News: The Sacramento Bee reported Thursday that Kings forward James Johnson may not return to the team this season, due to personal issues. Even if Johnson returns before the season ends, coach Keith Smart admitted that there may not be enough time for Johnson to get back on the floor, given his lengthy absence; Johnson has now missed nine games. "It could be that way," Smart said. "We want to get him back with our team, but we want him to take care of all his personal side first. I want to make sure he's mentally secure with everything that's happening with him on his personal side before he comes back here and be in two places mentally."
Analysis: Johnson took a step back this season, posting his lowest scoring average (5.2 per game) since his rookie season in 2009-10. Johnson's poor performance this season and his mysterious absence has come at a bad time, as he is set to be a free agent for the first time this offseason. Johnson will have little trouble finding work given his age and pedigree, but he is unlikely to be worthy of your attention in most Fantasy formats moving forward.
News: Sacramento power forward James Johnson continues to be away from the team due to personal reasons, reports the Sacramento Bee Wednesday. Johnson has been out for over a week now.
Analysis: Johnson has missed the last six games with no timetable to return to the team. He had low-end Fantasy value when he was active, though, so this is no big deal. He should not be used in most Fantasy formats.
News: Kings forward James Johnson was excused from team for personal reasons and there is no indication when he will return, the Sacramento Bee reports. Johnson did not play in Sunday's loss to Milwaukee because of the issue and has not appeared in a game since last Tuesday.
Analysis: Johnson is not considered a major part of the Kings' constantly revolving rotation and has failed to surpass eight minutes in each of his past three games played (7.3 mpg in March). With a meager average of 5.2 points per game, Fantasy owners should not keep him on rosters for now.
News: Kings power forward James Johnson barely saw the court in Tuesday's contest against the Nuggets. Johnson logged just eight minutes off the bench as he went 1 of 2 shooting from the field. He finished with just two points, three rebounds and an assist in a 120-113 defeat.
Analysis: Johnson has had a hard time getting on the floor as of late as he is buried in the back-end of coach Keith Smart's rotation. Johnson was averaging over 20 minutes of game action through the first 15 games of the season. It's safe to say those days are over for the 26-year-old, especially after the team acquired Patrick Patterson before the trade deadline. He is averaging just 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game this season and should be ignored in all Fantasy formats heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
News: Kings power forward James Johnson had a solid performance on Wednesday during a loss at Dallas. Johnson played 25 minutes off the bench and scored 16 points as the only bench player in double figures. Johnson shot 6 of 11 from the field and grabbed six rebounds with four assists.
Analysis: Johnson simply wasn't active in the previous three games due to a coach's decision but he saw plenty of run and did plenty with it Wednesday as the first half of the season came to an end. We don't expect that to continue, however, so Johnson remains a low-end Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Kings forward James Johnson finished with two points and two rebounds during Sacramento's 98-91 loss at Utah on Monday night. Johnson, who missed the past two games while dealing with a sinus infection, logged seven minutes off the bench. He connected on his lone attempt from the field as he finished with fewer than five points for the fourth straight game. Johnson also added a block and a steal.
Analysis: Johnson's playing time has plummeted since the end of January as Monday marked the third straight outing under 10 minutes. The 25-year-old, a former first-round draft pick by Chicago, has seen his season numbers tumble to 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game as a result. The Kings have made a habit of shuffling their rotation often this season, but at this point, Johnson is considered a marginal Fantasy contributor.
News: Kings power forward James Johnson was ruled out for Saturday's contest against the Knicks due to a sinus infection. Johnson has missed two consecutive games due to the illness.
Analysis: Johnson continues to be used as a reserve player for Sacramento and is only averaging 5.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game this season. At this point, the 25-year-old is way too inconsistent for Fantasy owners to trust. He has marginal Fantasy value in the deepest of formats moving forward.
