What Role Will Rookie James Johnson Play?

James Johnson was the first of the Bulls’ two first-round picks in the 2009 NBA draft. Nobody knows exactly what role the rookie will play this season. But everyone agrees the former Wake Forest star has what it takes to be a big factor. Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro said, “He’s very skilled, can make plays off the dribble, has a good feel for the game and has good versatility, but he’s young and he’s gonna make mistakes.” The coach continued to say the rookie does things you can’t teach a player. Vinny revealed that Johnson could give the Bulls versatility “at the three [small forward] and the four [power forward], but time will tell.” Although Johnson (6-foot-9) was listed as a power forward before he was drafted by the Bulls, Chicago saw him as someone capable of playing both forward positions. That’s how Johnson sees himself. The rookie said, ”I’ve just been playing the three so far. That’s my natural position, but I can play any position I’m put at.” Vinny expects Johnson to play a little bit of three and the four, at least while he’s practising. The coach believes he can handle both positions because of his strength and size and his ability to put the ball on the ground.

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