Hawks rookie Johnson unimpressed with his good play

By Michael Cunningham

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

There are people who marvel at how rookie forward Ivan Johnson has become a key player for the Hawks.

Coach Larry Drew holds up Johnson's relentless energy as an example for the rest of the team. Teammate Josh Smith nominates Johnson to play in the rookie game on All-Star weekend. Johnson's long-shot personal story has been a hit on NBA Web sites and among Hawks fans on Twitter and blogs.

The only one who doesn't seem impressed by what Johnson is doing is Johnson.

For instance, tell Johnson that his tenacity impresses Drew and Johnson says it should be no surprise.

“The first time I interviewed with [the Hawks] I told them that's what I bring every game,” Johnson said. “And that's what I keep doing.”

Or consider Johnson's response to queries about how he's been able to effectively play center despite regularly giving up three or four inches to opponents.

“It's not too much of a challenge,” Johnson said after posting 14 points and 13 rebounds against Philadelphia's big front line during Atlanta's 98-87 loss Saturday. “It's just another person. I think physically I'm strong enough to hold it down.”

That's about as much insight as Johnson provides about his game. He prefers to quietly go about his business, which lately means pulling his weight while playing out of position with center Jason Collins (ankle) out because of injury.

“That's Ivan,” Drew said. “He just goes out there and plays. I don't know if he looks for accolades. I just know whenever I show him some love for how he's played, he just takes it in stride, like, ‘That's what I do.'”

What Johnson has done actually is remarkable, starting with making the team as a 27-year old rookie and stops at four colleges, two stints  inthe NBA's development league and a tour with a South Korean professional team. Johnson is powerfully built, quick and athletic but odds were he would remain near the end of Atlanta's bench before inevitably released once the Hawks needed a roster spot.

Instead, Drew gave Johnson important minutes early in the season and Johnson showed flashes of his ability. He showed even more once his workload increased by necessity after center Al Horford went down with an injury on Jan. 11.

On a per-minute basis, Johnson ranks third on the team in rebounds, slightly behind Smith and Pachulia. According to Synergy Sports Technology, through Saturday Johnson ranked 48th in the league in points per possession scored by his man.

“He's held his own,” Hawks guard Joe Johnson said. “I've been surprised a lot of times. But as a rookie, you've got to live with his mistakes. That's just part of it. That's how he's going to grow.”

There are areas for improvement. Ivan Johnson is good at driving to the basket and drawing fouls but sometimes settles for jump shots. He turns the ball over too much for his position and can be too aggressive defending pick-and-rolls, leaving teammates out to dry as his man cuts to the basket unimpeded.

But those are the kind of struggles faced by all rookies, much less an unheralded neophyte who's been forced to play a major role for a good team.

“He's handled it like a professional, like a veteran,” Smith said. “I definitely tip my hat off to him. He should be in the rookie All-Star game. He's doing some things that a lot of rookies are not doing.”

Other people recognize that even if Johnson doesn't.