News: Kings power forward James Johnson had 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting and 2 of 3 free throws Wednesday vs. Phoenix. He added one assist, one steal, four blocks and six rebounds. He also had four turnovers in 22 minutes.
Analysis: Johnson's minutes and production continues to be in flux as he comes off the bench for Sacramento. He is averaging just 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Johnson isn't very reliable for the majority of Fantasy owners and should only be owned in the deepest of leagues.
News: Kings forward James Johnson played 20-plus minutes for the sixth time in the last eight games on Friday against the Raptors. He scored eight points in 27 minutes off the bench in the 105-96 win. He went 3 for 8 from the field and converted both of his free throws. Johnson also posted three rebounds, two blocks and a steal in the victory.
Analysis: Johnson has seen some decent playing time in his first season in Sacramento but continues to be an inconsistent contributor in Fantasy. While he can fill up the stat sheet from time to time, leave the 25-year-old for the deepest of formats at this point.
News: Kings forward James Johnson started his fifth game in a row to start the season Wednesday, against the Pistons. He scored five points on 2 of 6 shooting, with five rebounds, two assists and a block. The Kings went on to win the game, 105-103.
Analysis: Johnson’s numbers are very unimpressive for a starter, with 4.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. There is no sign that he is going to lose his role, but there is also no sign that he will be performing better, given his track record. Johnson has value only in the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Sacramento acquired forward James Johnson from Toronto on Monday in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2014. Johnson, who is entering the final year of his contract, was drafted 16th overall by Chicago in 2009. He was traded to the Raptors during his second season and became expendable after the team signed Landry Fields.
Analysis: Monday's trade gives the Kings another young forward with size as the 6-foot-9 Johnson can play both spots in the frontcourt. He averaged 9.1 points and 4.7 rebounds while starting 40 games last season. The 25-year-old also nailed 31.7 percent of his attempts from downtown, his highest mark since his rookie year. Johnson will likely be part of an endless rotation for the Kings and holds low-end appeal in deeper Fantasy drafts.
News: After sitting out the team’s previous two games with DNP – coach’s decisions, Raptors forward James Johnson was back on the floor on Sunday against the Thunder. He played 28 minutes in the game, his highest minutes total in seven games, as he appeared to climb back out of coach Dwayne Casey’s doghouse. While that is a good sign, a bad sign is that Johnson struggled badly, scoring five points on just 2 of 11 shooting with seven rebounds, as the Raptors lost, 91-75.
Analysis: Johnson had an opportunity to make a case for an increase in playing time, especially with Andrea Bargnani suffering another injury to his calf. Johnson was unable to take advantage of that, so while it is a good sign that he is back on the floor, Fantasy owners should still consider Johnson just a low-end Fantasy option in deeper formats.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson surprisingly did not play on Wednesday against the Hawks, as he earned a DNP – coach’s decision, with Alan Anderson starting in his place. Johnson has started 38 of the last 39 games he has played in this season and 38 out of 54 overall, so him not getting into a game was a surprise.
Analysis: Fantasy owners will want to monitor this situation moving forward, as Johnson has been a staple for the Raptors all season. There has been no indication that this was injury related, so we really don’t have much to go on. Fantasy owners in all formats who have Johnson will want to keep an eye on how this progresses, because he has been a viable low-end starting option.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson was back on the floor on Friday against Miami after missing Wednesday’s game with an illness. Johnson came off the bench on Friday, as coach Dwayne Casey had concerns about his stamina, which limited him to just 15 minutes. He did play solidly when he was on the floor, scoring nine points on 4 of 6 shooting while blocking two shots, though he did grab just two rebounds as the Raptors fell, 113-101.
Analysis: Johnson has been playing well of late, as he is now averaging 11.2 points per game over the last 10 games, on 53.3 percent shooting, and he did not look affected by the illness on Friday. It appears as if Fantasy owners can be confident in his abilities moving forward, so continue to consider him a solid, low-end starting option in most Fantasy formats.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson will be available to play in Friday night's contest against the Heat, according to the team's official website. Johnson was held out of Wednesday's win over the Nuggets to due an illness.
