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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Power Forwards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Amir Johnson, Boston Celtics, Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks
Feb 25, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) defends against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Amir Johnson, Boston Celtics

Per Game Table
Season Age Tm G MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB BLK TOV PTS
2016-17 29 BOS 80 20.1 .576 .409 .612 .670 4.6 0.8 1.0 6.5
Career 745 22.3 .574 .340 .585 .674 5.7 1.0 1.1 7.5

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/28/2017.

Amir Johnson has established a reputation as one of the great grinders in the NBA. He is a throwback power forward, able to grind out rebounds and play defense without making too much of a statistical impact. That is a tough thing to find in the NBA. And probably an even tougher thing to find value for.

Johnson started the majority of games for the Boston Celtics last year, but he did not play very many minutes. There is still a role for him, especially if he improves his 3-point shot.

But Johnson’s biggest value is as that old-school enforcer. He is valuable because he will play defense without the thanks of a post up or a touch on the offensive end. That is not the kind of player he is.

The question for a team like the Magic in chasing after him is whether that fits next to Bismack Biyombo — another player who largely does work that does not show up on the stat sheet or provide much offensively.

It would be a bad fit, to say the least.

While Johnson might be a strong defender, it is hard to see him doing anything outside the specific role he found success with. It is not likely a path the Magic will take this year in free agency.