Hawks re-sign Ivan Johnson
Vivlamore reporting.
The Hawks re-signed restricted free agent Ivan Johnson Tuesday.
The Hawks extended Johnson a qualifying offer this summer to retain salary-matching rights if he had signed an offer sheet with another team. Under NBA rules, Johnson’s offer was for one year and worth about $966,000 guaranteed. The offer, unless extended, would have expired on Oct. 1.
Last season, as a rookie, Johnson averaged 6.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 16.7 minutes in 56 games off the bench. The forward led the Hawks with a .513 field goal percentage.
The 28-year-old tied for sixth among NBA rookies with three double-doubles. He was third in field goal percentage, 14th in rebounds and 18th in points for first-year players. He was named the Rookie of the Month for April in the Eastern Conference.
Johnson was a surprise addition to Atlanta’s roster last season after a strong training camp.He had his career derailed by a wayward college career and anger-management issues, including a ban from the Korean Basketball League.Johnson quickly became a fan favorite because of his powerful build, menacing appearance and physical style.He became a productive rotation player for the Hawks after injuries to Al Horford and Jason Collins thinned the frontcourt.
Johnson’s temper did get him into trouble on a couple occasions. Coach Larry Drew sent Johnson home from a game in Orlando and fined him after Johnson argued with teammates on the bench. The NBA also fined Johnson $25,000 for giving fans the middle finger while leaving the court following Atlanta’s final playoff loss to Boston.
- Chris Vivlamore
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155 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
September 21st, 2012
7:26 pm
If Al doesn’t turn the ball over 7 times in game six of the playoffs then we probably win that series. Al fcked Up again Ken. You are on your own. I’ll see you at the next cult sacrifice. Bring a stray cat.
I’m out brother.
Mail Man
September 21st, 2012
8:20 pm
Trading Al now while there is still some value to his name would be the wisest move the hawks can make. It makes since to trade Al now. Zaza and Ivan proved we havent missed Al one bit… And he could have kept that playoff fart. I think we would have done better if Al had just stayed home. He messed it up for the rest of the guys. I thought Al was going to be traded with Marvin Williams.
NiQue
September 21st, 2012
9:06 pm
Yea, Al has been a disappointment. Theres just not enough to his game and he doesnt like defense. He should have hired Hakeem the dream or or somebody to train him.
Darren
September 21st, 2012
9:58 pm
Why does every one want to trade Al? He would make a nice bench player as a back up to Al Jefferson or Josh Smith.
Can you imagine. Josh Smith. Devin Harris and Al Jefferson…. Wow. That would be nice. Just add the trimmings.
Sautee
September 21st, 2012
10:09 pm
I still think the best way to defend Al is to attack Josh. I’m like Ken on this one, there is no way I can answer for Al’s play so I think we should continue to attack josh.