Analysis: Johnson is available to play, but coach Dwane Casey told reporters he may have him come off the bench. Fantasy owners in daily formats should keep in mind that Johnson will likely see a limited number of minutes coming off the pine. Consider him a viable low-end option when healthy.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson was a late scratch on Wednesday against the Nuggets, as he is dealing with an upper respiratory infection, according to the team. Linas Kleiza will receive the start in his place.
Analysis: Johnson dealt with the same illness on Monday but played through it, putting up 13 points with two assists and one rebounds against the Magic. Apparently the issue simply worsened on the team's day off, so get Johnson out of the lineup in daily leagues. He remains a viable option in deeper formats when healthy, however.
News: Toronto power forward James Johnson was able to play through an illness during Monday night's contest against the Magic. Johnson, who was listed as a game-time decision due the flu, finished with 13 points, two assists and one rebound in the 117-101 defeat.
Analysis: Johnson was able to play through an illness against Orlando and should be fine moving forward. The 25-year-old continues to start for the Raptors and is averaging 13.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks over his last five games. Fantasy owners can consider Johnson a viable option in deeper formats over the final few weeks of the season.
News: Two games after dropping a goose egg for the Raptors, forward James Johnson scored 16 points on Wednesday versus the Bulls. He shot 8 for 14 from the field in his 32 minutes of action. Johnson added seven rebounds, a steal and two assists in Toronto's 94-82 loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Johnson has been getting some starts for the Raptors as they continue to shuffle the lineup. He's averaging six points more per game as a starter for Toronto and is shooting the ball much better when he's not coming off the bench. As long as he continues to start, Fantasy owners should view Johnson as a low-end forward in deeper category-based formats.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson was able to play through a hip and thigh injury during Saturday night's contest against the Pistons. Johnson finished with four points in the 105-86 win, on 2 of 3 shooting from the field. He also chipped in with four rebounds and one assist, while logging 20 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Johnson was able to play on Saturday night, but did not have one of his better performances of the season. Still, the 25-year-old has become a fixture in Toronto's starting lineup and was averaging 11 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals over his last five contests. His production has been steady across the board of late for use in deeper Fantasy formats heading into Fantasy Week
News: The Raptors report that forward James Johnson returned to practice Friday after sitting out Thursday's practice with a thigh/hip contusion. He is expected to play Saturday at Detroit.
Analysis: We expect Johnson to play against the Pistons on Saturday, but Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status prior to game time. Consider Johnson a decent Fantasy option in deeper leagues when healthy and active.
News: Toronto power forward James Johnson played well over 33 minutes on Tuesday night in a loss at Houston. Johnson opened the second half of the NBA season with 16 points on 6 of 12 shooting from the field. He grabbed eight rebounds and added three assists, three steals and a block for the Raptors in the defeat.
Analysis: Johnson has raised his scoring total by a point per game in each of his last three games. He's averaging 11.4 points per game over his last five and that comes with 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a block. His production has been steady across the board of late for use in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson credits his recent success this season to the work his has done on his jumpshot with assistant coach Tom Sterner. Johnson spent much of the early part of the season re-working his shooting mechanics, which has caught the attention of heach coach Dwane Casey. “He’s close,” Casey told the Toronto Sun. “He’s getting there. He has developed more trust. The first part of the year he was trying to discover America with the ball, but he has done a much better job of simplifying his game and playing much more under control.”
