Britton Johnsen with another solid game (Spurs win)

[Kori Ellis]

http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/RRMR05_07.pdf

Spurs beat Atlanta 79-71.

[timvp]

Britton Johnsen sounds like he'd be a solid training camp addition.
It's interesting that Andre Barrett didn't start and Jamal Sampson didn't play.
Ondrej Starosta is an interesting prospect. Has never put up huge numbers in Europe but has good size.
Melvin Sanders is probably another guy the Spurs are looking at as far as training camp invites go.

Karaulov has three blocks, three rebounds, two points and steal in 11 minutes so far in summer league.
Spurs somehow beat the Hawks when the Spurs have maybe one NBA player, while the Hawks have like eight.

:smokin

[BigDiggyD]

http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/RRMR05_07.pdf

Spurs beat Atlanta 79-71.
Man, thats a nice line for Johnsen

[ace3g]

but the spurs have always been able to do that, bring in no name players and put them together with a couple of true nba players and win games

[BigDiggyD]

Britton Johnsen sounds like he'd be a solid training camp addition.


It's interesting that Andre Barrett didn't start and Jamal Sampson didn't play.


Ondrej Starosta is an interesting prospect. Has never put up huge numbers in Europe but has good size.


Melvin Sanders is probably another guy the Spurs are looking at as far as training camp invites go.


Karaulov has three blocks, three rebounds, two points and steal in 11 minutes so far in summer league.


Spurs somehow beat the Hawks when the Spurs have maybe one NBA player, while the Hawks have like eight.

:smokin
Man.. I didn't even look at Atlanta's box/roster.. thats hilarious... http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[Mr. Body]

Salim Stoudamire is going to suck. Looks like Marvin Williams is pretty terrible so far, though that can change. I thought before the draft that Stoudamire was going to such, though.

[Solid D]

You know, that Hawks lineup is pretty talented if you look at it.

Josh Childress, Boris Diaw, 1st round draft pick Marvin Williams, Dunkmaster Josh Smith and Arthur Johnson as starters, plus Salim Stoudamire off the bench.

Ain't chopped liver. Britton Johnsen plays 34 min. :wow

[David@SLCC]

I just got back form the game. I got a couple of of video clips and pictures (including one of Pop, PJ Carlesimo and Mike Budenholzer) that I'll upload somewhere and share later.

It was a nice game. Britton had a good game overall, I think he deserves to be added to training camp. Even though he is not known as a defensive stopper, he did a good job when guarding Josh Smith, Boris Diaw and Marvin Williams.

The Spurs could have won the game comfortably, but in the 4th quarter the point guards started screwing up and let Atlanta back in the game.

I was very impressed with Britton Johnsen, Andre Berrett (even though he didn't have a great game) and Ondrej Starosta (attacked the boards pretty well). Karaulov looked pretty lost out there (in the 3rd quarter he picked up 3 quick fouls in 2 minutes).

[Solid D]

Did Lance Blanks pick Karaulov? :hat

[Mr. Body]

Josh Childress, Boris Diaw, 1st round draft pick Marvin Williams, Dunkmaster Josh Smith and Arthur Johnson as starters, plus Salim Stoudamire off the bench.

Ain't chopped liver.

Chopped liver til they ever do thing one.

Eat up that hype. Eat it up now.

[Kori Ellis]

Thanks, David. If you need us to host anything for you (pics/video) let us know.

Here's the recap from nba.com.

July 18, Salt Lake City, -- Britton Johnsen continues to have a stellar summer league with 21 points and 8 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs dropped the Atlanta Hawks 79-71 in game seven of the 2005 Reebok Rocky Mountain Revue. The Spurs improved to 2-0, while the Hawks fall to 1-2.

