Bulls Have Decision To Make On James Johnson

[Derkach77]

The Bulls have until Nov. 1 to decide whether or not to pick up the third-year option on forward James Johnson.

Chicago drafted Johnson in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft.

Many predicted that Johnson would be the odd man out in the Bulls' rotation, but a recent hot streak has improved his stock slightly.

"I just didn't want to have one good game in Toronto and take three games off," Johnson said. "I feel like if we need energy off the bench, then I'm going to be the guy who fills that role."

Via Chicago Tribune

Read more: RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Bulls Have Decision To Make On James Johnson

 

[WearShades]

They'll probably pick it up at this point. He's showing life and he's on a rookie deal. It's hard to argue with that value especially given his upside.

 

[BigP50]

I bet they pick it up, probably cant be to much money.

 

[Shakes]

I feel like it'd be silly not to pick it up, you can't really go wrong with guys on rookie deals for value. JJ has NBA level talent, it's just a matter of whether there are minutes for him with this roster.

 

[WearShades]

Talented players who have bad first years can rebound. Granted it's an extreme example, but Noah made huge strides from the first year and a 1/2 to now. I'd be very surprised to see that kind of improvement from Johnson, but I wouldn't be shocked if he became a reliable role player at some point later this season or next.

 

[pinkizdead]

noah wasn't that bad his first year. he was playing out of position in his second year. he went from being a pf to a center. also he was completely misused by the vdn offense. but with that said, i agree. noah made a huge leap. it's just people think he had an awful first year. i think it was decent, but nothing to write home about. now the guy's playing amazingly.

 

[fola]

I agree with you guys, but as Thonus' has mention a few times, where will he find playing time? 3rd SF? (Deng, Korver, JJ) 3rd or 4th PF? ((Boozer when healthy), Taj, Asik, JJ) It's a tough position for a team that will probably be in the tax, especially once Rose gets his Max deal.

 

[Crystallas]

Regardless of where he fits in on the roster, I'm not sure that the Bulls want to get rid of JJ anyways. The coaches have invested a lot of time into him, he is well liked and shows progression. From a FO perspective, I think it's a no brainer. His option will be picked up just because of the potential lockout. There is some likelihood that he wont even make a good portion of his contract.

His ticket out of Chicago is likely through a trade or after his rookie contract is up. I just don't see the Bulls, namely people in the FO, putting their egos aside and giving up on a 1st round draft pick.

IDK, JJ has been a foul machine and I would rather send him down to D-League, but in the end, I'm a LOT happier that we have some insurance. He is getting better, making his stay in Chicago a lot easier to swallow.

I forgot to add, I'm pretty sure he is on the team for this season, regardless if the team option is picked up. We would basically lose his signing rights next season.

 

[WearShades]

I agree with you guys, but as Thonus' has mention a few times, where will he find playing time? 3rd SF? (Deng, Korver, JJ) 3rd or 4th PF? ((Boozer when healthy), Taj, Asik, JJ) It's a tough position for a team that will probably be in the tax, especially once Rose gets his Max deal.

He could get playing time in plenty of ways. When the Bulls go small he would work well as a 4, and he can play as a backup 3 in other situations. Korver will be used as a two so they could both coexist on the court. He's probably one of the eight or nine best players on the team, so he should be in the rotation if he keeps playing like he has been.

 

[pinkizdead]

for sf, he can block shots.