Wesley Johnson - Taking his "Talents" Across the Hall, Min. Deal w/Clipps

THIS. For goodness sake right when we're about to bury him officially he finally does what we've all been waiting for. He actually played defense pretty well on Harden all game long. I have a suspicion that Harden wasn't going all that hard in the first half, but when it counted Wesley did pretty well defensively.

Offensively, sheesh. He's a wreck. Somehow his shot still isn't consistent. He likes to lean a lot and he almost never makes the leaning shots (sounds like Artest, but it's worse). His corner three is the most consistent shot he has. He needs to milk that. I still don't know how he hasn't learned how to cut though. Long, athletic, slim... he's got the cutter's body type in the NBA.

I'm still down on this kid, but props where they're due: great job of icing the game.

 

I don't consider that bad defense in today's NBA in context. Nobody can stay in front of Harden much these days, the rules make it really difficult. But at least when Harden got around him, Wes would stay on his hip and force him into the defense. Harden had his most turnovers since the Rockets played the Spurs back on November 6th. Johnson played pretty well considering everything we've seen so far.

 

As @CaCHooKa Man mentioned in the Gametime chat Wes did have a kickball in the 1st half, which was his only highlight of the first half.

 

Great posts. Yeah, that leaning thing he does is weird. I know this is going to sound rough, but you know what Wes reminds me a lot of is an Irish setter. They are really skinny and lanky and like to lean on things. Not exactly the smartest pooches either.

But props for coming through when we had all just about given up on him. I liked that we stopped double teaming Harden - that's when Wes did really well on him. Occasionally Wes does the dive cut and he's been rewarded when he does. He NEEDS to do more of that - not just standing around on the outside looking for the three, and definitely never drive. He has no handles. But the dive cut they should work on with him more often to get him easy looks at the hoop.

 

Watch the film of Ariza from just last night Wes! That's what we need!

 

1 good play defensive play at the end of the game doesnt make up for zero contributions in the 11 games prior, at least not for me. He's still useless unless he starts bringing it most nights.

 

Certainly, I agree Ras. He needs to bring this all the time.

 

Wes needs to know his strengths.

From 0-3', he shoots 75% this year (67% career).
From 10-16' he shoots 46% (40% career).
He shoots 33% on the corner three (34% career).

I want him shooting at the rim, preferably catching it on the run, or open corner threes. I'd rather he doesn't do anything else on offense. I don't want him dribbling around or trying to take guys off the dribble. Just run, camp, and shoot or run, catch, and finish. He has the athleticism to shoot 50% in the NBA.

 

Three and D. Three and D. Three and D. (and the occasional slash/fast break scorer).

This guy needs to figure it out and that needs to be chanted for him so he gets an idea of what's needed from him. As for minutes:

Lin (30)/Price (10)/ Clarkson (8)
Bryant (32)/ Ellington (12)/ Clarkson (4)
Johnson (20)/ Young (28)

We're healthy now on the perimeter so let's see some more balance! And yes I'm completely aware that Clarkson won't play if Price/Ellington are healthy. Those minutes at SG will probably go to Kobe.

 

Less Boozer is a start, honestly.