I appreciate the marvel of Amir Johnson as much as the next basketball fan. His game is awe-striking, his aura amusing, his situation intriguing. But I think we might be getting just a little carried away.Keith Langlois, editor for Pistons.com:
It's possible that Johnson will become the first player to whom Dumars offers a maximum contract, but the Pistons should be well-positioned that summer to do whatever it takes to keep Johnson in Detroit.And once again:
If Amir progresses as the Pistons believe he will, based on the contract they've already given him, then it would not be surprising if a 7-footer (or close enough) with eye-popping athleticism commands a maximum contract (or close enough) at age 23.Amir has played 124 minutes in the NBA over two seasons. Yes, he's been incredible in the NBDL and he's only 20. His role will no doubt increase in Detroit this year. But we're ready to talk max contract already?
Emeka Okafor will not get a max contract extension this summer, and he had a PER of 20 in the NBA last season. Al Jefferson will not get a max contract extension this summer, and he had a PER near 20 in the NBA last season. These two guys aren't really dealing with the most shrewd front offices, unlike Amir's future negotiations foe. So Langlois is betting two things: Amir in 2010 will be on the level of a Dwight Howard, a Carmelo Anthony. Or Joe Dumars will have lost his marbles and turned into Otis Smith. Anyone agree?
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I think Otis would throw $50 million over 3 seasons at him right now... if he had the money.
Posted at 6:39PM on Sep 27th 2007 by Ben
2. PER means nothing. It is a measure of nothing. Stop citing PER like anybody cares about it. What exactly was J. O'neal's PER when he was seating on the bench in Portland?
Posted at 9:51AM on Sep 28th 2007 by Steal
3. Grind grind grind. Jermaine's PER was actually indicative he'd be good with more playing time.
Posted at 9:53AM on Sep 28th 2007 by Tom