San Antonio set a strong precedent in the first quarter, doubling Atlanta 24-12. Johnsen had 10 points, including two three pointers early. Atlanta constantly tried to get going several times but came up short, as Gyasi Cline-Heard went 2-6 at the line and Childress missed a monster dunk late. Second-year star forward Josh Smith put up six, and center Arthur Johnson chipped in four in the quarter, making up the majority of the Hawks' scoring.

Despite clumsy ball handling and turnovers, Atlanta closed the gap in the second. Salim Stoudamire came out fast and furious with an impossible three and quick field goal, both in the first three minutes. Josh Childress and Josh smith contributed four a piece for the Hawks. On the other end Johnsen continued to please the Salt Lake crowd as he led the Spurs with six more points, despite missing three consecutive threes. But San Antonio still managed a decisive 40-29 lead at the half.

Atlanta’s troubles continued into the third when Childress was pulled after committing three fouls within the first three minutes, giving him five. Refs tightened thei rgrip on the game, slowing the pace and dishing out 21 total fouls. But Atlanta finally heard from first-round selection Marvin Williams, who went 2-7 from the field and 3-4 from the line. Hawk Donta Smith also stepped up with his first six points of the game. The two youngsters' contributions helped Atlanta pull narrow the gap to just 10, 58-48. More importantly, they seized momentum heading into the fourth.

Atlanta really caught fire early in the fourth when rookie workhorse Gyasi Cline-Heard threw down two dunks from under the basket in the first minute. Cline-Heard had 12 points and seven rebounds in the fourth, and almost single-handedly carried the team back into contention.

The Hawks came within one point late, 67-66, with an impressive high-flying putback dunk from Childress, but San Antonio answered with a quick four points. Atlanta came close again, 71-70, with a basket and foul shot from Cline-Heard with a minute and a half left in the game. But the Spurs hit their free-throws down the stretch to close out the game. Down by as much as 17, the Hawks valiant effort came up just short.

The Spurs put a stop to Atlanta’s run and closed the game out at 79-71.

[timvp]

I just got back form the game. I got a couple of of video clips and pictures (including one of Pop, PJ Carlesimo and Mike Budenholzer) that I'll upload somewhere and share later.

It was a nice game. Britton had a good game overall, I think he deserves to be added to training camp. Even though he is not known as a defensive stopper, he did a good job when guarding Josh Smith, Boris Diaw and Marvin Williams.

The Spurs could have won the game comfortably, but in the 4th quarter the point guards started screwing up and let Atlanta back in the game.

I was very impressed with Britton Johnsen, Andre Berrett (even though he didn't have a great game) and Ondrej Starosta (attacked the boards pretty well). Karaulov looked pretty lost out there (in the 3rd quarter he picked up 3 quick fouls in 2 minutes).

Thanks for the breakdown.

How does Starosta play? He's listed at 7'2 and 260 pounds. Does he look NBA caliber or just summer league fodder?

[David@SLCC]

Thanks for the breakdown.

How does Starosta play? He's listed at 7'2 and 260 pounds. Does he look NBA caliber or just summer league fodder?

I liked Starosta's game. He was the best big out there. He had a pretty easy time grabbing boards and keeping the ball alive (granted, Marvin Williams was Atlanta's center at times). He even had a couple of blocks, I believe. Ondrej and Melvin Sanders saved the day for the Spurs when the guards were commiting stupid mistakes and turnovers and the Hawks had taken the lead.

[David@SLCC]

By the way, I don't think Starosta will make the team (now that the Spurs signed Oberto), but he maybe worth an invite just to keep the other guys focused on rebounding.

[BigDiggyD]

Thanks for the breakdown.

How does Starosta play? He's listed at 7'2 and 260 pounds. Does he look NBA caliber or just summer league fodder?
Put up good #'s for Chalons 12.1ppg 9.4rpg 1.1bpg

Also got French ProA All Bosman (which means Free Agent I think??)

[bigbendbruisebrother]

Anyone...

Is Johnsen a 3 or a 4?

[timvp]

6-foot-10 small forward.

