Will Joe Johnson's return make a difference?

[2centsworth]

To summarize:

Over the course of the series, the Suns are better off WITH Johnson than without.

In Game 1, Jim Jackson stepped up nicely.

It is very common in the NBA, when a player is out, to have somebody else step up and fill that role in a particular game. What you can't count on is having that role filled night in and night out.

It is folly to think that Johnson would make no difference for Phoenix.

I think it also folly to think that Johnson would represent a significant upgrade over the performance Jackson gave in Game 1. Suns fans should not count on that. What they should count on is the inevitable dropoff in production at the 2 that would happen eventually if Johnson continues to sit. Given that the Spurs won Game 1 even with Jackson playing so well, the Suns would be hard-pressed to win the series in that case. They need Johnson back.

What Johnson provides that was missing is not so much shooting the ball from the perimeter, since Jackson did that just fine, as in backing up Steve Nash at the point MUCH better than Barbosa, and in having at least a prayer of keeping Tony Parker away from the rim.

Joe Johnson is not the X-factor that would swing the series back in Phoenix's favor, but as short as their bench is, they need him back to compete effectively.

the argument is dumb. If this and if that. If Duncan's ankle was 100% healthy he would have had over 40 instead of missing several shots within 1 foot. Spurs will adapt to whatever is thrown at them and usually do what's neccessary to win no matter who is on the other team. Phoenix just wants an excuse, so I hope JJ comes back tomorrow, but they will probably say he wasn't 100%. Doesn't matter, because who the is Phoenix anyways?

[AZLouis]

Suns far aren't counting on JJ creating this big difference in the series.

The fact is he is needed.

JJ's performance may not have been as good as Jim Jackson's in game 1. Jim Jackson may not have performed as well as he did if JJ was in the lineup.

Here is another what if, Q was off, maybe he could have played less and Jim Jackson was in the lineup with JJ on the court. Oh no

It's not an excuse for the Suns loss. The Suns blew game 1. Plain and simple. They had the lead going into the 4th and just let it slide. The Spurs had an incredible 4th quarter.

The Spurs scored 43 points to the Suns 32 points. The Suns were up 4 at the beginning of the 4th and lost by 7.

The difference in the series is going to be the play of the rest of the team. Not the Big 3 for SA and certainly not Amare and Nash. They will all get theirs as shown in game 1. It's the play of the bench and the role players that will make the difference.

Marion and Q did not play well but the Spurs got great production from their bench.

Ergo, victory in game 1 for the Spurs.

BTW, Manu is averaging 21 points per game in the playoffs and JJ 19. Manu is shooting a scorching 50 % from 3 pt land while JJ is even hotter at 56%.

Their performances are even other than games played due to JJ's injury.

Either way you are not going to change your mind and neither will I.

[samikeyp]

It's the play of the bench and the role players that will make the difference.

that's it in a nuts .

[SPARKY]

The point is that the Suns could get Joe Johnson back tomorrow night and also get better games out of Marion and Richardson. I suspect that after getting a full two days of rest the Suns will be feeling a little better on Tuesday night.

Sure, Jim Jackson stepped up for them, but then they had no bench production as a result. Plus they also had guys logging heavy minutes.

Don't count on the Spurs being able to jump a shorthanded and fatigued Suns team on Tuesday night. Also stop trying to equate Devin Brown to Joe Johnson in terms of value to their clubs.

[2centsworth]

Suns far aren't counting on JJ creating this big difference in the series.

The fact is he is needed.

JJ's performance may not have been as good as Jim Jackson's in game 1. Jim Jackson may not have performed as well as he did if JJ was in the lineup.

Here is another what if, Q was off, maybe he could have played less and Jim Jackson was in the lineup with JJ on the court. Oh no

It's not an excuse for the Suns loss. The Suns blew game 1. Plain and simple. They had the lead going into the 4th and just let it slide. The Spurs had an incredible 4th quarter.

The Spurs scored 43 points to the Suns 32 points. The Suns were up 4 at the beginning of the 4th and lost by 7.

The difference in the series is going to be the play of the rest of the team. Not the Big 3 for SA and certainly not Amare and Nash. They will all get theirs as shown in game 1. It's the play of the bench and the role players that will make the difference.

Marion and Q did not play well but the Spurs got great production from their bench.

Ergo, victory in game 1 for the Spurs.

BTW, Manu is averaging 21 points per game in the playoffs and JJ 19. Manu is shooting a scorching 50 % from 3 pt land while JJ is even hotter at 56%.

Their performances are even other than games played due to JJ's injury.

Either way you are not going to change your mind and neither will I.

If the suns could trade JJ for Manu they would do it in a new york minute, and so would you.

The big 3 will make the difference for the spurs, because the suns aren't good enough to make others beat them. If they are and then the spurs have plan B, but for now the big 3 should be enough.

[2centsworth]

Also stop trying to equate Devin Brown to Joe Johnson in terms of value to their clubs.

who in the is doing that? JJ is less valuable than Tim's sore ankle is all I'm saying.

Don't count on the Spurs being able to jump a shorthanded and fatigued Suns team on Tuesday night.

so that's why the spurs won. OMG, the suns are gonna roll the spurs tomorrow.

[AZLouis]

I wouldn't and I don't think the Suns will either.

JJ is vital to this team and it's style of play.

His importance will be seen this off season when the Suns give him 10-12 million per year for his services.

[2centsworth]

I wouldn't and I don't think the Suns will either.

JJ is vital to this team and it's style of play.

