Before We Get Carried Away

"An acre of performance is worth a whole world of promise."Red Auerbach

ESPN Boston 2011

Johnson is not Kevin Garnett, to be sure ("Don't anybody write it," Rivers joked Thursday), but there are several striking similarities between the pair's respective games. Both are long, athletic big men, capable of working with their backs to the basket in the post and stepping out and consistently knocking down a 15- to 18-foot jumper. Both understand what their strengths are on the offensive end and they stick to spots on the floor where they can best utilize those strengths -- a tactic Johnson impressed Rivers with during his pre-draft workout with the Celtics earlier this month.

"They're very similar... Same body type," said Rivers. "At the same time in their lives, [Johnson's] probably a better shooter, and Kevin became a great shooter. So there's a lot of upside things with him."

Hartford Courant 1993

"To be able to get our hands on a player of Acie's talent is quite fortunate for us, given that big men are at a premium," said Celtics coach Chris Ford.

Earl still is a gamble, highly touted as he may be. Earl is no Russell, nor is he Bill Walton -- although he does work out with Walton. Earl isn't even a Parish, although there is a resemblance.

"A lot of people used to compare me to Robert Parish," Earl said. "The shot-blocking ability, the shooting touch we both possess . . ."

Acie Earl: 6'10 240
JaJuan Johnson: 6'10 220

Both were Big Ten Defensive Player of Year (Earl 1993, Johnson 2011)

Earl's Junior Year: 19.5 PPG 7.8 RPG 4.0 BPG
Johnson's Junior Year: 15.5 PPG 7.1 RPG 2.0 BPG

Earl's Senior Year: 16.9 PPG 8.9 RPG 2.5 BPG
Johnson Senior Year: 20.5 PPG 8.5 RPG 2.1 BPG

If that doesn't scare you, this will:



If you are currently looking to buy a house in Iowa, Acie is your man!