Is Wes Johnson undervalued?

Reflexx · Franchise Player Joined: 25 Jun 2005 Posts: 11163

Wes put in a lot of work over the summer getting better.

But even though his skills may have improved, his play on the court looked worse.

He played significantly better under D'antoni. Same for Young. Same for just about everyone that played last year.

Just sayin'...

Mike@LG · Posted: Sat May 09, 2015 5:22 pm Post subject:

Watch. He goes to the Spurs and looks like a more athletic Danny Green.
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Goldenwest · Star Player Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 2801

Great athlete for sure. But not much else. Just no assertiveness in his game. A waste.

madsen35 · Star Player Joined: 14 Jun 2002 Posts: 8611

He reminds me of Devean George. A good athlete, streaky shooter, solid defender depending on the match up. Not super smart and not really good at anything else.
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cccplus · Star Player Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317

everytime he played, he looked like a deer in a headlight

jorkerjork · Starting Rotation Joined: 09 Feb 2014 Posts: 535

He has a few unique root skills, such as his ability to get steals, blocks, and dunks. Looks the part of an athletic SF. He moves effortlessly around the court and has a good looking long range shot that goes in more often than not. He's unselfish. That alone has built a concept of a slightly good fantasy player. That makes him somewhat interesting.

But the problem is he's never translated those abilities into team impact, anywhere he's went. He's a subpar offensive player because he has absolutely zero desire/ability to dribble the ball. He's an awful rebounder, has madly inconsistent games, and he has never played anywhere approaching above average defense.

I think he's a guy who can be quasi-useful in a playoff team where he's one of the guys off the bench, and a bench guy with less responsibility who can live against other second units. The concept is far far more interesting than the execution, though, and at some point potential runs out. Everyone really questions whether he really has the fire.

The Lakers aren't that level of playoff team, but I agree, hope he doesn't go to a team with excellent coaching like the Spurs or the Mavs. I do think there's a definite cap--dude barely draws fouls as an athlete, an awful sign--but he's interesting enough.

Shaolin's Finest · Star Player Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 1430

Has he even improved his game that much since his rookie or sophomore years in the league? I know he worked with Kobe last offseason but I didn't see much improvement. I give him credit for seeking out the mentorship and putting in work, since we all know working out with Kobe is not an easy task. But if it doesn't translate onto the court it's all meaningless. He is what he is at this point, I'd rather give somebody else a shot to be honest.

panamaniac · Posted: Sun May 10, 2015 3:20 pm Post subject:

A Mad Chinaman · Star Player Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 6142

In a contract year, did he get better - nope

70sdude · Star Player Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 4567

Is he undervalued by fans, as a group ? Who knows.

Is he undervalued by the Laker management team ? Who knows. I doubt he'd be offered more than the vet min by the LAL franchise. Given his productivity, that feels about right.

Is he undervalued by the rest of the league front offices ? I guess that will depend on the length and size of the next contract he signs. I'm pretty sure he'll be playing in this league next Fall somewhere, probably in a place where athleticism, health, defensive effort and length may be prized above game feel and scoring ability. He could fill in for better wings in the early going in places where depth may be on the weak side, or where the need for an option having added length at the position may be strong.

I'm thinking if he's lucky he's in Portland or Memphis as a third big wing, and if he's screwed, then it's off to Minnesota or Milwaukee or Philly for the same deep bench duty.

70sdude · Star Player Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 4567

pio2u · Retired Number Joined: 26 Dec 2012 Posts: 54571

Wes and undervalued in the same sentence

captain jack · Starting Rotation Joined: 17 Apr 2001 Posts: 687

fiendishoc · Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 4:25 pm Post subject:

Silver Screen and Roll: Wesley Johnson is playing his way out of the NBA

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/5/13/8590297/la-lakers-wesley-johnson-free-agency-season-review

A Mad Chinaman · Star Player Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 6142

Goldenwest · Star Player Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 2801

Gleedaniel13 · Rookie Joined: 12 Aug 2013 Posts: 23

He has a skill but unfortunately not enough to make other people or fans to look for him.

PurpleAndGOAT · Posted: Sun May 17, 2015 10:00 pm Post subject:

A Mad Chinaman · Star Player Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 6142

lakersken80 · Retired Number Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 38780

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/18/report-clippers-interested-in-lakers-wesley-johnson/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

Laker_Town · Retired Number Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 25604

moonwalker8701 · Starting Rotation Joined: 20 May 2010 Posts: 581

No he's awful. So much talent. So little confidence.

He should be a Trevor Ariza type player. Rangy, excellent D, 3 point shooter, slasher to basket in halfcourt and in transition.

He just plays without any confidence.
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pio2u · Retired Number Joined: 26 Dec 2012 Posts: 54571

Hector the Pup · Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 8:08 am Post subject:

bthanos · Starting Rotation Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Posts: 295

He is a piece of excrement.