Within tonight’s press release welcoming Evan Turner to the organization, the Pacers announced that they have waived Orlando Johnson. Indiana had to cut someone loose in order to make the trade work.
Johnson, a second-year player out of California-Santa Barbara, was a draft-night acquisition in 2012. He was originally drafted by the Kings with the 36th overall pick in that draft. In 38 games for Indiana this season, Johnson averaged 2.4 PPG and 1.3 RPG in nine minutes per contest. He also saw a stint with the D-League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
“Orlando is a great kid,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “We appreciate everything he’s done for us and hope he has a long and successful career.”
Orlando should sign him.
can anyone tell me more about Orlando Johnson? I’m curious about his athleticism and what he has shown defensively
Johnson made an instant impact in the Big West Conference for the Gauchos, averaging 18 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Johnson also led the Gauchos to the 2010 Big West Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament title and an NCAA appearance. Following the season, he was named the Big West conference player of the year and an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press.[2]
As a junior in 2010–11, Johnson averaged 21.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game and was again named first team All-Big West. He also led the Gauchos to another conference tournament title and NCAA tournament appearance, again earning Big West tournament MVP honors.
Orlando Johnson can be a solid backup. He can shoot and his strength and body control see underrated. Hes just a victim of being in a team that’s tryna win now and we can’t develop him while we tryna beat the heat
I think you’re exactly right. I think he’d be a good pick up for a team like the magic or the bucks, teams that are developing young talent. If that happened, I don’t see why he wouldn’t turn into a solid player.