Resigning Ivan Johnson should be a priority

[KB21]

With Danny Ferry coming in and the apparent new focus by the Hawks on getting value for the money they spend, Ivan Johnson being resigned should be something that jumps to the forefront of this organization's priority list.Ivan Johnson is exactly the type of young, productive player that the San Antonio Spurs always dig up that plays a certain role and produces in that role. As a 28 year old rookie this past season, Ivan posted a 14.3 PER with a 19.5 USG% and a 0.55 TS%, had a 20.1 DRB%, and created 0.113 WS/48. He only played in 56 games and averaged 16.2 minutes per game when he played. Let's compare what he did this past season to the players the Hawks have used in his position in the past.Josh Powell in 2010-2011: 8.0 PER, 0.492 TS%, 15.8 DRB%, and -0.012 WS/48Joe Smith in 2009-2010: 11.2 PER, 0.453 TS%, 18.1 DRB%, and 0.077 WS/48Ivan significantly outproduced the two previous reserve power forward/centers on the team. I was amazed at Larry's insistence on playing Josh Powell early on last year when it was beyond obvious that he hurt the team. It just goes to show you that Larry pays no attention to statistics.At 28 years of age, he is at his peak years. Ivan should get a little better with experience. He will likely never be starter quality, but he proved last year that he can be a tough, hardnosed reserve player that has a little temperment. If the Hawks could lock him up for 3-4 years with a cheap salary, they would be getting a lot of value for what they spend. When he starts to decline in 3-4 years , they can let him walk.

[frankthetank966]

Ivan was awesome. Hope he returns. We need his hustle and his attitude.

[coachx]

We should be sure that Ferry sees this. With Atlanta's cap situation Ivan Johnson is a bargain and we need all the cap friendly contracts we can find.

Edited June 26, 2012 by coachx

[BrazilianHawk]

He's (by far) the toughest player in our roster. Getting him back with a reasonable deal should be top priority. Well, at least as top as getting Smoove outta here for a big and a pick.

[AHF]

It is a no-brainer to bring Ivan back. Ferry is too smart to let this window pass.

[Joker]

He worth 1.5-2.5 million just from a viewing perspective. He looked a tad better than the vet mins.

[Jbrinson]

We gotta sign this guy back. He'll be a fan favorite around the league.

[WraithSentinel]

It shouldn't take much to get Ivan re-sign. Somewhere in the $1-1.5M per range should get the job done. I hope we keep him.