February 24 2011 Last updated at 06:45 PM ET
The Boston Celtics made multiple trade deadline moves on Thursday, shipping out big men Kendrick Perkins, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody -- along with Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels -- while bringing in Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic from the Oklahoma City Thunder along with a couple of draft picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings.That leaves the Celtics frontcourt awfully thin for their game tonight against the Denver Nuggets, leading the team to call-up Chris Johnson from the NBA Development League's Dakota Wizards for a 10-day contract.
Johnson, a 6-foot-11, 210-pound center out of LSU, is averaging 16.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks this season after previously being a part of the Celtics during this past training camp.
Johnson, an intriguing shot blocker, has already been called up one other time this season on a 10-day contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. With the Blazers, Johnson appeared in two games for a total of 16 minutes before returning to the D-League.
While his averages are solid, Johnson isn't terribly efficient as a true big man due to his slight frame. Typically getting bullied inside by stronger opponents, the center has developed an efficient mid-range game that he's been effective with in pick-and-pop plays. Aside from the 20-foot jumper, Johnson's shown a propensity to finish a bevy of alley-oops and putbacks with his absurd vertical jumping ability which adds to his offensive repertoire.
Johnson left Bismarck, N.D., this afternoon and is expected to be available for Boston tonight in Denver.
Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/boston-celtics-sign-chris-johnson-from-nba-d-league/
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