[ace3g]

he is a 3 I think

[BadlyDrawnBoy]

Britton really wants to join that Mormon temple in Stone Oak.

[David@SLCC]

Thanks, David. If you need us to host anything for you (pics/video) let us know.

Kori, could you please let me know how to upload to your server?

[timvp]

Kori, could you please let me know how to upload to your server?

Check your PMs.

:hat

[JUUOT]

starosta is not free.
he is the main acquistion for Strasbourg the new french Champion.
Therefor he will be starter on an average team but will play euroleague aginst the best of Europe.
However he intelligently negotiated an NBA exception. so if offered an nba contract he can opt out of the french one without penalty.
i think he could be good for training camp and go back in france for one year. he could progress and be a nice pick up next year

[ducks]

However he intelligently negotiated an NBA exception. so if offered an nba contract he can opt out of the french one without penalty
SCOLA YOU SHOULD HAVE LEARNED
spurs should look at that!

[JUUOT]

but french small team do not have other choice to attract talent. they act as springboard for players like starosta. sanikidze..

[bigbendbruisebrother]

6-foot-10 small forward.

Do you think he has a remote chance of making the team?

[ace3g]

yeah he does have a good chance of making the team

[JUUOT]

i am pretty sure he has a chance.
if spurs keeps things like that (no trade of rasho or maohamed to start season)
it leaves 3 spots for SG/SF
the possible
brown, LJIII, sanders, hamilton and BRITTON or a FA with rest of midlevel

At least he earned training camp already.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

pffffffffffffffff this dude tearing it up for us is a 6 foot 10 small forward????


where'd we get this guy from

[Kori Ellis]

In the other two games today at RMR today:

Charlotte 85, Dallas 79 (http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/RRMR05_06.pdf)
Seattle 80, Utah 62 (http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/RRMR05_08.pdf)

[Kori Ellis]

where'd we get this guy from

He played in the CBA this season (averaged 18/6) and he was on the Pacers roster for six games and sucked.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

He played in the CBA this season (averaged 18/6) and he was on the Pacers roster for six games and sucked.


yikes

kori you gotta talk to the FO and tell them to get us our SF already

[JUUOT]

i would like some opinions on Justin Hamilton.
- Timvp already said he was decisive against Tau in europe.
- he seems to be a good shooter
- he played PG for stints at university
- he is 6-3 and described as underrated defender

i would love details on this. my idea is he could be a combo guard feeling the third PG and SG if necessary...

[TDMVPDPOY]

SIGN HIM!!!! 6-10 sf looks like we have our 3. Who cares if he sucked at the pacers, we only need him todo one thing is play DEFENCE. spurs return of the king this season :D

[Solid D]

Britton really wants to join that Mormon temple in Stone Oak.

You wouldn't happen to have an aerial map of that you can send to him, would ya? :smokin

[Kori Ellis]

we only need him todo one thing is play DEFENCE

Then he's not your man. He's a shooter and a decent rebounder, not a defender.

He'll probably get invited to camp. Rumor has it that the Spurs have their eyes on 10 or 15 different SF. So don't worry, they'll sign one.

[JUUOT]

10 to 15? incredible. do this include 6-5 guys like brown and sanders? or only prototype SF? or you have no idea?

[Kori Ellis]

10 to 15? incredible. do this include 6-5 guys like brown and sanders? or only prototype SF? or you have no idea?

I don't know for sure. But I'd imagine that would include anybody that could play SF, not necessarily prototypical, long SFs.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

The way Britton is playing is reminiscent of his college days.

If I were the Spurs I'd bench him the rest of the summer league, get him signed to a minimum contract, move him to SA, and attach him to Bowen's hip to learn all about defense.

The kid can shoot, if he can learn to play D at the SF spot we're set.

