Amir's here and wants to stay.

If there’s one thing we learned last season, it’s that Amir Johnson in a man of few words.

But in a brief interlude with a gathering of reporters waiting at the Air Canada Centre this morning for the breathless prose of NBA draft prospects, Johnson made it clear – succinctly – that he could very well be a Raptor again once he becomes a free agent in July.

“Absolutely. I know I talked to Bryan Colangelo and he said he wanted to re-sign me 100 per cent so I guess we have to wait until July and see what happens.”

Johnson’s one of a handful of Raptors free agents and – behind Chris Bosh, of course – the one the team wants to re-sign above all else. He had something of a breakthrough year last season and his nightly effort and energy was in contrast to some of his teammates.

Getting him back has to be a priority.

But Johnson’s going to attract some attention from other teams and it’s not like he’s going to sign back in Toronto the first second he can.

“I’ll probably take my time with it, there’s no rush, I’m just going to keep on working hard."

And now, more waiting for draft prospects.

Comments

[Gary]

Doug, do you see Amir as a starter if Bosh decides to leave town? Or do you prefer Amir to come off the bench and continue to polish his game?

Blogger's note: It, of course, depends on who else is on the team but Amir can start in the league

[sportsbabel]

Though I won't pretend to speak for all Raptors fans, I will hazard a guess that many feel the same way: Amir, if by any chance you are reading, the fans want you to stay as well...!

Even if Toronto doesn't have a storied basketball history, this is a sports city through and through. No matter what kind of sport we are watching, we can recognize hard work, enthusiasm, and skill improvement -- all things you brought to our team almost every day. It's been a pleasure to watch your game grow, and hopefully you'll be able to continue your progress here for some time into the future.....

[Pain777PAS]

Don't break the bank please Colangelo resist the urge however this is good news because he did work hard last year and was the only one going after loose balls with Sonny and Demar. But please don't give this guy Bosh money 3 million 3yr deal at the most.

[Craig A.]

I'm glad the Raptors want Amir back, but I don't see where Amir indicates that he wants to stay...

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Hi Doug,
Any idea what it might take to get Amir signed on again? And do you suspect it will happen? Please say yes.
Just saw the update about Sportsnet picking the Raptors back up again. Okay, really too bad about The Score, but what the hey. Also saw the final line, saying "... some of the games will be aired on a yet unlaunched Sportsnet channel." ... Does this mean another season of 'invisible' basketball games like we 'enjoyed' with TSN2 a couple of years ago??!! Please say no.
Cheers.

Blogger's note: I suspect it will happen and the difference with an alternate Sportsnet network is that there will be no conflict between owners and business interests like there was with TSN and Rogers Cable

[Rapitup]

I like Amir, and would love to see him resign.

But I see him more as a JYD or a Keon Clark... when what the Raps need is a Vince Carter.

Him not resigning would be unfortunate, but definetely no earth shattering.

[Matty-Pix]

Thanks for the update,
Would be great to see Amir as a part of a 3-man big rotation next year!

Mind running to find Colangelo and asking him who he's trading Turk for? Thanks.

Blogger's note: I'll get right on that.

[The J]

If you have rogers than you can pretty much guarantee you would get the new Sportsnet channel. The question is more would it be included in the basic HD package. I get sick of watch the Raps in non-HD because TSN and TSN2 aren't in the basic package.

Oh, and off course I hope Amir comes back, regardless of wether or not Bosh does.

[dz]

Pain777PAS:

He makes more than that now! You think he's earned a pay cut?

[Steve G]

Thoughts on Dalembert to the Kings for Noc/Hawes?

Does it have any affect on Turk?

Blogger's note: I don't believe there was much there anyway so don't think it matters

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Hey Rapitup,
Definitely could use a VC 'type'. But we could also use an Antonio Davis 'type'. Voila! Amir "Carrying You Into The Playoffs On My Back If I Have To" Johnson.
Cheers. Go Slovenia!

[Matty-Pix]

I'm sure this is more for tomorrow's blog, but can you make sense of the Dalembert deal?

Link:
http://www.nbadaily.net/mainstory.cfm?articleid=55

Why do the sixers take on Nocioni's deal? And Hawes will be a RFA after this season, so no guarantee on his future.

Blogger's note: Yeah, it's going to have to be for the morning

[Dan W]

Any chance the 76'ers and kings trade is a set up for somthing with Raptors?

Blogger's note: Doubt it

[Pain777PAS]

@The J

Why would someone put out on a guy that was in a contract year? I mean seriously this could end up another Calderon situation where you over value the player and they don't deliver. Calderon is the player that I use because he was given a nice contract and what has he done but at a time became a backup off the bench. Ridiculous. The Raptors need to take a step back and really be objective on what pieces they have. In my opinion they could get rid of everybody and I could careless right now. The team will be bad if Bosh doesn't return which is a given at this point. Amir Johnson to me will be a starter on this team but on others he may be 8th or 9th off the bench. I know it seems harsh but we have to be realistic now. His shot is suspect and his agility on defence is all I give him credit for. I would not make a mistake on this but him wanting to be here is probably the best news we could hear right now considering Raptors history.

[doug]

it doesn't take much to figure out the Dalembert deal...he was a complete pain in the ass in Sixers land, a cancer in the locker room, he is making 12 mill on his expiring contract and it gets the Sixers under the luxury tax threshold.....the sixers took on Nocioni's and another year but he is only due 6 mill....plus it alloows them the Sixers to re-tool and start building plus there are no guarantees they will take Turner with the pick as they have Holliday,Collins like Favours of Georgia tech...a power forward....they could trade down acquire another piece in doing so and pick Favours...there a team in the Sixers that will be doing a lot of moves, and the Kings are well just the Kings...

[LeeZ]

O.K., so here's the thing: since Doug's blog is a democracy and we all get a vote, here's my vote as to who the Raps should pick: PATRICK PATTERSON. Obviously, I didn't see him work out, but you gotta fall in love with a guy who appears so freaking thoughtful, well-spoken, sincere and engaging. And since you could probably put all these guys' names in a hat and be happy with any of them that comes your way, why not get a guy who at least would make Doug's life easier in terms of getting great interview material? Xavier Henry would be my close second; extremely personable. Doug, would you agree that those two have been the best interviews so far?

Blogger's note: As soon as we got done with Patterson, I turned to someone and said, "hey, that's our pick." The Hayward kid was okay, too, but I'm all over Patterson

[Eric Kraushaar]

Interesting read yesterday that The Memphis Grizzlies are having trouble getting young players to come for tryouts but the Raptors have no such woes. What is the reason for that difference? This seems contrary to the often repeated comment that Raptors are an unattractive team because of being in Canada.