Experience Counts
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April 15, 2009
Size doesn't always matter when it come to point guards.
Experience does.
It's why the Magic remain a legitimate championship contender, despite losing All-Star Jameer Nelson for the season after he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Between Rafer Alston, Anthony Johnson and Tyronn Lue, the Magic have 30 seasons of NBA experience at the position.
It's why Anthony Johnson will remain a key factor for the Magic as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming playoffs. It's why Tyronn Lue, with 10 years of experience, will remain on the roster for insurance.
Johnson, the 11-year NBA veteran, went from starter back to his reserve role when the Magic acquired Alston last month from Houston. Yet it hardly dimmed his enthusiasm or preparation plans.
"It's all about experience. Through my career, I've been on every seat on the bench, so I can handle most anything," Johnson said after a recent practice. "I can deal with change. Whatever role I need to play for us to win, I'm going to play it at my best."
Combined with a few games earlier this season when Nelson was injured, the Magic were 8-4 with Johnson as a starter before Alston arrived.
"His role still is important," said Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy. "He realizes that playing 18-20 minutes a night [as a reserve] is probably better at this stage of his career. That's why you need guys with his kind of character and maturity. They can handle things."
Johnson has been both a starter and reserve in his well-traveled career. He started 52 games last season for Atlanta and Sacramento combined. He played 67 games as a reserve two seasons ago with Dallas and Atlanta. And three years ago, he started 53 of 72 games in Indiana.
"I've done it all," he said. "At this stage of my career, it's all about winning. We have a chance to make a run at the title, so I'm ready for anything. When you're younger, you can handle those starter minutes, 35-40, but at my age now [34], this is better for the team."
