Stanley Johnson is heading into a “make or break” season this year, by the own words of Head Coach Dwane Casey. While Casey has also praised Johnson, and called him the best LeBron James defender in the league, he is very much correct in his analysis of this upcoming season.
Johnson has had a roller coaster career so far. He played the part of the sixth man on a playoff team his rookie year, and famously challenged James in the first round of the playoffs. His second season was a major step back, as he dealt with injuries and just didn’t look much improved at all.
This past season was encouraging, and while he showed glimpses of an improved offensive game and continued to be a strong defender, injuries to his hip caused inconsistency throughout the season.
Many were very critical of former Head Coach Stan Van Gundy’s utilization of Johnson in the offense, and how he yanked him around like a yo-yo in the rotation. With Van Gundy gone and Casey taking over, after what Casey did this past season with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, there’s much excitement for what he will do for Johnson.
Johnson needs to improve and take advantage of the love Casey apparently has for him, and force Detroit to have no choice but to re-sign him after the year.
In order to do this, here are three goals for Johnson heading into 2018-19.
Next Up: Goal 3
