Amir Johnson, the latest piece in Colangelo's puzzle
If the Raptors are brutal again next season, at least you can’t blame Bryan Colangelo for not trying. Colangelo has another deal in the works — one that will bring Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems from Milwaukee for Roko Ukic and the rights to Carlos Delfino.
Delfino was originally supposed to be in Toronto’s plans after spending last season in Europe, but it became increasingly evident the past couple months that he was falling out of the picture with DeMar DeRozan, Antoine Wright and Marco Belinelli entering the mix. So what do you do when you hold a player’s rights and don’t plan on using them? You dump them, and don’t expect much in return.
Johnson is a big man that spent the past four seasons with Detroit before landing in Milwaukee in the three-way deal that sent Richard Jefferson to San Antonio. The good news is he blocks shots and rebounds well. The bad news is he never really found any consistent minutes with the Pistons despite opening last season in the starting lineup. As for Weems, I have no idea what he brings to the table, other than a name that sounds like it’s out of a ’50s sitcom.
It’s disappointing to see Ukic go after making some strides last season, but understandable with Jarrett Jack in as Jose Calderon’s new backup. Anyway, the deal means the Raptors have just three players left from last year’s training camp — Calderon, Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.
[...] Colangelo pulls some more strings « That’s what I’m saying, guy… – Johnson is a big man that spent the past four seasons with Detroit before landing in Milwaukee in the three-way deal that sent Richard Jefferson to San Antonio. The good news is he blocks shots and rebounds well. The bad news is he never really found any consistent minutes with the Pistons despite opening last season in the starting lineup. As for Weems, I have no idea what he brings to the table, other than a name that sounds like it’s out of a ’50s sitcom. [...]
By: Toronto Raptors Linkage Lunch Aug 19 :The AltRaps Blog on August 19, 2009
at 11:45 am
Johnson’s an exciting player, too. I think Raps fans will love him. I’m thrilled about this.
By: Vittorio De Zen on August 19, 2009
at 1:06 pm
Good to hear. They’ve brought in a bunch of strong big men this summer, all of which are an upgrade over the soft group they had last season.
By: Jeremy on August 20, 2009
at 12:27 pm
[...] who was picked up from Milwaukee with Sonny Weems in a deal for Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic in August 2009, had the best year of his young career in 2009-10, playing in all 82 games and [...]
By: 2010-11 Raptors Preview: Amir Johnson « That's what I'm saying, guy… on October 14, 2010
at 11:42 am