Minnesota Timberwolves: Tracking new players’ progress part 2
By Andrew Ites
James Johnson
James Johnson has instantly become a fan favorite ever since he put up 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block in his first game as a Timberwolf as Minnesota blew out the Clippers at home.
The 33-year-old veteran has continued to be a productive piece of the Wolves’ rotation as he’s averaging 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals per contest over his first nine games in Minnesota.
When he’s been asked to score, Johnson has done so efficiently as he holds a true shooting percentage of 58.3 percent, and the Wolves’ defense would be completely lost without him as he is responsible for holding things together on that end of the floor as well as defending multiple positions.
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As the oldest player on the roster by far, Johnson’s leadership has been just as important as his impressive on-court numbers. The former Heat forward has consistently been encouraging his teammates throughout each game, and he provides valuable insight to the young guys from his 11 years in the league.
Johnson has brought a nasty attitude to a team that was struggling to find an emotional edge before the trade deadline, and he’s been Minnesota’s most reliable big man while Karl-Anthony Towns has been dealing with a fractured wrist.
Johnson has a player option on his contract for next season, which he will almost assuredly pick up, so he will be able to bring that fire and intensity to Minnesota again next season as the Wolves set their sights on reaching the playoffs for the first time since the Jimmy Butler trade.