Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue on Wednesday commended rookie Keon Johnson for how quickly he is picking up things to start the season.
Johnson has had a limited role with the Clippers to start the season but had the opportunity to log extended minutes on Wednesday. He registered two points, three rebounds and two assists in a season-high 12 minutes in the loss to the Sacramento Kings.
The opportunity to play on Wednesday served as a tremendous chance to gain real-game experience. He was often seen with Lue going over plays on the sideline throughout his time on the court. Lue credited him for picking up the offense, especially as a point guard.
He has been great. The point guard position is the toughest position. When he is up here with us, he plays the point a lot of times. When he is down with the G League, he is playing the two and off the ball a little bit more so he just plays hard, competes. That’s the biggest thing, the energy he brings us. He is picking up the offense really well at that position. He is going to make some mistakes but you can live with those mistakes because of the way he plays hard.
The appearance by Johnson on Wednesday was just his third of the season. He has mostly spent time with the Agua Caliente Clippers in the NBA G League, averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals in five appearances.
Johnson likely will continue to see sporadic minutes in the NBA while playing in the G League on other occasions. He will be in a developmental role for much of the season but it figures to only prepare him for his future in the NBA.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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