Holly MacKenzie - Raptors.com
When James Johnson signed with the Toronto Raptors in July, he knew things would have to be different than his first stint with the team. Through preseason, he’s made good on his word and is thrilled to be back.
“Man, I’m in love with this game,” Johnson said. “I love this franchise. For them to give me another chance not only speaks about what this business is about, but speaks about what I did and had to accomplish to get back to where I'm at.”
After being traded to the Raptors from the Chicago Bulls in February of 2011, Johnson immediately showed his athleticism and potential to the team. As time went on, the lack of a clearly defined role for Johnson resulted in him being flipped to Sacramento during the 2012 offseason.
This time around, Johnson knows and accepts what is expected of him. Perhaps most impressive has been the mentoring role Johnson has taken to in the locker room.
Prior to Toronto’s victory against Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday night, Johnson was in the ear of Brazilian rookie Lucas Nogueira. After Nogueira acknowledged that he was nervous about the possibility of making his debut, Johnson calmly reminded him that everyone makes mistakes on the court. Encouraging him to make his mistakes going 100 percent rather than 30 percent. Johnson also reminded Nogueira that he watched plenty of film and studied all of the plays while he was rehabbing. He was ready to go out there.
After Nogueria’s 11-minute debut, he singled out the veterans on the roster for being supportive, with a special nod to Johnson. Johnson shrugged off questions about his words to Nogueira, not wanting to make a big deal out of their pregame pep talk.
During the offseason, Johnson spent time training with Amir Johnson in Houston where the two pored over film of their workout sessions to look for improvements.
“Me and Amir worked hard out there and it was an experience,” Johnson said. “We learned a lot. Had a lot of video cameras there so we could study what we were doing wrong and how to make it better. Sometimes that’s what you need. Sometimes it’s not about your skill level and talent level, it’s about trying to execute the right thing at the right time. That’s what we were doing out there.”
After bouncing around the NBA — and a stint in the D-League— since his first tenure in Toronto, Johnson is ready to find an NBA home. During a recent preseason game, Johnson soared through the air for a tip in, appearing out of nowhere and jumping high above everyone else on the floor. The talent has always been there. The familiarity with Dwane Casey’s system is also there and helps Johnson show his worth.
“I just try to play for the feel of the game, not the film of it,” Johnson said. “We watch a lot of film and you’re going to get in trouble for things you did or things you didn’t do or things you could do better, but at the same time it’s different when you’re out there and feel something. We’re just trying to figure out where we’re supposed to be on defence and the right principles of the team.”
Finishing last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Johnson is itching to be a part of the playoffs with a Raptors team that shocked the NBA a year ago.
“I was in Memphis doing my own thing, but everybody's watching the games, everybody is excited,” Johnson said. “It’s like the NCAA Tournament. I didn’t get to experience the electricity that these guys [here] got to feel with the fans. I’m looking forward to that.”
For Johnson, this Raptors team needs him to use his athleticism to play defence and slow the opposition’s scoring threats. While he is aware of what his role will be this season, Johnson says he isn’t trying to prove anything other than his ability to help his team win.
“I just want to get to the second round of the playoffs,” Johnson said. “Then, hopefully, further than that.”