His importance will be seen this off season when the Suns give him 10-12 million per year for his services.

now you're just dishonest. Suns would trade everyone except Nash and Amare for Manu. That's 6 to 7 million too much.

[AZLouis]

Your silly.

Can you please tell me your contact with the Suns. Your insider information seems to be unparalleled.

[spur219]

Joe Johnson will of course give the Suns another weapon. Eventhough his injury was severe and he is probably a little out of shape he is still a legitimate shooting threat. Joe Johnson is a fine shooting guard and he can shoot the ball. The Spurs need to prepare for the Suns as if he will play. The Spurs better be prepared to beat the Suns and take 2 at home.


LETS GO SPURS!!!

[2centsworth]

Your silly.

Can you please tell me your contact with the Suns. Your insider information seems to be unparalleled.

pot calling the kettle black. we have the same information I can't help it if you're delusional.

[AZLouis]

We have the same information yet I only can assume what the Suns would or wouldn't do. You flat out said the Suns would trade for Manu. That's silly.

I'm delusional because I believe JJ is important to the Suns? Or am I delusional because I believe JJ's value is equivalent to Manu?

Either way, I am silly. But I don't pretend to know information I can't possibly know.

[Tom_Foolery]

If he returns the next game, I think he will make a difference. They'd probably then move Jimmy Jackson to the SF spot, which if I were the Suns coach I would strongly consider doing given Quentin's struggles.

If he doesn't return the next game and the Suns lose, it will be too late.

[2centsworth]

We have the same information yet I only can assume what the Suns would or wouldn't do. You flat out said the Suns would trade for Manu. That's silly.

JJ has been on the block since he became a Sun, and don't act otherwise. People still question his big game performances. If you can't see that Phoenix would trade JJ for Manu in a new york minute, and then you are delusional or need to watch more basketball.[/quote]

I'm delusional because I believe JJ is important to the Suns? Or am I delusional because I believe JJ's value is equivalent to Manu?

Both.

Either way, I am silly. But I don't pretend to know information I can't possibly know.

It doesn't take a genius to know that over 90% of the GM's in the league would take Manu over JJ. I'm sure there's someone crazy like you so I didn't make it 100%.

[SPARKY]

Joe Johnson is good but he isn't that good.

[samikeyp]

Joe Johnson is important to Phx but I think Manu's importance to the Spurs is greater than Johnson's is to the Suns. Not taking anything away from him though, he is a good player.

[2centsworth]

Joe Johnson is important to Phx but I think Manu's importance to the Spurs is greater than Johnson's is to the Suns. Not taking anything away from him though, he is a good player.

How many team would take Manu over JJ? Am I right in saying close to 100%.

[AZLouis]

2centsworth

Now 90% of the league GM would take Manu over JJ? How do you possibly know that?

You are right JJ was on the block at the beginning of the season. However, a few months in and he is no longer on the block. He's proved his value to the Suns team.

Fact is, Colangelo has gone on record that JJ will NOT be traded and that he WILL do everything possible to keep him in purple and orange. Not to mention Sarvar has assured the fans JJ will stay.

JJ will be highly sought after during this offseason. There's already rumors of the Bobcats, Cavs, and Sonics wanting to speak with JJ in the offseason. Visit insidehoops.com to see what sports pages across America print. That site gives good information.

Again I state that JJ's value is extremely important to the team. His important is equivalent to the #3 guys on the Spurs, Heat, and Pistons. Meaning Manu, Eddie Jones, and Rip.

If you haven't seen the Suns play this season other than games against the Spurs, your opinion would be a little short sighted.

I don't lie alone with my opinion as previouly posted cbssportline.com ranks JJ higher than Manu as a shooting guard and player overall.

His imminent return will not change the series but it will help the Suns. The Suns will then have an extra worthwhile player on the bench (Jim Jackson) and sure hand at back up Nash at the point.

Simple. Nothing more and nothing less.

[samikeyp]

Good question, 2cents. Do not know I, the answer to this. (ok...bad Yoda imitation)

Personally...if I were a GM and had a choice...I would choose Ginobili. Does that mean I think Johnson sucks? no, but I would choose Ginobili. Then again...I would lock his ass to his front porch all summer so he would rest and not play internationally!

[SirChaz]

I don't think JJ has been on the block.

If you believe the reports the reason we didn't get T-Mac is because they wouldn't give up JJ.

Johnson and Stoudemire are the future of the Phoenix Suns.

[samikeyp]

Again I state that JJ's value is extremely important to the team. His important is equivalent to the #3 guys on the Spurs, Heat, and Pistons. Meaning Manu, Eddie Jones, and Rip.

This is where my point is made, Ginobili is the #2 guy right now on the Spurs. Behind Duncan and ahead of Parker.

[SPARKY]

A contract averaging $10 to 12 mil is a bit much for Johnson, especially considering that he's a restricted free agent.

[mookie2001]

jim jackson was tearing it up sunday
joe johnson wont make that much difference
joe smith. thats another story



i dont like to talk about made-up players

[AZLouis]

He'll get some offers. The Cavs will have some money to spend and if Ray Allen doesn't return to the Sonics so will they.

He will get that money close to 10-12 million. Q and Nash were restricted free agents and received big time money. Their teams were not willing to match that offer or up the ante. When it comes to JJ the Suns will.

[SPARKY]

Nash wasn't a RFA. The Mavs had Bird Rights for him.

Richardson got 6 years for $43.5 mil. Not exactly close to a $10 mil per annum average.