Alize

Johnson

Johnson, whose contract was not guaranteed, appeared in four games for the Spurs before being waived. In those appearances, he averaged 1.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. The Spurs have reportedly made plans for the open roster spot, with Stanley Johnson due to be signed to a one-year deal.

The hope was that Sochan would be available after missing a week with the quad contusion, but he needs a little more time on the sideline. With Devin Vassell (knee) doubtful and Keita Bates-Diop (foot) out, look for Alize Johnson to pick up a few more minutes off the bench. Doug McDermott (ankle) being probable will also help with the numbers if he’s cleared to play.

This is the second ankle issue for McDermott in the last week, as he suffered a sprained left ankle during a November 23 game against the Pelicans. His absence opens up a few minutes for recent signing Alize Johnson, who isn’t worth streaming.

He’s back. After signing with the Spurs over the summer and subsequently getting waived, Johnson will rejoin the team to provide some needed depth at forward. If Zach Collins or Jeremy Sochan miss time down the road, Johnson could snag some minutes off the bench and provide some silly season value, but we wouldn’t count on any immediate contributions.

Johnson signed a one-year deal with the Spurs in August, but they won’t keep him around. He can be a serviceable depth piece for opposing teams, so he should be able to find another team to play for, but he won’t be on any fantasy rosters to open the season.

Johnson has played for five teams in his four-year career, most recently logging 7.3 minutes across 23 appearances for the Bulls and Pelicans last season. The journeyman forward has rarely gotten significant playing time, but he’s averaged 11.1 points and 13.9 rebounds per-36 minutes. His addition to San Antonio’s roster doesn’t move the fantasy needle for he or any other Spurs, but he does provide some needed frontcourt depth.

The Lakers could have as many as seven roster spots to fill this summer, and due to the team’s cap situation, there isn’t a lot of money available to do so. Hence the need to leave no stone unturned with regard to possibly signing veterans on team-friendly deals. In addition to Galloway, Kyle Guy, Alize Johnson, Louis King, and D.J. Wilson were among the players who were reported to be present at the workout.

Johnson was released Friday to make room for Tyrone Wallace, but the Pelicans will bring him back. Apparently the team liked what it saw from Johnson, who totaled nine points and 12 boards in 25 minutes across three appearances with the Pels during his first 10-day contract.

Johnson had just one game where he saw double-digit minutes with the Pels, so the chances of Wallace doing much more seem slim to none. He’ll just be some emergency depth amidst their play-in/playoff push.

Johnson has spent time with the Bulls and Wizards this season, and he will now spend the next 10 days in New Orleans. We don’t expect him to make an impact in fantasy basketball, so no need to pick him up.