Analysis: Johnson is averaging 10.1 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field in the 18 games since he has been moved into the starting lineup, compared to just 4.5 points on 35.7 percent shooting when he was coming off the bench. Johnson has also proven to be a stat sheet filler this season, as he is averaging nearly 2.0 assists to go along with 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest. As long as he cont9inues to start, owners can continue to view the 24-year-old as a viable low-end option in deeper formats.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson saw his fewest number of minutes in over a week on Sunday in a loss to the Lakers. Johnson played just 25 minutes in the loss as he went 3 of 8 from the field to score seven points. It was the first time he'd scored in single digits since the Sunday prior at Miami. Johnson added six rebounds and blocked a shot on Sunday against the Lakers.
Analysis: Johnson had been seeing more run of late, but gets around 25 minutes per game on the year. With that comes around eight points and five boards with 1.5 blocks, 1.3 steals and low-end 3-point production. Johnson contributes slightly across the board in Fantasy and that boosts his value. He can be utilized in plenty of deeper formats.
News: Raptors F James Johnson had his best scoring performance in over a week on Wednesday against the Bucks. He finished with 15 points and seven rebounds in the 105-99 loss. He went 7 for 11 from the floor, including 1 for 2 from downtown, while playing 30 minutes. Johnson also posted three blocks and two steals in the defeat.
Analysis: Johnson continues to start for the Raptors and has been able to put together some decent performances. He is averaging 9.8 points with 4.8 rebounds, two assists and a block in his last five contests, and is shooting 45 percent over that span. The 24-year-old can fill up the stat sheet on a nightly basis and has been gaining steam in Fantasy with his increased role. Keep an eye on his progress and consider adding Johnson in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson started but saw 17 minutes on Sunday in a loss to the Heat. Johnson went 2 of 4 from the field in the game and scored just four points. He added five rebounds and four assists. Johnson was 0 for 1 from 3-point range.
Analysis: Johnson was overshadowed by Ed Davis on Sunday but normally sees around 20-25 minutes per game. He's been doing the usual over his last five contests with 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game over that span. Johnson could stand to be a little more active sometimes, but remains a decent Fantasy option for deeper leagues and formats.
News: Raptors F James Johnson earned his eighth consecutive start during Tuesday night's contest against the Hawks. Johnson finished with nine points and eight rebounds in the 100-77 defeat, on 4 of 13 shooting from the field. He missed both of his attempts from downtown and also added three assists and a steal to his stat line, while logging 27 minutes.
Analysis: Johnson took Rasual Butler's spot in the starting lineup and has been playing pretty well since he moved into the starting lineup. The 24-year-old is averaging 10.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks since getting the promotion and is shooting 49 percent from the field over that stretch. Fantasy owners looking for help in the rebounding and blocks department may want to think about rolling with Johnson, while he is playing well.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson only managed six points and three rebounds in Sunday's win at New Jersey. Johnson played 21 minutes in the game and went 3 of 6 from the field. He blocked a shot for the Raptors. Johnson had scored 16 points in Friday's loss at Denver.
Analysis: Johnson is averaging 9.8 points per game over his last five for the Raptors, a nice 3.0 PPG improvement on his season's numbers. He is also bringing home 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game over that span. Playing this well, Johnson can be utilized in the deepest of Fantasy formats where owners can use his boards and blocks. That said, he has little value outside of that.
News: Raptors F James Johnson got the start again on Tuesday against the Suns and had another solid showing. He posted his first double-double of the year by scoring 18 points with 10 rebounds in the 99-96 win. He went 7 for 12 from the field, including missing his lone attempt from downtown, and made all four of his free throws. Johnson, who played 35 minutes, also chipped in with a steal in the victory.
Analysis: Johnson has alternated some decent scoring performances over the last four contests and is averaging 13 points with five rebounds and 1.7 blocks during that span. He is also shooting a respectable 47 percent over that stretch and is starting to make some noise in Fantasy. Keep an eye on the situation in Toronto going forward to see if the 24-year-old will remain in the starting lineup. If he does, Johnson might be worth a look in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: After not posting more than 12 points in any game this season, Toronto F James Johnson went on a scoring binge Friday night against Portland. He led the Raptors with 23 points and also hauled in six rebounds in the 94-84 loss. He went 10 for 17 from the floor, including 1 for 2 from downtown, and made 2 of 3 free throws. Johnson, who played 31 minutes, recorded four blocks, two assists and two steals in the defeat.
