Suns introduce newest member Wesley Johnson
Jul 31, 2012, 8:58 PM | Updated: 9:03 pm
The newest member of the Phoenix Suns, Wesley Johnson,
was formally introduced in a press conference held at US
Airways Center Tuesday.
“I’m more than excited to be here,” said Johnson, “there
was a whirlwind going around with the rumors and
everything. When it finally came about that I was a
Phoenix Sun it put a huge smile on my face.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward, came to the
Suns via a three-way trade between Phoenix, New Orleans
and Minnesota; a trade that resulted in the team parting
ways with center Robin Lopez and forward Hakim Warrick.
The Suns also received a protected 2013 first round pick
from the Timberwolves in the deal.
“We were getting a lot of calls from agents about our wing
position,” said Suns General Manager Lance Blanks,
“thankfully that will cease with this transaction, as
[Johnson] will sure up that that position.”
Of all the attributes that Johnson possesses, athleticism
and 7-foot-1 wingspan included, his versatility to
play either the shooting guard or the small forward
position at any given time is what the team is most
excited about.
“This is a multi-position roster,” said
Blanks. “[Johnson] fits right into the wheelhouse of that.
With his length he can cause some problems for the twos.
And for the threes, he can go right around those guys.”
In his two years with the Timberwolves, the former No. 4
overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, Johnson has averaged
7.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
While Johnson saw his numbers regress last season, the
Suns are convinced that Johnson, who played as a big
during his high school career, is continuing to grow
within his new outside position on the court.
“He is a
young perimeter player,” said Blanks, “he’s still learning
a position on the perimeter. We’ll provide an environment
where he can continue to grow here in Phoenix.
***Notes***
Wesley Johnson will be reuniting with two former teammates
here in the Valley, as both Michael Beasley and Sebastian
Telfair were teammates of his in Minnesota during his time
with the team. Johnson is weeks removed from a great
performance in the Summer League. The former Syracuse
standout averaged 20.5 points while shooting 48.3 percent
from the field and 45 percent from the three-point line
during the summer. Johnson will wear number two with the
Suns.
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