[JUUOT]

Can play both guard spots and some small forward, but spent most of his time at the point guard position... One of the nation's top back court defenders...A relentless defender, who also has a 38-inch vertical leap...Explosive first step and long rangy arms...Good in the open court and transition...Fantastic finisher...Finished his career ranked sixth on the all-time Florida steals list with 164...Ranks eighth on Florida's career steals per game chart (1.45 per game)...Eighth on the all-time Florida assists list

this is hamilton bio. anybody think he could take the 3th PG spot thanks to his defense. it would make parker work in practice and would be helpfull in rare situation of foul trouble.

the fcat barett did not start meaned hamilton was the PG?

[TDMVPDPOY]

I think we should just sign him, look at big dog and nazr or rasho b4 they even came to SA, non of them played DEFENCE, pop can make this guy play D. Give him 1-2 years under bowen and he be a monster on the defensive end, when BB retires and barrys contract comes of the books we can give the guy a good offer if he pans out.

[David@SLCC]

Can play both guard spots and some small forward, but spent most of his time at the point guard position... One of the nation's top back court defenders...A relentless defender, who also has a 38-inch vertical leap...Explosive first step and long rangy arms...Good in the open court and transition...Fantastic finisher...Finished his career ranked sixth on the all-time Florida steals list with 164...Ranks eighth on Florida's career steals per game chart (1.45 per game)...Eighth on the all-time Florida assists list

this is hamilton bio. anybody think he could take the 3th PG spot thanks to his defense. it would make parker work in practice and would be helpfull in rare situation of foul trouble.

the fcat barett did not start meaned hamilton was the PG?

Hamilton sucked today! He was the reason why the Spurs didn't put it away earlier. The smartest thing Monty Williams (Spurs coach) did was to get him out of there and put Berrett in.

[Scola#13]

Britton Johnson looks like he'd be a great pickup for the spurs. he's long and a good shooter, and the spurs have a nasty habbit of making defenders, (Big Dog, Rasho, etc)
I think he'd fill the SF spot nicely

[JUUOT]

thx for teh feed back david. it is great to have someone onsite!

[Spurologist]

Britton Johnson: 21pts (8-14fg), 3-7 3pnts, 2-2 ft (might not make the spurs roster after all), 8 rbs.

http://images.nfl.com/photos/img8141130.jpg

"Are you serious!! Are you serious!! This kid is a ptp'er baby!!! The Spurs better sign him."

[spur219]

Johnsen is a good player.

[bigbendbruisebrother]

I think we'd better calm down about this guy. Like our last small forward acquisition, Johnsen was waived by the Hornets last season. He was also waived by the Magic and Pacers. The guy apparently can't play D, and his summer league shooting is apparently a new facet of his game.

Here's his hoopshype.com profile. (http://www.hoopshype.com/players/britton_johnsen.htm)

Britton Johnsen Indiana Pacers
Position: SF
Born: 7/08/79
Height: 6-10 / 2,08
Weight: 210 lbs. / 95,3 kg.
College: Utah '03 Very unselfish player... Quite an athlete... Runs the floor well... Good knowledge of the game... Plays hard... Needs to bulk up and work on his outside shot... Can he guard small forwards?
Attended the Murray HS in Murray, Utah.
Played college ball at Utah in 1997-98 and from 2000 to 2003.
Never drafted by an NBA team.
Selected by the Gary Steelheads as 19th overall pick in the 2003 CBA Draft.
Signed with the Orlando Magic in September 2003. Waived in
November.
Joined the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBDL in November 2003.
Returned to the Orlando Magic in March 2004.
Signed with the New Orleans Hornets in September 2004. Waived in October.
Signed with the Idaho Stampede of the CBA in November 2004. Moved to the Indiana Pacers later that month. Waived in December.
McDonald's All-American in 1997.
Named 2nd Team All-MWC in 2001 and 2003.
Named Mountain West Conference Player of the Year in 2002. Named to the All-MWC 1st Team.
Named 1st Team NABC All-District 13 in 2003.
Named to the All-NBDL 2nd Team in 2004.

