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Q & A with James Johnson
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Chicago Bulls rookie James Johnson was considered to be a steal after he was chosen 16th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. The former Wake Forest forward had a good Summer League and a well publicized game winning shot against the Utah Jazz in pre-season.
Since the regular season began Johnson has struggled to get playing time. JJ has only appeared in two out of six regular season contests and logged a total of 16 minutes on the court.
I spoke with James Johnson and found him to be quite pleasant, approachable, and candid about his new NBA journey. Despite having a limited role on the team Johnson remains upbeat and optimistic.
SS: You haven’t seen much playing time early in the season, what has the coaching staff said to you regarding playing time?
James Johnson: They really haven’t said nothing. I’ve just been practicing hard and cheering for my teammates. I’ve got loveable teammates; I care about ‘em so I’m gonna cheer for ‘em. If I have to do more of that I’ll do that because I care for the guys. Maybe I’ll get a chance, maybe I won’t, but I’m just gonna keep playing my game and keep working out as hard as I can in practice.
SS: With Tyrus Thomas out for a few weeks with a broken arm are you prepared to step in and contribute?
James Johnson: Most definitely. That’s what I’ve been conditioning on the sidelines for, lifting before the games, and things like that. The coaching staff really makes sure that even though you’re not playing you’re going to stay in shape and you’re still going to perform when you need to perform. I feel like everything I did while waiting to play just got me hungrier. I’m going to work whatever kind of minutes I get.
SS: What aspect of your game do you work hardest on?
James Johnson: Right now I’m really about my turning hooks. Both hand turning hooks and counter turning hooks, that’s what I’m working on right now. I have every game 1 through 5, but I haven’t perfected any of those parts of my game yet. I can shoot the ball, pass, dribble, and post up, but I haven’t perfected any of those things. That’s what I’m working on now from close to the basket to the perimeter.
SS: Everybody’s seen the backpack that you have to carry. Besides the backpack what other rookie hazing have you had to endure?
James Johnson: Bringing the breakfast, bringing the Dunkin’ Donuts in for the guys, that’s pretty much it. These guys are real cool to you and pretty much always look out for you no matter what you need. So carrying a book bag and bringing in donuts compared to the life I live now is really no big deal. I’ll carry two of those Dora book bags! I just like being in the position I’m in, and I’m gonna keep working hard to stay at this position.
SS: Do you talk to your college teammate Jeff Teague about his rookie experiences in Atlanta?
James Johnson: Ah yeah! That’s my man, we talk all the time. We talk about how things are going, he calms me down. We talk along with my other teammate at Wake Forest, Gary Clark. We always call each other to make sure everybody’s good. Other than that Jeff said he’s been playing fine. His first game point was a dunk so he was real excited about that.
SS: Do you remember your first bucket in Boston?
James Johnson: Yeah. Man when I first scored I was so excited. You know we got drubbed but our team stayed together. We did some things that night together, hung out together, and got closer. But all I could keep talking about was how I scored my first two points in the NBA! It was a great time for me and the guys did a good job picking me up like, “Oh, you scored your first bucket!” They gave me a little hazing, poured cold water on me while I was in the shower. It’s the little things like that that I love about the team.
SS: I know you’re from Cheyenne, Wyoming but you’ve been in Chicago for a few months now. So far what’s your favorite thing about Chicago?
James Johnson: MacArthur’s [Soul Food Restaurant]. Yeah I love that place. I tried to stay away from it and go once or twice a month. It’s too good.
Chicago is big, the fans here are great. There’s not just one thing that I like about Chicago. I love everything about Chicago. The fans are committed, the food, and the city. Its legendary what has happened at the Berto [Center] and the United Center. Everybody’s so excited to be a Bulls fan and I’m happy that I got a great opportunity like this.
SS: Do more people recognize you since you hit that game winning shot in London?
James Johnson: We went and painted the city red. I got a lot of pictures of that. It was a great moment for me. When you see it you see my team hugging me like we just won the championship game. That’s the kind of team and character that we have. I couldn’t ask for better teammates.
For more info: Chris Cason, Chicago Bulls Examiner
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