Toronto Raptors: 5 potential free agency targets if the core leaves
By Nate Wolf
4. Amir Johnson, PF/C
The Scenario: Ibaka leaves, Lowry stays
Two years have passed since Amir Johnson left Toronto for the Boston Celtics. In those two years, both Johnson and Toronto have had two of their most successful seasons. It may, however, be high time for a reunion, as CBS Sports’ Matt Moore recently suggested.
Johnson looked dreadful in the playoffs, which is beneficial for a Toronto team that, in this scenario, has only the midlevel exception to offer. At age 30, the big man’s ankles are rickety, meaning a high-cash, long-term offer is likely off the table. You never really know, but it appears Johnson wants to return.
While Johnson is not nearly the player Ibaka is, he’s reliable and adds a few key skills that Ibaka lacks. Ibaka largely avoids the paint, whereas Johnson has finished in the league’s 61st percentile last season and 78th percentile the year before as a roll man.
He sets decent screens and has some cute but effective flip shots to use when he catches the ball on the move. The Raptors need those skills next to two pick-and-roll heavy players in Lowry and DeRozan.
Johnson’s also a strong influence on a team’s culture. He played inconsistent minutes throughout April and May for the Celtics, but drew plaudits for his professionalism. Those two years in Brad Stevens’ fast-paced hybrid offense also give Johnson the know-how to participate in Ujiri’s big “culture change.”
Pursuing Johnson isn’t a long-term solution for anything. That said, he’s a solid stopgap if Toronto wants to keep competing. Give Johnson a role and he’ll do what’s asked of him.