[JUUOT]

bigbendbruisebrother. if you look at the story and links posted you will see this player has an unusual path. What happened to him before is not reflective of his level.
he has worked hard to get a fresh start (see article on him and granger)
I am not saying he will be an all star but a 6/10 small forward showing good signs and not expensive is a no brainer cause nor risk.

let s see what he does in Camp, if he can keep it up in defense.

[mookie2001]

he won confrence POY averaging 12 ppg
nice

[bigbendbruisebrother]

bigbendbruisebrother. if you look at the story and links posted you will see this player has an unusual path. What happened to him before is not reflective of his level.
he has worked hard to get a fresh start (see article on him and granger)
I am not saying he will be an all star but a 6/10 small forward showing good signs and not expensive is a no brainer cause nor risk.

let s see what he does in Camp, if he can keep it up in defense.

I hope you're right. I guess the other way to look at it is that Bowen didn't exactly have the best resume on earth when the Spurs took a chance on him either.

[ChumpDumper]

When a guy is taking 13 shots a game in Spurs' summer league, you can bet they're thinking long and hard about using him this season.

[tsb2000]

He played for Majerus at Utah, so it's not like he's never heard of defense. Between watching Bowen and listening to Pop yell at him, it will be like riding a bike. :)

[JUUOT]

Who think Britton could benefit from an Hedo t... advanced coaching class ? :spin :lol :blah

[Ocotillo]

http://www.nba.com/media/mediacentral/Draft2003_JohnsenBritton.jpg http://www.hillebrander.de/woods/gallery/candid/woody11.jpg Hmmmm........

[AFE7FATMAN]

Britton was a McDonalds All American. At Utah Majerus tried to make him a defensive specialist. He learned Defense and rebounding but it took away from his offensive
game. He also went on a Mormon mission and that took away from his game.

I think this guy is going to make the Spurs, i.e. #14/15

He was a member of the Utah team that played Kentucky a few years ago
for the finals, getting some real good minutes.

[Felonius Monk]

I guess the other way to look at it is that Bowen didn't exactly have the best resume on earth when the Spurs took a chance on him either.

The year before Bruce signed with the Spurs he had made the second team All-Defensive Team playing for Miami.

[wildbill2u]

Shooting is a talent. Defense is sweat, athleticism (footwork) and attitude.

The first is God given. The second can be learned.

[Kori Ellis]

Well he shot 4-for-13 yesterday, I believe. And the game before that, he miss 3 three-pointers in a row as he was just chucking them up there. Maybe we should wait to annoint him.

[JUUOT]

britton is another LJIII. a good project. sanikidze is in this list.

the question is who do you keep to develop. Sanikidze can stay in Europe while you give a shot at LJIII or britton.

[Horry For 3!]

Good stuff. It is good that someone on the Spurs summer roster is doin good.

[Horry For 3!]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3769

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/917/britton1am.jpg

I just looked him up to see what he looked like.

[Marcus Bryant]

So has this forum made Britton Johnsen an All-Star yet?

[ChumpDumper]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3769

http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/917/britton1am.jpg

I just looked him up to see what he looked like.There are some SL pics
in this thread (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21985) including Johnsen.

[Dex]

I don't think anybody sees him as an All-Star. The fact of the matter is, the guy is still worth looking at.

We need a good, long SF. And this guy is already affiliated with the Spurs, and is (one of?) the leading summer league scorer(s) and a good rebounder, both at the 3-spot. Sure, he probably has a lot of work left to do on his game, but so does anybody coming out of the summer league or the NBDL. And he'd have one of the greatest defenders in the league to mentor him.

I still think if we could manage to make Big Dog play good defense, we can do it with this kid. I'm not saying to make him a starter. I just think he's proven that he deserves a chance at training camp, at the least.

Then again, I'm also not sure that either Devin Brown or LJIII are worth giving up on yet, so we'll just have to wait and see.