DJ Trade Looking Good So Far

1983-84 Boston Celtics

It's midterm of the Celtic preseason, and Dennis Johnson has been Boston's best guard thus far. In four exhibition games, D.J. has played more minutes, scored more points, and shot for a higher percentage (64 percent from the floor) than any of Boston's backcourtmen. Johnson, known primarily for his defense, also has the lowest turnover-per-minut e ratio among Celtic guards.

Coach K.C. Jones has repeatedly stated that Danny Ainge and Gerald Henderson, who started in the backcourt at the end of last season, would continue to start until someone else beats them out of a job. Johnson, a four-time All-Star and one-time playoff MVP, has accepted the
challenge and is doing everything he can to prove that he should be starting for the Celtics. He has started only one of the exhibition games.

"I think everybody would like to be a starter," Johnson said. "I know I would like to be one. But it's not for me to come in and change their system." "It really doesn't matter what I say, it's what the coaches think," he said. "I would like to think I'm making an impression, but I'm willing to go either way." "The more I see of D.J., the more I like him," said Jones.

D.J. has paired very well with Quinn Buckner, but Thursday night in Los Angeles, it was Johnson and Gerald Henderson who took charge of the backcourt in the second half. The Celtics trailed by 15 in the third quarter, but came back to beat the Lakers, 129-126. Johnson played 24 minutes and went 8 for 8 at the free-throw line. He spends more time at the foul line than any of the Celtic guards. Folks who follow the Western Conference still can't believe the Celtics acquired Johnson from the Suns in exchange for the little-used Rick Robey.
There was much grumbling in Phoenix last week when D.J. scored 20 in the preseason opener against the Suns, while Robey (hampered by a groin pull) went without a basket or a rebound in 17 minutes off the bench.

Larry Bird has a head cold, but is still shooting 53 percent (36 for 68) with 30 assists and 41 rebounds in four games . . . Greg Kite's numbers: 58 minutes, 2 for 8 from the floor, 3 for 6 from the line, 19 rebounds, 19 personal fouls . . . Kevin McHale had 29 points and 12 rebounds Thursday against the Lakers. Cedric Maxwell was 18 for 21 from the foul line in that game . . . John Schweitz and Carlos Clark each have played 34 minutes. Schweitz has hit 5 of 13 shots, while Clark has connected on 8 of 14 . . .Nowhere man Charles Bradley did not play in either game in Los Angeles.