Analysis: Johnson looked like a viable Fantasy option on Friday and provided the kind of production Toronto has been expecting from him all season long. But owners know that anyone can have a couple of dominant performances so keep an eye on his progress going forward to see if he can become more consistent. The 24-year-old has some decent upside but continue to view Johnson as more of a low-end Fantasy option at this point.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson got back on the court on Wednesday night after missing Monday's contest with an ankle injury. Johnson started and played 25 minutes, but did little with his time on the court. He struggled from the field, shooting 1 for 7 (0 for 2 from downtown). Johnson did hit both his foul shots though, finishing with four points. He added two boards and one steal his his team's 96-73 loss.
Analysis: Johnson is averaging just 4.8 points, 1.0 steal and 3.3 rebounds over his last four contests. Despite getting around 22 minutes a game, Johnson is still just a low-end Fantasy forward in the deepest of leagues.
News: Raptors coach Dwane Casey said forward James Johnson will return to action Wednesday at Boston. Johnson missed Monday's game with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Johnson is seeing a bit more playing time with Andrea Bargnani out of action, but that really hasn't changed Johnson's Fantasy appeal. He is still a very low-end Fantasy option when active.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson expects to play on Wednesday against the Celtics, reports the National Post on Tuesday. Johnson is dealing with an ankle injury and missed Monday's game at Atlanta. Johnson participated in practice on Tuesday.
Analysis: Johnson scored 12 points and grabbed three rebounds with a block in his previous game against the Bulls last Saturday. He's attempting to overtake Rasual Butler for a starting spot, but is merely a low-end Fantasy option at this time for the Raptors.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson (ankle) missed Monday's game against the Hawks due to his injured ankle. Johnson sprained the ankle on Saturday against the Bulls. He is day to day and should return shortly for the Raptors.
Analysis: Johnson is considered day to day for the Raptors going forward. The 12 points scored on Saturday was his first in double figures in a while. He's averaging just 4.5 points per game on the year to go with 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 22.6 minutes per night. The blocks give him low-end Fantasy appeal in deeper formats, when healthy.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson had to leave Saturday's game at Chicago with a sprained ankle, according to the team's official PR. Johnson underwent X-rays on the ankle and it came back negative. He could not return in the game. Johnson played 19 minutes and shot 6 of 11 to score 12 points. He grabbed three rebounds and had one blocked shot in the defeat.
Analysis: Johnson is considered day to day for the Raptors going forward. The 12 points scored on Saturday was his first in double figures in a while. He's averaging just 4.5 points per game on the year to go with 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 22.6 minutes per night. The blocks give him low-end Fantasy appeal in deeper formats, when healthy.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson came off the bench for 28 minutes during Tuesday's loss at Washington. Johnson scored four points in the game, but went just 1 for 5 from the field, missing both 3-pointers he attempted. Johnson grabbed four rebounds and had one steal in the performance.
Analysis: The 24-year-old Johnson is averaging just 5.6 points per game over his last five contests and that is an improvement on his season's numbers. Adding around five boards and two blocked shots per game, Johnson is really just a low-end option for deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Toronto PF James Johnson shot horribly on Wednesday night over 26 bench minutes in a win over Cleveland. Johnson went just 1 of 8 from the field and 2 of 4 from the line to score four points in the win. He added eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
Analysis: Despite the poor shooting, Johnson at least made it an all-around performance on Wednesday night. He's seeing just over 20 minutes per game and has really shot the ball poorly all year. He's a decent rebounder for the minutes he gets, but is just a low-end Fantasy option at this point.
