sides.

Bruno

10-30-2012, 01:21 PM

With this in mind, how much do the Spurs have to offer him? I know they have some of the MLE left from Diaw's contract, but I believe they only have enough to sign a rookie to a minimum deal. Am I correct in thinking that, or is there enough to sign Johnson for more than two years? Not that it matters much, as a two-year deal may be better for both sides.

Yep, Spurs don't have enough left of the MLE to sign a player that isn't a rookie with it. Spurs can only offer a 1 or 2 years minimum contract to Johnson.

Chinook

10-30-2012, 02:15 PM

Thanks, Bruno.

Then if the Spurs do go for him, I can see them offering a deal like they did to Danny Green a couple of seasons ago. They'd lose some protection from the Arenas rule if Johnson proves worthy and has a good second year of his contract, but the odds of that are pretty low, and teams could always give him a back-loaded contract like Houston did with Asik. The Spurs should have plenty of cap space in two years, anyway, so they probably won't need an early-bird exception to keep him. If anything, signing him to a two-year deal maximizes potential cap space for next summer.

mountainballer

10-31-2012, 09:44 AM

Darren Wolfson: I'm told the #Twolves have inquired about JaJuan Johnson. But they likely aren't a match. Twitter @DarrenWolfson

elemento

10-31-2012, 10:17 AM

C'mon SA has to make a move for the kid. It's such a minor investment for the kind of reward he could give SA.

Just for the record - a lot of young guys did not have their rookie options taken. Too bad none of them are PFs that SA could take a look.

Phoenix did not take Wes Johnson's option, Portland turned down the options for all their young players in rookie contracts (****** Williams, Luke Babbitt and Nolan Smith). Incredible how bad they were in the past drafts after the Nic pick. NOLA turned down the options for Aminu and Xavier Henry's contracts and the Mavs did not take Jones' 4th-year option.

And James Anderson was waived by Atlanta btw. It's a pity but I think his career in the NBA is over.

ace3g

10-31-2012, 07:25 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA

After entering his name into Friday's D-League Draft, forward JaJuan Johnson expected to be No. 1 overall pick to Ft. Wayne, sources tell Y!

benefactor

10-31-2012, 07:38 PM

Not sure why they at least wouldn't give him a minimum deal. Pretty good gamble tbh.

Chinook

10-31-2012, 09:46 PM

After seeing Pop go away from Bonner in the second half (and not going toward Blair), you'd have to think he'd be looking for a new big man who can shoot and defend the rim a little. Johnson seems like he can do that. If he's thinking D-League, then a two year, non-guaranteed deal is perfect. If he sucks, just cut him. There's nothing to lose. They did a similar thing with Malcolm Thomas last year.

CGD

11-01-2012, 02:57 PM

Seems like a no brainier. Makes me think he is either not so smart or has character issues. The talent appears to be there.

yavozerb

11-02-2012, 12:45 PM

Not sure why they at least wouldn't give him a minimum deal. Pretty good gamble tbh.

Cause he sucks, thats why..Signing JJ would only limit any future moves they could possible make later in the season..JJ just is not good enough to gamble on with possible buyouts like Diaw possibly occuring later in the season from teams not in contention for the playoffs.