Ridiculous Upside: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: SB Nation DC: Fan Voice From the Capital

Rockets Signing Alexander Johnson, Release Hilton Armstrong

These aren't the best highlights considering it was his first game of the season, but they'll have to do.

Earlier this week, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that Alexander Johnson was going to visit the Houston Rockets for a tryout.

The tryout apparently went well, I hear, as the Houston Rockets have signed Alexander Johnson, opening up a roster spot by releasing Hilton Armstrong.

Johnson averaged 23 points and 11.1 rebounds while shooting 57% from the field in 22 games for the Skyforce, including 10 starts.

If you're looking for more than numbers on Johnson, I would like to direct you to my piece about the 6-foot-9 forward from March 15th in which I begin with some superb hyperbole:  "Alexander Johnson is the most NBA-ready big man the NBA Development League has ever seen."

Star-divide

Biggest Positive: His low post game isn't particularly refined, mostly consisting of counter moves followed by a dunk of some sort.  It's been very effective, however, because to make up for the occasions that he doesn't score, he gets to the line at a pretty alarming rate.  He's actually been to the charity stripe more often (202 times) than he's credited for field goal attempts (196).  That's astoundingly efficient.  When he gets the ball further out, he typically puts the ball on the floor and beats the (usually) slower defender to the basket.  I've actually been really impressed with this facet of his game.

Biggest Negative: his turnover numbers are downright worrisome: averaging 4.1 turnovers in 32 minutes of action when playing in the post is not a good thing.  In fact, it's the second worst in the league as he trails only Iowa's point guard, Curtis Stinson - who is averaging 4.2 turnovers per game in over 42 minutes per game.  Of course, this probably won't become such an issue as the fourth or fifth big man on an NBA team compared to being the go-to post option in the D-League.

This is a great opportunity for Johnson, who probably should never have been away from the NBA after a couple of decent seasons with both the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat early in his career.

0 recs  |  Comment 1 comment |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Finally!

Are there any games left? Oh well, at least he got called up. This guy could really help the Rockets if they give him a chance. He knows how to contribute off the bench.

by drive on Apr 10, 2025 8:13 AM EDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Ridiculous Upside, your first stop for NBA prospect info! RU - Where Potential Is Way Cooler Than Reality!
Start posting on Ridiculous Upside »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Derrick-rose_small
My Mock Draft - 2nd version
Small
Such an exciting time if you've got a Bball Jones
Derrick-rose_small
My mock draft (with comments)
Prosser_small
My Mock Draft
Small
Coach Mac leaving the Stampede
Potatohead_small
Coach Mac and Stamps say "Adios"
Potatohead_small
Snide Remarks and DLeague Scheduling
Small
Developing Coaches
All She Wants to Do is Dance
Potatohead_small
Playoff clarity for the Idaho Stampede starts tonight...

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

In Association With

Latest Y! Sports Blogs from Yahoo! Sports

SBNation.com Recent Stories

johnwooden +9 updates

Farewell, Wizard of Westwood: John Wooden Passes Away At Age 99

Why Does Everyone Hate John Calipari?

Why Does Everyone Hate John Calipari?

Kentucky's  Eric Bledsoe (24) drives for the basket as Florida's Erving Walker (11) tries to keep up during NCAA college basketball play in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010. The NCAA is now investigating Bledsoe's final year of high school.

Report: NCAA Investigating Kentucky's Eric Bledsoe

More from SBNation.com >


Co-Grand Poobahs

Ru_small Scott Schroeder

B-king_front_small Jon L

To Be Determined Draft Bros

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn

fetch9

Best Ever D-League Blogger

Cimg0200_small Mike Gansey