News: After starting both of the preseason games, Raptors F James Johnson came off the bench in Monday's season opener against the Cavaliers. He scored five points on 2 of 4 shooting in the 104-96 win. He made his lone 3-pointer while playing 36 minutes. Johnson also chipped in with six rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocked shots in the victory.
Analysis: Johnson played starter's minutes on Monday and did a nice job of filling up the stat sheet. He has seen his Fantasy value grow since being acquired from the Bulls last season and stands to see a large role with the club in 2011-12. Keep an eye on how he is used going forward to see if he ends up starting or of the Raptors choose to use his scoring off the bench. Johnson has more low-end appeal at this point but could become more valuable in larger formats if he can consistently produce.
News: Raptors F James Johnson got the start at forward for the Raptors in both of their preseason games, a sign that he will be in the starting lineup once again for the Raptors when their season starts. He started 25 games for Toronto after a midseason trade from Chicago last season. In the final preseason game, he shot one of seven from the field for four points, but added a solid all-around line with eight rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks before fouling out as the Raptors lost 81-73 to Boston.
Analysis: Johnson averaged 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 25 games with Toronto following the trade. He may struggle to sustain that as Ed Davis seems likely to take playing time in the front court, but Johnson is a low-end Fantasy option at best no matter what his role is. Don’t bother looking for him on Draft Day.
News: The Raptors have picked up team options on guard-forward DeMar DeRozan and forwards James Johnson and Ed Davis. The club announced the moves involving all three players on Friday. Johnson also had his fourth year picked up after joining the Raptors on Feb. 22 in a trade with Chicago. He averaged 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 25 games with Toronto.
Analysis: Johnson has minimal Fantasy value in all leagues. Ignore him in most formats on Draft Day.
News: With several players not available in Sunday's game against the Nets, Raptors forward James Johnson found himself in the starting lineup. He made the most of the rare opportunity, especially on the offensive end. Johnson scored a season-high 18 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the floor in the win, and added six assists as a compliment. He pulled down six rebounds and added three steals on the defensive end during his 40 minutes of playing time, also a season-high.
Analysis: Johnson had a strong showing in the second quarter, scoring 11 of his 18 points to help the Raptors build a 19-point halftime advantage. The Wake Forest product has seen an increase in playing time since coming over in a trade from the Bulls in late February. It's taken a while, but he's peaking down the home stretch of the season. Johnson set a career-high with 10 rebounds on March 30, and now he set season-mark just over a week later. The numbers aren't gaudy, but Johnson has improved considerably as the season has progressed. He's still just a marginal option in most formats moving forward.
News: Raptors forward James Johnson wasn't much of a scorer Wednesday against the Bucks, shooting 4 of 7 from the floor on the way to eight points, but he made his mark on the glass. Johnson stepped up with Amir Johnson and Reggie Evans dealing with injury, and pulled down a career-high 10 rebounds in the process. He added a pair of assists in 32 minutes of playing time. Defensively, Johnson recorded a steal and a block for the fourth straight game.
Analysis: Johnson has been a minimal contributor in terms of scoring and rebounds thus far in his second season out of Wake Forest, but he was solid in the middle on Wednesday. He did a little bit of everything when the team needed it, and it may be a small sign of things to come if he can stick around. Johnson is an intriguing story as the season draws to a close. Still, he is considered just a low-end Fantasy option from here on in.
News: In his first game with his new team, forward James Johnson got the start and contributed for the Raptors. Johnson, who was traded from Chicago to Toronto on Tuesday, shot 2 for 4 from the field and connected on 5 of his 6 shots at the charity stripe. He finished with nine points, five rebounds and three blocks in his 26 minutes of action. Johnson and the Raptors would go on to beat the Bulls, 118-113, on Wednesday night ruining Joakim Noah's return to the lineup.
