HoopsHype.com Rumors

At the end of the month, Johnson will head to Attack Athletics in Chicago to work with Tim Grover, who has trained Michael Jordan, Dwyane Wade, and Gilbert Arenas, among others. He’ll focus on core exercises and lower-body strength. Weight won’t be an issue. “They’d always say something about my weight,’’ he said. “Now, I just kind of use what I’ve got. I’m happy with myself. I know I definitely need to get stronger. But it’s not one of those things that I’m stressing myself over.’’ Boston Globe

Boston Celtics, JaJuan Johnson 

The lockout abruptly turned JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore back into civilians last week after they barely had time to taste the Celtics life. But that doesn’t mean the two rookies now have to wait by the phone for team president Danny Ainge’s call once the padlocks are removed with a new collective bargaining agreement. The agents for both players are exploring overseas options that could find either or both in a foreign league next winter. “It’s all over the board right now, but some Euroleague teams we’ve talked to are interested,” said Mark Bartlestein, who represents Moore. “It’s a day-to-day thing. We really don’t know yet.” Boston Herald

Free Agency, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

“E’Twaun certainly could end up overseas, and we’re talking to teams. If we find the perfect opportunity for him, then maybe we will make that move.” Boston Herald

Free Agency, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

“Everything is on the table, and we’ll see what’s best for our guys,” said Kevin Bradbury, the agent who is managing Johnson on behalf of Duffy. “Nothing is in stone here, but we’re looking at everything as an opportunity. We don’t know how this whole thing is going to turn out yet. Boston Herald

Free Agency, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

Johnson went on to play at Purdue University, where he earned several accolades, including Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Consensus First-Team All-American, and Pete Newell National Big Man of the Year, following a 20.5 point, 8.6 rebound, 2.3 block per game senior campaign. The tall, lanky kid who was almost cut from his seventh grade team had established himself as a talented big man ready to contribute in the NBA. “It’s sort of been like the ugly duckling story,” James said with a laugh. “I bet if you’d ask him, he’d still say you’d have to pinch him. This has been something he focused in on a lot in college. . . . He’s a product of hard work, great attitude, and great effort on his part.” CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

Growing up there was no way for E’Twaun Moore to know that on June 23, 2011, he would be drafted 55th overall by the Celtics. Abe Brown, though, had a feeling the day would come when Moore would hear NBA commissioner David Stern call his name. “Like most seventh- or eighth-graders, he had his eyes wide open, just wondering what was next for him. I don’t think at that time he realized where he would be on that day," Brown, head coach of the East Chicago High School basketball team, told CSNNE.com in a telephone interview. “I don’t know about the Celtics, but I would have said he would be drafted. I could tell he was going to go places back then.” CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

Following winning the high school title, Moore played four years of college basketball at Purdue University. He averaged 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his senior year. Among his accolades, he won the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award and became the second player from Purdue to be named All-Big Ten four times. “He has always been a leader, a stand-up kid, always on time, never had any problems out of him.” Brown said. “He always came in and played his hardest, did everything he was supposed to do and then some. He is deserving of what he got, going to the NBA.” CSNNE.com

Boston Celtics, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

Chris Littman: No sign of Singleton here in Charlotte yet, but Marcus Morris, Jordan Hamilton, Bismack Biyombo, JaJuan Johnson and a local fill-in out now. Twitter

Charlotte Bobcats, Draft, Jordan Hamilton, Marcus Morris, Bismack Biyombo, JaJuan Johnson, Chris Singleton 

Chad Ford: From a source inside Wizards gym today: Klay Thompson & JaJuan Johnson looked good today. I've had Wiz taking Klay at 18 in 1st 3 Mocks. Twitter

Washington Wizards, Draft, Klay Thompson, JaJuan Johnson 

JaJuan Johnson is beginning to increase his stock, in the eyes of NBA types. The 6-foot-10 forward from Purdue improved greatly in each of his four college seasons and possesses a 7-2 wingspan. Scouts also like the fact Johnson hit 80 percent of his free throws last season. It’s always nice to have someone near the basket, drawing fouls and then knocking down freebies from the line. FOXSportsOhio

Draft, JaJuan Johnson 

Jonathan Rinehart: Jazz to hold draft workouts on Sunday: Norris Cole, JaJuan Johnson, Shelvin Mack, Markieff Morris, Dallas Lauderdale and Jeremy Tyler. Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Draft, Jeremy Tyler, Markieff Morris, Shelvin Mack, JaJuan Johnson, Norris Cole 

Ryan Feldman: The Miami Heat hosted a draft workout today w/ Jordan Williams, JaJuan Johnson, Malcolm Lee and Charles Jenkins. Twitter

Miami Heat, Draft, Jordan Williams, Malcolm Lee, JaJuan Johnson, Charles Jenkins 

The Indiana Pacers will host their first pre-draft workout today at Conseco Fieldhouse, without interim coach Frank Vogel. Purdue's JaJuan Johnson, a Franklin Central graduate, highlights a group that also includes Corey Fisher (Villanova), Justin Harper (Richmond), Darius Morris (Michigan), Josh Selby (Kansas) and Chris Wright (Georgetown). The Pacers have the Nos. 15 and 42 picks in the June 23 draft. "One of four guys I like will get to us (at No. 15)," Pacers president Larry Bird said. "They're all different sizes. I think we can use some help in every area. We're going to get a player that will help us." Indianapolis Star

Indiana Pacers, Draft, Larry Bird, Darius Morris, Josh Selby, JaJuan Johnson 

Ryan Feldman: JaJuan Johnson, as I tweeted yesterday, will not participate in the Minnesota group workout, despite being listed as a participant. Twitter

Minnesota Timberwolves, Draft, JaJuan Johnson 

But shouldn't four seasons of college basketball be enough of a proving ground? Seniors feel the need to show they have room to grow. Johnson said just because he stayed in college for four years doesn't mean he can't or won't get better. "I feel (I have upside), but it seems like when you're older, you've been exposed more and teams get to pick at you more," Johnson said. "But I think I'll be fine." Singler said returning to Duke allowed him to earn a degree in visual arts. Johnson said earning his degree in organizational leadership and supervision was important to his mother and allowed him to set an example for his younger sister. "I don't regret it – that's the important thing," Singler said. "I experienced things my senior year (that) I will remember my whole life." Sacramento Bee

Draft, JaJuan Johnson 

Ryan Feldman: I was just told by someone that they'd be surprised if JaJuan Johnson lasted past 17. Twitter

Draft, JaJuan Johnson 

Are you going to be a small forward or a power forward in the NBA? JaJuan Johnson: I would say I’m probably going to start off as a power forward. But as I add to my perimeter skills more, I will move and play the three. HoopsHype

Draft, JaJuan Johnson 

Now, (JaJuan) Johnson and Moore will open the next book, one each hopes will include chapters about lengthy careers in the National Basketball Association. After being selected team MVP, Big Ten Conference MVP Johnson said he has hired Chicago-based agent Kevin Bradbury to represent him. Journal and Courier

Draft, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore 

(E'Twaun) Moore, who was honored during the banquet for breaking the school career record for 3-pointers, has hired Chicago-based agent Mark Bartelstein. According to hoopshype.com, Bartelstein represents 37 current NBA players, including the Indiana Pacers' Danny Granger, former Purdue standouts Brad Miller and Brian Cardinal and former Butler standout Gordon Hayward. "For now, I'm working out and finishing school," Moore said. "I probably will find out about workouts in the next couple of weeks." Journal and Courier

Draft, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore