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Sign up for E-news2005 2nd Round Draft Pick (56th Overall)
Amir Johnson Gives Pistons Athletic Youth
LAS VEGAS - Amir Johnson became just the second Pistons player to be drafted out of high school when the club selected him with the 56th pick in the second round this year. The 6-9, 210-pound forward is known for his tremendous athleticism and length. It is those attributes that caught the eye of President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
"We are very happy to be able to draft a player like Amir at No. 56," explained Dumars. "We feel he has tremendous potential and he won't be counted on to contribute right away. With that said - he'll have every chance to compete for a job in training camp."
While playing at the 2005 Reebok Vegas Summer League, he has displayed the ability to score inside and defend the post. What has also caught the eyes of the coaches is the way he can pressure guards on the perimeter.
"Amir is a kid that has the chance to be a real nice player," commented Pistons assistant coach Dave Hanners. "He has nice hands around the basket, can block shots and can put the ball on the floor a little as well." Johnson was a major part of the Pistons first summer league victory on Monday night against the L.A. Clippers. He scored 10 points (his high for summer league action so far) and added two blocks in 16 minutes.
"I felt I played pretty good on Monday," said Johnson. "I'm just trying to execute the offense and take what comes my way."
Johnson scored in a variety of ways, including a turnaround jumper in the lane, fast break finishing dunk and a couple offensive rebound put-backs.
He is averaging 6.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game in three games. The Pistons are 1-2 with remaining games on Thursday and Friday.
News and Notes:
The Pistons scrimmaged the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday afternoon at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV....Darko Milicic led the way for Detroit, scoring eight of his team-high 20 points in the first quarter.
Chauncey Billups found his way to Vegas on Wednesday and was on hand to watch his brother, Rodney, who is playing for the Pistons.
"We are very happy to be able to draft a player like Amir at No. 56," explained Dumars. "We feel he has tremendous potential and he won't be counted on to contribute right away. With that said - he'll have every chance to compete for a job in training camp."
While playing at the 2005 Reebok Vegas Summer League, he has displayed the ability to score inside and defend the post. What has also caught the eyes of the coaches is the way he can pressure guards on the perimeter.
"Amir is a kid that has the chance to be a real nice player," commented Pistons assistant coach Dave Hanners. "He has nice hands around the basket, can block shots and can put the ball on the floor a little as well." Johnson was a major part of the Pistons first summer league victory on Monday night against the L.A. Clippers. He scored 10 points (his high for summer league action so far) and added two blocks in 16 minutes.
"I felt I played pretty good on Monday," said Johnson. "I'm just trying to execute the offense and take what comes my way."
Johnson scored in a variety of ways, including a turnaround jumper in the lane, fast break finishing dunk and a couple offensive rebound put-backs.
He is averaging 6.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game in three games. The Pistons are 1-2 with remaining games on Thursday and Friday.
News and Notes:
The Pistons scrimmaged the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday afternoon at the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV....Darko Milicic led the way for Detroit, scoring eight of his team-high 20 points in the first quarter.
Chauncey Billups found his way to Vegas on Wednesday and was on hand to watch his brother, Rodney, who is playing for the Pistons.
