Geron Johnson

Johnson signed with the Houston Rockets for three days right at the end of training camp so that the Rockets could get him to their D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. But although Johnson spent the whole year there, he didn't play much, averaging only 12.9 minutes in 33 games and averaging 5.2 points and 1.4 assists. The 23% shooting means the jump shot is still not there yet.

Fully prepared to meet the dress code requirements, at least.

Johnson was Crawford's team mate at Memphis for the last two years, and played off the ball just as much as he did in an entirely different way. The hallmarks of his game are playing hard and playing athletically, and he thrives on all the things those things avail. He runs the court, is always pushing the ball, and can drive to the rim and finish explosively. He really is a dynamic full court player, a tremendous rebounder for a 6'3 guard, and, at times, a quality defensive presence. Johnson's speed and hands make him a very capable defensive player of both guard positions when the tenacity is there - it normally is, but there are lulls. Strong with a long wingspan and a great leap, Johnson's physical profile belies his lack of height for the two guard position, and yet he can also masquerade as a point, bringing the ball up when needed and a good extra passer, if not a defense collapser.

All good so far. Sounds like Chris Kramer if Kramer could do something with the ball, if he had longer arms, and if he was even more athletic. Indeed, Johnson shares Kramer's poor shooting ability, struggling with any form of jump shot and yet not letting that stop him from trying them. The comparison goes further - Johnson struggles to create his jump shots or any offense of his own, cannot shoot off the dribble at all and struggles with poor touch around the rim, but is a good extra passer and has good hands and drives open lanes. Johnson can split a double team and drive baseline in ways Kramer can't, but there are many similarities nonetheless. Yet what really separates them is Johnson's knack for turnovers, stemming from forcing the issue, not being able to dribble at the same speed as he can run, throwing the ball away and making too many poor decisions. Johnson makes much happen when he is on the court, but when he's on the ball, those things are all too often not good things.

This all lends itself terrifically to a workout setting, and Johnson might play himself into fringe NBA range in that period. But it may be as close as he gets.