Twice traded ex-Piston Amir Johnson thrives in Toronto

The last time Amir Johnson walked out of the Palace last spring, he didnt think twice about the next regular-season game he would play there.

The 6-foot-9 forward figured he was a part of the Pistons plans after two years of full-time duty and 24 starts last season.

At least until June 23, when he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks –”shocking,” he called it.

Then, when he was traded by the Bucks to the Toronto Raptors on Aug.

17, he was on the move again.

Not until Wednesday did he finally get back to Detroit, playing for the Raptors.

“It kind of feels funny,” Johnson said before Wednesdays game, adding he keeps up with all his former teammates from Detroit and is watching their progress.

“But Ill play hard anytime Im on the court.”

It helped him that he arrived on a team with eight new players all trying to fit into the system.

“Its going pretty well, I know my role and what I have to do when I go on the court,” he said, entering Wednesdays game with 5.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Against the Pistons, he scored nine points with six rebounds.

The biggest difference is knowing hell get consistent minutes.

With the exception of two games at the end of October, Johnson has played double-figure minutes every game and had a few breakout moments, like Dec.

18 when he scored 18 points in 19 minutes against the Nets.

“It makes it a lot easier knowing when youre getting in the game and you can be ready for it,” Johnson said.

In Detroit, “I played with five All-Stars so it makes it easier knowing you can play with five All-Stars and come over here and play with this team.”

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