In addition to signing Johnson, the Celtics also re-signed Jonas Jerebko on a two-year deal, according to Sam Amick of US Today. Personally I’m happy with the acquisition, but a little disheartened by the price tag. If you want to read how other fans feel about Johnson, there’s a “Goodbye Amir Johnson” thread over at Raptors Republic that further illustrates how fans felt about him.
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Johnson is also a prince among the advanced stat set, with things like “real plus-minus” numbers adding up to more than his 9.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 26.4 minutes per game for the Raptors this past season. Jerebko was up and down in his time with Boston but Jerebko can provide depth at forward and gives the Celtics an outside shooting threat.
Still, operating under the assumption that Johnson will suit up for Boston this season, the Celtics have definitely improved upon their most glaring weakness: rim protection.
Athletic, long and defensive-minded, Johnson averaged 9.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 75 games for the Raptors last season. Perhaps a bit of a panic move, but we’ll see how it plays out.
Love agreed to terms on a maximum contract of five years that could be worth more than $110 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. Jerebko was, with the exception of Isaiah Thomas, my favorite Celtic to watch this year. But I was wrong. After twisting his ankle in the first quarter (classic!), he fought through and put up 20 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes before fouling out with 7:53 to go. On a team where there was no “knock down” shooter, he was pretty close to filling that role.
“I had dreamed of playing in the National Basteball Association Finals and I just wanted to help my guys win”. The Celtics must balance a desire to bring back Crowder at a reasonable number while maintaining enough salary flexibility to pounce should an opportunity to fetch a big-name star on the trade market moving forward.
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For all up to date deals here is your 2015 National Basteball Association Free Agent Tracker presented by SonicsRising.
