Joe Johnson interview

[elindholm]

We helped Joe get that and his confidence turns into ego and desire to be babied.

People who are truly confident don't need their egos stroked by being babied. The tenor of the negotiations reveals that Johnson still has deep lasting insecurity.

 

[DeAnna]

Wow, I would hate to be JJ's wife. How the heck will people know how you feel if you don't verbalize it??

He didn't say a word at the time and now he's talking? Maybe he got some therapy.

 

[fordronken]

Wow, I would hate to be JJ's wife. How the heck will people know how you feel if you don't verbalize it??

He didn't say a word at the time and now he's talking? Maybe he got some therapy.

Wife: "Joe, I made you meat loaf. Joe? Joe? Do you even like meat loaf? You've never actually told me. In fact, we're not even technically married because you didn't say 'I do'. We just stood at the alter for like 45 minutes until the priest just shrugged and walked away. Then I shoved cake in you mouth. I'm just gonna assume you like me. And meat loaf. Your name's Joe, right? All I know about you is that the back of your jersey says 'Johnson'. Joe, honey? Joe? Mr. Johnson?"

Six months later.

Joe: "Meat loaf? I hate that $*%&! Woman, stop disresepcting me! Leave me alone when I'm looking at my leather book!"

Wife: "Okay, sorry. But your name's Joe, right? Joe? Joe? Joe?"...

 

[DeAnna]

LoL! Don't laugh...it's tough being a mind-reader!

 

[elindholm]

Joe: "Meat loaf? I hate that $*%&! Woman, stop disresepcting me! Leave me alone when I'm looking at my leather book!"

ROFL

Ford, I hope there's a benign reason that you have such a sense of dysfunctional relationships.

 

[boisesuns]

We helped Joe get that and his confidence turns into ego and desire to be babied.

People who are truly confident don't need their egos stroked by being babied. The tenor of the negotiations reveals that Johnson still has deep lasting insecurity.

Yeah, I think hi$ agent has had $ome effect on him a$ well.

 

[nowagimp]

Also, Nash didn't go out to the worst teams in the NBA that had the most cap space and try to get the biggest contract possible. The Suns came to him in the opening minutes of the free agency period and offered him a fair contract that he deserved for being an all-star and one of the top PG's in the game. Obviously Cuban was hurt that Nash would even entertain offers from another team and that he was willing to accept the Phx offer. For Cuban to think that an all-star PG doesn't deserve a near-max contract is crazy (even though Steve was getting a little older).

If Steve Nash would have stayed in Dallas, half the team would have made more than him, including that worthless 9ppg, 7 rpg center, Dampier. But the idiot that chased and signed Dampier thought the MVP wasnt worth it. I dont even remember a negative word out of Steve's mouth after all that. Imagine that, Steve Nash left Dallas to get the kind of contract (60M) that Joe and His agent turned down and were offended by.

 

[fordronken]

Ford, I hope there's a benign reason that you have such a sense of dysfunctional relationships.

The doctors don't seem to think it's malignant.

 

[PetryJr]

Wife: "Joe, I made you meat loaf. Joe? Joe? Do you even like meat loaf? You've never actually told me. In fact, we're not even technically married because you didn't say 'I do'. We just stood at the alter for like 45 minutes until the priest just shrugged and walked away. Then I shoved cake in you mouth. I'm just gonna assume you like me. And meat loaf. Your name's Joe, right? All I know about you is that the back of your jersey says 'Johnson'. Joe, honey? Joe? Mr. Johnson?"

Six months later.

Joe: "Meat loaf? I hate that $*%&! Woman, stop disresepcting me! Leave me alone when I'm looking at my leather book!"

Wife: "Okay, sorry. But your name's Joe, right? Joe? Joe? Joe?"...

Great one.

 

[baltimorer]

But what was the point of Sarver and the C's saying, "Go out and get your best offer."? That doesn't really make any sense. Even if you don't know exactly what other teams were going to be willing to give him, you knew that he'd be fetching somewhere around $10 million a year; so, why didn't Sarver just say, "We'll give you six years, $60 million."? That's up from the "50" number from the previous year, and considering Joe's age, durability, and so forth, it would've made sense. Even if some other team was willing to give him more, the Suns could've dealt with that when they got there.

The truth is, I'm sure the Suns owners did have an exact number in mind; I'm sure they did market research, knew the specifics of what other guys like him would probably fetch, how the new CBA was going to free agency, etc. Indicating to JJ and his agent that they did not have an offer in mind yet was a slight. To use a JJ'ism, "everybody in their right mind" knows that negotiating without an offer in mind just wouldn't make sense.

