NY Knicks: Former Knick Larry Johnson Talks NBA Draft, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul
In promotion of its Long Island Iced Tea drink, Captain Morgan was kind enough to set me up with an interview with former NBA All-Star and Knicks forward Larry Johnson.
During the interview, Johnson was able to briefly discuss a number of important topics, including the 2011 NBA draft, Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin and the Knicks' interest in New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul.
Additionally, he also provided some interesting insight into what it was like for him to be a professional basketball player in New York City, as well as some advice for young players like Griffin, who is just beginning his career, and Arizona Wildcat Derrick Williams, who is about to enter the league.
The ensuing slides provide a unique opportunity for people to find out what a former player thinks about the current workings of the NBA.
Without any further ado, here is Larry Johnson's take on all things NBA.
Larry Johnson on Arizona Wildcats Forward Derrick Williams and the 2011 NBA Draft
1 of 6
When asked about what he thought of Arizona Wildcats forward Derrick Williams, Johnson told B/R, "That kid can play."
No one can really argue with that.
In his sophomore season at Arizona, Williams put up very impressive numbers, averaging 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and one steal per game. His efforts have earned him consideration for the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Johnson actually had the opportunity to see Williams play this season, and when asked if he saw any similarities between his and Williams' game, Johnson noted how he could relate to being an undersized power forward.
"Most of the power forwards in the NBA are 6'10", 6'11", making it difficult for a player at 6'7", 6'8" to the play the position."
It's a great point by Johnson, who played a majority of his career at the 4 while standing in the 6'6"-6'7" range. As an undersized forward, he stayed aggressive and found ways to put up points and pull down rebounds.
Luckily for Williams, Johnson believes he has the tools to succeed in the NBA. He mentioned how he thought Williams was a good passer for a forward, and when I asked him if there were any other forwards in this year's draft that stood out and who he felt would play well at the pro level, Johnson reiterated how impressed he was with Williams.
"When I saw him play," Johnson said, "I just thought he was great."
Williams may have the endorsement of Johnson, but he has his work cut out for him if he wants to prove he can dominate like Johnson did. In his rookie year with the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson averaged 19.2 points, 11 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
As an undersized forward, Johnson set the bar pretty high, and it will be interesting to see if Williams can measure up.
Larry Johnson on Knicks' Needs Heading into 2011 NBA Draft
2 of 6
As previously mentioned, there was no other forward in this year's NBA draft that impressed Johnson the way that Arizona's Derrick Williams did, so next on the agenda was what Johnson thought the Knicks should do with their 17th overall pick in the draft.
While many names have been thrown around the rumor mill as of late, such as Kenneth Faried of Morehead State, Chris Singleton of Florida State and Klay Thompson of Washington State, Johnson did not select one player in particular who would benefit the Knicks.
When I asked what the direction the Knicks should go in slated at the No. 17 slot, Johnson suggested a different kind of approach.
"Seventeen is not a spot where you address a specific need," Johnson said. "Not that you don't address your needs, but it is more of a best player available situation."
Many would agree. At the 17 slot, the Knicks are unlikely to find an instant solution to their problems at center. New York's best bet is to take the highest-rated player left in the draft, even if said player does not address its most pressing need.
In terms of the Knicks' needs, I asked Johnson what he felt New York's greatest needs were, and he replied, "Both a point guard and a center, but a point guard more."
This comes as extremely interesting because many feel that the Knicks' most pressing need is a competent center to improve their rebounding and overall defense. However, Johnson's selection has merit.
A competent point guard would better facilitate an offense that contains two superstars in Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, which would benefit the team more.
While Johnson gives credit to Chauncey Billups' ability, he brings light to the fact that he is not the permanent solution.
"Billups is aging," Johnson explained, "and his health is an issue."
Many have to agree with Johnson's notion. Billups has already proven, in his short time with the Knicks, that his health is at risk, and with two superstars on the team, New York needs a point guard who can stay healthy.
Who does Johnson feel is the best fit to take over the future point guard duties for the Knicks? The ensuing slide provides the answer.
Larry Johnson on Chris Paul
3 of 6
Naturally, when it came to discussing with Larry Johnson who would be a good fit at the point for New York moving forward, the subject of Chris Paul and Deron Williams was breached.
Both players have been deemed potential targets for the Knicks and have similar statistics. This past season, Williams averaged 20.1 points, 10.3 assists, four rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Paul boasted 15.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.
