JJ On Defense: Making It Better

Justin DeFeo of Nets are Scorching examines Joe Johnson's defense and finds that "Johnson is a better than average defender and will be an improvement over any shooting guard the Nets had last season." Johnson, he writes excels on post-up and iso defense (just as he does on offense), but is lacking a bit on defending close-outs, perhaps a function of declining speed.

DeFeo specifically cites JJ's "cadet-like discipline" in guarding against even the best ball fakes in the NBA, noting, "Johnson does a great job of not biting. Jab steps and shot fakes do nothing to faze him, as he holds his position, feet glued to the hardwood, even when dealing with clever schemers like Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce."

• Joe Johnson And Individual Defense - Justin DeFeo - Nets are Scorching
• Joe Johnson, then and now - Sandy Dover - Nets are Scorching