Spurs Sign DerMarr Johnson, Waive Marcus Williams

[SenorSpur]

Sweet. Another Long Small Forward

I like Reed. He's a super high energy, good defensive small forward who can also rebound pretty well. His weakness is his offense -- specifically his outside shooting, but this guy is a relatively good prospect. He's very similar to Ronald Dupree and Theron Smith.

Using the Toros as a factory to find a Jamario Moon type small forward and an under the radar Darrell-Armstrong-circa-2001 backup point guard is the way to go.

Based upon the early season highlights I've seen on Jamario Moon, I wished the Spurs would've been a year early with this concept. This kid looks like a more polished James White, but with better defensive skills. Check him out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdv3mDuv6F8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP6DkJS7GWw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe8PzfOdUPw


Props to the Raps for finding him.

[Bruno]

Sweet. Another Long Small Forward

I like Reed. He's a super high energy, good defensive small forward who can also rebound pretty well.

NBA career stats :
DerMarr Johnson : 5.2 rebounds per 40 min
Justin Reed : 5.2 rebounds per 40 min

[ChumpDumper]

I like Reed. He's a super high energy, good defensive small forward who can also rebound pretty well. His weakness is his offense -- specifically his outside shooting.

You make him sound like Justin Bowen

[Spurs Brazil]

Jeff McDonald: Another day, another new Spur
The Spurs went swingman shopping in Austin again on Saturday, signing former NBA journeyman DerMarr Johnson off the Toros roster.

Johnson, the No. 6 pick in the 2000 NBA draft, averaged 15.8 points and six rebounds in 10 games with the Toros, the Spurs' affiliate in the NBA's Developmental League.

He has played for three teams in his seven-year NBA career, most recently spending three seasons with Denver from 2004 to 2007. His best season came in 2001-02 when he averaged 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds in 72 games with Atlanta.

Johnson should give the Spurs some immediate help on the perimeter, with both Manu Ginobili and Brent Barry battling injuries.

To make room for him, the Spurs waived Marcus Williams, whom they'd signed from the D-League only four days earlier.

The Spurs have now called up for players from the Toros this season -- Williams, Darius Washington, Keith Langford and Johnson.

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblog...onald_a_4.html

[SenorSpur]

It will be interesting to see how or if Johnson pans out. Could he be the long-awaited answer to question of "who will be the "long-three" in the future?

[Bruno]

I haven't really heard of anyone else coming back to the states at this time.

Derrick Byars has been waived one week ago form a German team. He could be a nice addition to Toros if he decides to play in D-League.

[Budkin]

Like timvp said, the whole Toros farm system thing is like a new toy that the Spurs FO is having fun playing with. Two years ago a lot of us were talking about signing DerMarr and now he's on the team. I can't wait to see what he brings and hope there is some way he can improve his rebounding. GO SPURS GO!

[BeerIsGood!]

I don't get some people's reaction of being pissed or upset with this. The Spurs FO realizes the need to constantly be evaluating talent and looking to improve so they're using the Toros + 2 open roster spots to audition possible talent. This is quite proactive in my opinion and I hope they find something useful.

[AFBlue]

So will the Spurs keep both Langford and Johnson for the rest of this season, or will they put both in game situations and make a determination between the two once Ginobili and/or Barry get back?

How does this affect the Salary Cap situation?

[sribb43]

So if Demarr gets waived, will he still get a ring if the Spurs win the championship...does the same go for Wash and Williams?

[debo]

why would we keep rotating these players in if they don't even get playing time?
wouldnt it make more sense to keep them in the Dleague where they can actually play?

[ChumpDumper]

why would we keep rotating these players in if they don't even get playing time?
wouldnt it make more sense to keep them in the Dleague where they can actually play?

Bringing up Williams before Johnson is the only real headscratcher here. The Spurs need bodies now.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Just trade Ginobili for Tayshaun Prince already. He's the long 3 we need...

Yeah, let's give away our best clutch player for the long 3 we've won four rings without...

I think the value of rotating players in and out like this is shaky at best. You are never going to know whether a guy is going to fit the Spurs' needs unless he stays there for an extended period.

[Slinkyman]

I like this, with Manu and Barry down these guys get a shot. If they impress they stay, if not back to austin. Let's see who if anyone has what it takes to make this team.

[T Park]

I've been a Demarr Johnson homer for years now.

FINALLY!!!!!

[timmy21_4rings]

Looks like Toros is becoming a horrible place to work at...Spurs FO can do a better job than this in this regard...

William's resume will now tell he was cut by Spurs two times....Better than cut by most other teams..Still it is horrible.

[ChumpDumper]

How is this horrible? Williams is playing on one of the top teams in the D-League and gets a $6000 payday for driving an hour, practicing and getting a block in a game.

He now has "player for reigning NBA champion" on his resume.

[timmy21_4rings]

don't you think hiring to be fired is horrible? You can do it occasionally. Not on everyday basis.

Do not bring money into equation on self-respect.

How is this horrible? Williams is playing on one of the top teams in the D-League and gets a $6000 payday for driving an hour, practicing and getting a block in a game.

He now has "player for reigning NBA champion" on his resume.

[ChumpDumper]

don't you think hiring to be fired is horrible? You can do it occasionally. Not on everyday basis.

Who is getting hired to be fired "every day"? It's not like Williams doesn't still have a job waiting for him in Austin. These players know the business side of the NBA and the nature of D-League call ups. It is very likely these players are told exactly what to expect when they are called up.

Do not bring money into equation on self-respect.

Williams is supposed to respect himself less now that he has been called up to the NBA when by most accounts he should still be in school? Tell me exactly how self respect works in this case.

And I will bring money into the equation every time. Players don't dream of respecting themselves.

[Dex]

Sweet. Another Long Small Forward

I like Reed. He's a super high energy, good defensive small forward who can also rebound pretty well. His weakness is his offense -- specifically his outside shooting, but this guy is a relatively good prospect. He's very similar to Ronald Dupree and Theron Smith.

Using the Toros as a factory to find a Jamario Moon type small forward and an under the radar Darrell-Armstrong-circa-2001 backup point guard is the way to go.

Should we go ahead and start the "Spurs sign Justin Reed, waive Keith Langford" thread?

[DynastyBuilder]

Who is getting hired to be fired "every day"? It's not like Williams doesn't still have a job waiting for him in Austin. These players know the business side of the NBA and the nature of D-League call ups. It is very likely these players are told exactly what to expect when they are called up.

Williams is supposed to respect himself less now that he has been called up to the NBA when by most accounts he should still be in school? Tell me exactly how self respect works in this case.

And I will bring money into the equation every time. Players don't dream of respecting themselves.

Exactly.

[SequSpur]

I've been a Demarr Johnson homer for years now.

FINALLY!!!!!

there is no hope for you....

[remingtonbo2001]

there is no hope for you....

Are these words of wisdom from personal experience?

[T Park]

there is no hope for you....

Nah, god is my buddy, so theres always hope.

Demarr Johnson with the right coaching has the potential to be a very good player.

Were talking about a lottery pick 7 years ago derailed for a couple years due to a horrible car accident.

Bring on Demarr Johnson. He honestly could help out quite a bit.


if he can play the good defense that we've seen, he is the Dirk stopper.

[TDMVPDPOY]

with the signin of DJ, the spurs won 6 games in a roll...



on nbalive.hahahhaa