 

[JS22]

Thinking back, I'm glad that JJ is gone - even though he was my favorite player while in Phoenix. Think of it like this:

Joe Johnson

For:

Shawn Marion (He was as good as gone if the Suns kept JJ.)

James Jones

Boris Diaw

Eddie House (most likely would not have signed him if they still had JJ.)

A mid first round pick

Atlanta's UNPROTECTED pick. (We all know that they are lottery bound this year, so Phoenix will be getting it after next season.)

The remainder of the trade exception. Not sure of the exact amount.

That trade looks VERY nice to me.

 

[Chaz]

But what was the point of Sarver and the C's saying, "Go out and get your best offer."? That doesn't really make any sense. Even if you don't know exactly what other teams were going to be willing to give him, you knew that he'd be fetching somewhere around $10 million a year; so, why didn't Sarver just say, "We'll give you six years, $60 million."? That's up from the "50" number from the previous year, and considering Joe's age, durability, and so forth, it would've made sense. Even if some other team was willing to give him more, the Suns could've dealt with that when they got there.

From the article (according to the Suns) that is exactly what they did.

The Suns did ask Johnson to bring back an offer from another team. They were hoping to broker a deal like San Antonio did with Manu Ginobili for six years and $52 million, but said their first offer was for six years and $60 million, not $50 million as Johnson said.

 

[myrondizzo]

But what was the point of Sarver and the C's saying, "Go out and get your best offer."? That doesn't really make any sense. Even if you don't know exactly what other teams were going to be willing to give him, you knew that he'd be fetching somewhere around $10 million a year; so, why didn't Sarver just say, "We'll give you six years, $60 million."? That's up from the "50" number from the previous year, and considering Joe's age, durability, and so forth, it would've made sense. Even if some other team was willing to give him more, the Suns could've dealt with that when they got there.

The truth is, I'm sure the Suns owners did have an exact number in mind; I'm sure they did market research, knew the specifics of what other guys like him would probably fetch, how the new CBA was going to free agency, etc. Indicating to JJ and his agent that they did not have an offer in mind yet was a slight. To use a JJ'ism, "everybody in their right mind" knows that negotiating without an offer in mind just wouldn't make sense.

they did offer him the 60 and his agent said that wasnt even an offer.

 

[elindholm]

they did offer him the 60 and his agent said that wasnt even an offer.

Maybe his agent felt that way so strongly that he never even bothered to let Johnson know about it.

 

[myrondizzo]

they did offer him the 60 and his agent said that wasnt even an offer.

Maybe his agent felt that way so strongly that he never even bothered to let Johnson know about it.

thats my take on what happened.

 

[goldseraph]

it's gonna be beautiful in a couple years when JJ is at home watching Boris play in an all star game representing the Suns (assuming sarver doesn't mess up that contract )

Ok the Diaw love has been getting out of control on this board, but this statement is the new high mark in homer enthusiasm. JJ is a much better player than Diaw, much better.

 

[jandaman]

JJ is the better player individually, specifically scoring.


But Diaw is the more versatile defender, player... better passer etc.


Take away scoring ability and Diaw is the better player.

 

[jibikao]

Also, Nash didn't go out to the worst teams in the NBA that had the most cap space and try to get the biggest contract possible. The Suns came to him in the opening minutes of the free agency period and offered him a fair contract that he deserved for being an all-star and one of the top PG's in the game. Obviously Cuban was hurt that Nash would even entertain offers from another team and that he was willing to accept the Phx offer. For Cuban to think that an all-star PG doesn't deserve a near-max contract is crazy (even though Steve was getting a little older).

Yeah. I see the difference now. Yes, Nash did let Cuban to match it but Cuban doesn't think it's worth the risk while Suns thinks it's worth it. For Nash's age, it is indeed "risky" but who knows he becomes the MVP after he left? lol

I guess if I were Nash, I would feel very pissed that Mark Cuban saved money to sign Dampier rather than keeping him. I would really feel "hurt" and "unappreciated". And yes, I don't think Nash has bad-mouth Cuban.

At least one thing I know is Nash has been to all-star twice (WCF once) and JJ hasn't yet. It's somewhat "fair" for Nash to demand a contract since he has proven his "values"; whereas JJ is still unproven and he just goes for the WORST team in NBA for the best contract he can get. Does he money THAT BAD? I really can't see what kind of future you can have in Atlanta.

