Armon

Johnson

Gaines scored two points with one rebound and one assist, and was a popular Roto league pickup for those seeking players likely to play big minutes. That clearly didn’t happen tonight, and backup Armon Johnson (10 points, two assists, 22 minutes) was the better play, if you want to call it that. MarShon Brooks also played some point guard, and ultimately Gaines is a gamble in Thursday’s finale.

No surprise here. Coach Avery Johnson and Williams have both already hinted that the star point guard is almost certainly done for the season. He doesn’t want to risk any injuries or aggravations as he prepares for free agency this summer. Backup Sundiata Gaines has averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.0 3-pointers and 1.6 steals over the last three games.

With Jordan Farmar (groin) likely done for the season, the Nets will give Johnson a look as depth at point guard.

Williams has missed three straight games and already said there’s “no reason to come back and do something stupid.” He’ll opt out of his contract this summer, so health is of utmost importance to him. “We’ve got 10 guys healthy,” Johnson said. “We’re going to need all 10 guys to play well Monday.” Those 10 guys do not include Williams.

Someone had to go in order to make room for Joel Przybilla, and Johnson gets the ax instead of Greg Oden. Johnson, a 2010 second round pick out of Nevada, spent much of this season in the D-League. He’s got a chance to latch on with someone else thanks to his defensive abilities.

This is interesting because it suggests the Cavs are in the market for point guard help. That would mean they are close to dealing Ramon Sessions. Owners need to be holding Sessions through the deadline to see if he can land a starting gig.

Johnson will get run for the final three games of the season as a backup point guard in New Jersey.

Portland took Smith with the 21st pick in the draft and head coach Nate McMillan doesn’t view roster holdover Armon Johnson as a legit PG. “I think [Johnson’s] more of an off-guard,” McMillan said. “He’s score-first – that’s his mindset. Setting up the team, that’s something that, it may or may not come. So really, you try to let him play off the ball and allow the ball to be reversed to him and let him go. I think that’s what he does best.” Smith should win the backup PG job, but won’t hold any fantasy value unless Felton goes down.

He averaged 11 points and seven assists during his stint in Idaho and will help back up Raymond Felton for the Blazers.

Additionally, the team has sent Luke Babbitt along with him. Each will get more consistent playing time that they need rather than sitting at the end of Portland’s bench.