The Pistons' competition to fill the frontcourt starting spot alongside Rasheed Wallace didn't last long. With Michael Curry's preference for having Antonio McDyess come off the bench, the first-year coach has elevated Amir Johnson to the first unit. That means Jason Maxiell and newcomer Kwame Brown also will fill reserve roles. Johnson has never started an NBA game, but Curry told the Detroit News that he likes the 2005 second-round pick's ability to contribute without needing the ball:
Curry was careful not to make any direct comparisons to former Piston Ben Wallace, but he believes Johnson can bring some of the same intangibles to the starting unit Wallace did.
"Ben could make a tremendous impact on a game without having any plays run for him. Amir is like Ben in that sense," Curry said. "Amir can impact a game by how he rebounds, he can impact on the speed in which we play, offensively and defensively. His presence will be a welcome addition to that group."
• Curry: Johnson is Pistons' starting power forward (Detroit News)
Jessica White
Ireivy Guerra
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Amir is a beast...and will someday be the torch-bearer of the Stones' NEXT championship run (not counting this season) -- along with Stuckey....
The Incurable Sports…
Atlanta , GA
Total Comments (24)
Yes, we will see. I think having , Maxiel, and Mcdyess come off the bench provides that toughness right away that that pistons need. I sort of like the move, but my only concern is can he guard a legitimate big in the post being that he is so small.
Lamont76
Oak Park , MI
Total Comments (1)
This is a good move for the Pistons. They needed to bring more firepower off the bench with the 2nd unit. Amir likes to play down low which is good since Rasheed likes to move around.
cruse1
Detroit , MI
Total Comments (304)
Ehrm?
Not sure about this... Sheed at starting C and Amir Johnson at PF
Eventually Jason Maxiell will prove his mettle and win that starting PF spot.
Hyped78
Lisbon, Portugal, EU
Total Comments (3433)
I love maxiell, if he was a little bit bigger I'd say give it to maxiell but I also love the idea of integrating our young talent into this aging pistons team. Johnson could blow up this season and take some of the paint back for this season.
I3usdriver
Kalamazoo , MI
Total Comments (99)
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