While Johnson acknowledged the skill sets of both players, when asked asked whether Paul or Williams was a better fit for the Knicks, he told B/R, "I know and have spoken with Chris Paul, and he is a great guy. Deron Williams has strength, but Paul is quicker and a better fit for New York."
Williams is considered a more durable point guard than Paul, but Johnson is correct in noting the edge Paul maintains in terms of quickness. His ability to make sharp lateral movements makes him a better defender, and his elusiveness off the dribble makes him harder to defend.
If New York is serious in its pursuit of adding an elite point guard to the mix, it should take Johnson's recommendation under serious consideration.
Larry Johnson on Blake Griffin
4 of 6
I was able to discuss with Larry Johnson his take on this season's NBA Rookie of the Year, Blake Griffin.
Griffin averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his first NBA season, and he turned many heads in the process, including Johnson's.
I asked Johnson how he would compare his game, when he was first starting out in the league, to Griffin's now. He said, "His explosiveness reminds me of how I played before my back injury."
Early on in his career, Johnson possessed the same explosiveness Griffin does now. After his back injury, he had to adjust his game a little bit, developing an outside game, which proved to be effective, but the similarity between the way Griffin takes the ball to the hole now and how Johnson did then is uncanny.
Johnson confirmed he is impressed with the way Griffin finishes at the basket and called him a "great athlete," but he did offer some advice on how Griffin could reach the next level.
"He needs to work on his footwork," Johnson explained, "and if he could develop a jump right hook and jump left hook, he would be unstoppable."
He brings to light one of the knocks that has surrounded Griffin. A lot of Griffin's points come within 10 feet of the basket, and if he could further develop his mid-range game by developing a jump hook, he would be much harder to defend.
Griffin should take solace, though, in knowing that Johnson, one of the premier forwards to play the game, is impressed with his progress thus far.
However, he should also heed Johnson's advice on how to elevate his game to the next level.
After all, Johnson knows what he is talking about.
Larry Johnson on His Time with the New York Knicks
5 of 6
I had the opportunity to ask Larry Johnson about his days spent with the New York Knicks and what it was like being a member of the team.
Johnson came to New York in 1996 in a trade that sent Anthony Mason to the Charlotte Hornets. Although his production declined while with the Knicks, he was an integral part of the team's success during his five years in New York.
When I asked Johnson what it was like playing in New York, he said, "My five years in New York were unbelievable. MSG is the world's greatest arena, and New York is so competitive."
Johnson's most interesting insight about playing for the Knicks was his description of the fans.
"New York fans know the game," Johnson said. "Fans scream out actual plays in the stands."
This should come as the highest of compliments to New York fans, who have often been deemed unruly and obnoxious. Johnson, though, expressed gratitude toward the fans and was impressed during his time with the Knicks when he walked around New York and experienced the actual knowledge fans possessed about the game of basketball.
Additionally, I was able to discuss with Johnson the different teammates he played with. When asked who his favorite teammate was, he told B/R, "Charlie Ward was the best dude ever."
He also cited Mark Jackson as one of his greatest teammates: "I hated that I only got to play with Mark for half of a season."
Johnson also gave honorable mention to former Knicks teammate Allan Houston and former Hornets teammate Muggsy Bogues.
My last question to Johnson regarding his playing days was about his famous four-point play in the 1999 Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers. When asked what it was like to convert the four-point play, Johnson replied, "It was unbelievable."
Johnson also noted that playing against the Pacers made it even sweeter.
"We came in as the eighth seed that year," Johnson explained, "and to be able to hit that shot against Indiana at the Garden with the fans was great."
It was one of the best moments in the history of New York basketball, and one Johnson and the fans of New York won't soon forget.
Larry Johnson Offers Advice to Younger Players
6 of 6
As our interview came to an end, I asked Johnson if he had any advice he could offer up to younger players entering or just starting out in the league, like Derrick Williams, Blake Griffin or even the Knicks' Landry Fields.
"Enjoy it," Johnson said in reference to the young players. "Continue to work hard and know your surroundings."
He further added for young players to never take the game for granted, something he called a "cliché" but nonetheless necessary.
It's good, solid advice to go on. Young players are new to the media exposure and surroundings of the NBA, which makes them vulnerable to straying off course. Johnson's advice suggests maintaining a grounded state of mind that will ensure a player gets the most out of the game.
Johnson also offered up one more piece of advice: "Make your free throws," he said.
Now there's some advice to live by.
.png?w=480)
