Robb: Amir Johnson Calls Joining Celtics 'A No-Brainer'
LAS VEGAS (CBS) – The Boston Celtics have developed a grit-and-grind reputation during the Brad Stevens era. Recent signee Amir Johnson told reporters on Saturday night that he will only enhance that standing with next year's squad.
"I definitely think I can help," Johnson said during halftime of Boston's summer league contest against Portland. "I see this team ascending and I know what it takes to get there. I'm going to bring my knowledge and hard play and try to help them get to that next level."
The 28-year-old inked a two-year contract with the Celtics last season after spending his last six seasons with the Toronto Raptors. A savvy 10-year veteran did not want to leave a playoff team in Toronto, but couldn't resist a hard push from Danny Ainge on July 1.
"I love the way they approached me during free agent time," Johnson admitted. "Nine o'clock pacific time, Boston was the first one to call. Danny Ainge called me first then coach Stevens. They approached me well. They respect the type of player I am. And they gave me a number and it was a no-brainer from there.
"They made it clear cut. My decision, I decided in like 14 hours. It was pretty much a no-brainer just the team that really wanted me. I had no idea because the top teams that wanted me and Boston wasn't in there, they called me out of the blue and just said how much they appreciated me."
Johnson also opened up about the bittersweet decision to leave the team he has spent more than half of his career with.
"It was tough to leave Toronto because six years there, it was basically like home," Johnson said. "I knew Toronto like the back of my hand. But at the same time, it is a business. My first born is from Toronto, so that was huge. It was a tough decision. But at the same time, I've talked to my teammates, I've talked to the staff and everybody, and it's a business."
The appeal for Boston in Johnson is easy to see. He's a fighter on both ends of the floor, and has the ability to spread the floor better than a Brandon Bass-type forward with useful (and underutilized) three-point range. Johnson is only 6-foot-9, but he protects the rim well for his size (1.1 blocks per game), while providing valuable defensive versatility and smarts on the backline.
The Celtics also represent a chance for additional opportunity to Johnson. After being saddled as the third or fourth option on offense in Toronto on most nights, Johnson is looking forward for a chance at an expanded role in Boston.
"I am a team player, but at the same time, I feel like at the same time I still have a lot more room to grow and be the super glue guy that you're seeing. I just have a lot to bring to the team. Who knows what's going to happen. I could be one of the go-to scorers. At the same time, I can play any position, guard any position, so we'll just see what happens," he said.
For now, Johnson will spend the rest of his summer working out and trying to get more acquainted with his former Atlantic Division rival.
"I know their fans are crazy, so I'm looking forward to seeing their fans. Don't really know too much [about the city]. I've heard they got good clam chowder in Boston, New England clam chowder so I'm willing to try that. I'm looking forward to seeing the city of Boston."
Brian Robb covers the Celtics for CBS Boston and contributes to NBA.com, among other media outlets. You can follow him on Twitter @CelticsHub.