Analysis: Johnson had only played in one of the Bulls' previous 10 games and was averaging just 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game on the year over 13 contests. It seems he'll be in line for more minutes in Toronto, which is good for his Fantasy value. Unfortunately Johnson didn't have much value when he was in Chicago, so it could only go up. The second-year player could earn solid minutes with his new team, but we don't think he'll make enough of an impact to warrant much Fantasy attention. Continue to ignore him.
News: The Chicago Bulls traded power forward James Johnson to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, reports the Chicago Tribune. Johnson had only played in one of the Bulls' previous 10 games and was averaging just 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game on the year over 13 contests.
Analysis: Johnson has spent some time in the NBDL this season for Chicago and the team really just doesn't need him, which is likely why they traded him. The former Wake Forest second-year player, who was drafted in the first round by the Bulls, might see more time with Toronto but we still doubt he'll gain any real Fantasy value.
News:The Chicago Daily Herald reports that Bulls F James Johnson was recalled from the team's NBDL affiliate on Monday. Johnson has averaged 10.2 minutes in 12 appearances this season for the Bulls.
Analysis: Johnson is not going to be asked to play much at the NBA level. He will provide depth on the team's roster and that's about it. Continue to ignore him in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that the Bulls are expected to recall PF James Johnson back from the NBDL this upcoming week.
Analysis: Johnson was sent down in late January as he wasn't playing for the Bulls much, but he's been playing well down in the D-league, and Chicago could probably use his services until Joakim Noah returns from injury.
News: The Bulls sent PF James Johnson to the NBDL on Thursday.
Analysis: Johnson was last active on Jan. 4, so the Bulls clearly want to play rather than sit on the bench. In 12 games this season, Johnson is averaging 10.2 minutes and 3.5 points. He remains a non-factor in seasonal Fantasy play for now.
News: Chicago PF James Johnson saw 23 minutes during Wednesday's double-overtime win in Phoenix. Johnson, who had not played in the Bulls' previous five games as a healthy scratch but saw action with Taj Gibson out, scored 12 points on 5 of 6 shooting. He hit a 3-pointer and added five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Johnson ultimately fouled out of the game.
Analysis: Johnson certainly didn't perform Wednesday like a player who should be a healthy scratch. That said, Gibson missed the game and Johnson could go right back to anonymousness after this contest. Pay attention to that, but we doubt he's going to gain real Fantasy value.
News: The Chicago Bulls have exercised the fourth-year contract option on All-Star forward Derrick Rose and third-year options on two forwards, Taj Gibson and James Johnson. By exercising the options Monday, the three players will be under contract with the Bulls for the 2011-2012 seasons.
Analysis: Johnson played in 65 contests last season, averaging 4 points per game for the Bulls. He should not be on anyone's radar in Fantasy at the moment.
News: Bulls forward James Johnson did score 10 points on Saturday night against the Magic, but struggled to find the basket. He went 3 for 12 from the field and made 4 of his 8 foul shots. His 10 points were second highest on the team as Chicago rested most of their starters. Johnson also had a block, two steals, two assists and five boards.
Analysis: Johnson is seeing more playing time during the preseason as Carlos Boozer is injured. Johnson fills Taj Gibson's role as Boozer's backup. But once the veteran is healthy, Gibson and Johnson will both have their roles reduced. Johnson averaged just 3.9 points per game last season but did not see much playing time as a rookie. He should not be on anyone's radar on Draft Day as his contributions will be minimal.
News: Bulls F James Johnson scored 6 points of 3 of 7 shooting in Thursday's 88-83 loss to the Mavericks. He played over 25 minutes and collected two rebounds and had two blocked shots.
Analysis: Johnson, a second-year man out of Wake Forrest, averaged just 3.9 points per game last season but did not see much playing time as a rookie. That could change this season but the 23-year-old does not have a starting job and will have to fight for playing time off the bench. He should see some extra minutes while Carlos Boozer is out but will not be worth drafting in most leagues and should remain on waivers expect for in the deepest of formats for a cheap source of rebounds.
