Veteran forward Amir Johnson didn’t make a huge impact last season for the Philadelphia 76ers, but he provided good energy and rebounding off the bench, as well as leadership. Johnson, 31, will return to the Sixers on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Free agent Amir Johnson is finalizing a one-year deal to return to the 76ers, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 4, 2018
In 2017-18, the L.A. product averaged 15.8 minutes, 4.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game. The 6-foot-9 veteran shot 53.8 percent from the field.
Rumors had linked Minnesota to Johnson, but clearly both Philly and Johnson were happy to have another go-round. Johnson doesn’t stretch the floor like a modern power forward, but he plays hard and is noted as a strong locker-room presence.
Philadelphia loves what Amir Johnson brought to the locker room last year, so it is no surprise he’s returning. He’s an ideal backup/spot starter for them behind Joel Embiid.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 4, 2018
He recently claimed the league’s Hustle Award at the NBA Awards. Last summer he signed a one-year, $11 million deal with Philly. It would be surprising if he garnered half that amount this year.
Amir spent the first four years of his career with Detroit. After bouncing around the D League for two seasons, he went on to join the Toronto Raptors. He spent six years in the North, then two with Boston. A 2005 McDonald’s All-American, Johnson jumped from high school to the NBA. Detroit picked him with the No. 56 selection in 2005.
Philly’s Moves
The Sixers brought back Johnson and one other veteran: sharpshooter J.J. Redick. Meanwhile, they allowed two other key older presences to move on. Marco Belinelli landed with San Antonio, and Ersan Ilyasova signed with Milwaukee.
The big question looming over Philly now: will the Sixers make a run at Kawhi Leonard? Kawhi is open to Philly, according to Yahoo’s Shams Charania.
“There’s a belief around the league that if the Sixers came hard, that there could be a potential there for him potentially being there long-term,” Charania said Tuesday on the Herd with Colin Cowherd.
Charania’s comments on Kawhi’s future begin at the 27:00 mark of the below video.