 

[goldseraph]

JJ is the better player individually, specifically scoring.


But Diaw is the more versatile defender, player... better passer etc.


Take away scoring ability and Diaw is the better player.

I strongly disagree, JJ was our best perimeter defender last year, and ran the point effectively for us at times. He also shot 3's at a 45% clip. Diaw was struggling to break 5mpg on a woeful Hawks team.

 

[fordronken]

JJ is the better player individually, specifically scoring.


But Diaw is the more versatile defender, player... better passer etc.


Take away scoring ability and Diaw is the better player.

It's like the T-Mac/Marion argument all over again. Except with much smaller stakes.

 

[King A]

It's like the T-Mac/Marion argument all over again. Except with much smaller stakes.

what's NBA or sports in general about if not about talking stuff through

 

[Arizona's Finest]

I strongly disagree, JJ was our best perimeter defender last year, and ran the point effectively for us at times. He also shot 3's at a 45% clip. Diaw was struggling to break 5mpg on a woeful Hawks team.

DOGG....4 GAMES INTO HIS SUNS CAREER......!!!

Joe got 200 + before he started to show signs of being an actual top 30 player in this league.....and now he is seeing the reversal effect the hawks have on a players progression (much like my beloved arizona cardinals)

You HAVE to give Diaw the benefit of the doubt about the hawks knowing his skill set and using him properly. I am convinced the GM's and coaching staff read the Street and Smiths basketball preview for ideas....they have NO CLUE what they are doing.....

You are right Joe is the better player now. Sweet argument ...next you are going to give us the headline Snoop Dogg like to smokes herb and the sun will INFACT come up tomorrow. Joe had the benefit of learning to play during games and having a coaching staff that believed in him and worked to make him better. As a self described "work-a-holic" its a good combination when you get a high level of coaching. So of course Joe is the better player after almost three years WITH THE SUNS.

No one is going to like this comparison, but its much like Amare and a player like Chris Bosh (although Bosh gets a ton more PT from the raptors than diaw ever would on the hawks) i really think the suns coaching is that good, especially with ivaroni (sp?) that Bosh would be a MUCH bigger star on the Suns. Thats just how it is...

So why is everyone getting in such a tizzy about diaw?? Well number one he has been around bball his whole life (his mother was a star center) and understands the game. He is built like a small 4 or a HUGE 3 yet he can handle the ball and pass better than 50% of the ones in the league. His wing span is ridiculous and he can block shots like Kirilenko w/ development. He plays defense and can jump alot more than Joe ever could. Athletically they dont even compare.....Plus he is an inch taller than Joe, and better at using the height advantage......His shooting needs work, but as Joe proved, thats a skill you can acquire....

and most importantly...HES 23 YEARS OLD!!!!! With no playing time and coaching to speak of in Atlanta he might as well be a rookie on this team....and he just barely missed a triple double in his fourth game OFF THE BENCH....

this is a remarkable start and if he works hard, i have full confidence that he WILL be better than Joe (is now, i have no way to account for Joe turning into Tmac all of a sudden. But it is the Hawks people) about three seasons down the line....

So yeah Mario Elie was a better player in the NBA when Kobe was starting his third year in the league. But who would you rather have....?

Im not saying Joe is Mario Elie, but there are other factors to consider than just "well Joe averaged this amount of points and rebounds so he must be better..."...That kind of analysis will get you a job on the hawks management staff but no love from me.............

 

[DeAnna]

It looks like the Hawks fans are starting to change their tune. They're comparing JJ to Peerless Price of the Falcons

http://www.hawksquawk.net/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=104946&page=2&view=expanded&sb=5&o=&fpart=#104946

 

[JCSunsfan]

The only exception is if you're dealing with a player so valuable that losing him would be a catastrophe. Then you swallow your pride and take all the abuse you have to. Johnson was not that level of player, and only he and his agent would ever dream that he is.

But in that case, there is no negotiating anyway. You just offer the max deal and be done with it.

 

[coloradosun]

I always thought the signing of Q got this whole mess started. It will be an ironic that BC will get executive of the year for helping the Suns make a great turnaround with this JJ situation marking the '04 offseason. The trade with Atlanta will not reap benefits this year because Amare is lost for most or all of the season. This deal will turn out to make for a better argument for Executive of the Year but the season may not reward BC with honor.