News: Bulls F James Johnson scored just six points in a loss to the Heat on Thursday. Johnson shot 3 of 9 from the floor while adding five rebounds, two blocks and two assists in 20 minutes. He has failed to score in double figures in three straight games.
Analysis: Johnson is averaging 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds over his last five games. With Luol Deng remaining sidelined with an injury, Johnson is seeing just so-so rebounding numbers. Fantasy owners should only use him in the deepest of formats for a cheap source of rebounds.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Bulls F James Johnson has grabbed just six rebounds in his first two NBA starts. Considering his size and athleticism, it's reasonable to think Johnson could do better, especially since he's filling in for Luol Deng, who averages 7.3 rebounds per game. "I'm still transitioning from running the four at Wake Forest where I crash all the time, to here when Derrick Rose or Kirk Hinrich get into the lane, I have to get back on defense," Johnson said. "It's a little difficult."
Analysis: With Deng out of the lineup, some expected the rookie to grab some more rebounds. However he is still transitioning this season and when Deng returns, Johnson will offer no real Fantasy value.
News: Bulls F James Johnson scored 13 points in place of injured Bull Luol Deng on Thursday against Orlando. Johnson shot 5 of 9 from the floor while adding four assists, three rebounds and a steal in 28 minutes. It was Johnson's first game in double figures in his last five games.
Analysis: Johnson will likely return to his role on the bench once Luol Deng returns. Johnson has no real Fantasy appeal, but could be worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues for the minutes boost alone.
News: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls F Luol Deng (calf) has not been ruled out for Friday's game in Miami. He will, however, miss Thursday's game in Orlando. Rookie James Johnson will start in Deng's place.
Analysis: The report did add that the chances of Deng playing Friday are slim. If the Bulls hold him out Friday, he will have plenty of extra rest before the team plays again next Tuesday. He should be reserved in all daily lineup leagues until further notice and it appears he will be an injury risk for Fantasy Week 21 (March 15-21). Johnson has no real Fantasy appeal, but could be worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues for the minutes boost alone.
News: Bulls PF James Johnson played 16:29 on Saturday in a win over Minnesota. Johnson shot 2 for 2 in the game from the field and hit a three as he scored six points. He grabbed four rebounds and added three dimes.
Analysis: Johnson had been getting less than 10 minutes per game since January began and has still not scored in double figures since Dec. 9 at Atlanta. He has just low-end Fantasy value even in the deepest of leagues.
News: Bulls rookie forward James Johnson had a very nice game on Wednesday against the Hawks. Johnson played just under 20 minutes and scored 17 points on 4 of 7 shooting with a three. He hit all eight free-throw attempts and grabbed two rebounds with two blocked shots.
Analysis: Johnson has played in 14 games in his rookie year and is averaging 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds. He is not worth owning in Fantasy play right now.
News: Rookie James Johnson sank a fade-away jump shot from the baseline at the buzzer Tuesday to give the Chicago Bulls a 102-101 win over the Utah Jazz in an NBA preseason game. Johnson, who finished with 18 points, got the rebound after teammate Derrick Byars missed a 3-point attempt from the top of the key. "Just shoot it, that was the only instinct," Johnson said. "I knew we didn't have much time on the clock. I just tried to let it go as fast as I can before the clock ran out."
Analysis: Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said he gave Johnson advice before the game, his second NBA contest. "I just said be aggressive," Del Negro said. "Go and have fun." Johnson will have to earn his minutes as a backup during his rookie season and is not expected to be much of a Fantasy option, but things like this are worth keeping in the back of your mind in case he gets a chance at playing time.
News: The Bulls selected forward James Johnson with the 16th pick of Thursday's NBA Draft. He played two seasons for Wake Forest before declaring as an early-entry candidate.
Analysis: Johnson will have to earn his minutes as a backup during his rookie season and is not expected to be much of a Fantasy option. We don't recommend drafting him in Fantasy play.
