<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">OKLAHOMA CITY -- One of the things Grizzlies president Jerry West liked about Alexander Johnson was his tough, fierce demeanor on the basketball court. That's why he gave up a second-round pick in 2008 to get Johnson from the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night. Grizzlies fans have come to embrace the 6-9, 240-pound forward for his aggressive approach at both ends of the floor. Johnson realizes that's what people have come to expect from him, and so far he hasn't disappointed. But he quickly points out, this is nothing new to him. "That's how I play, and right now, that's what this team needs -- somebody to play hard, rebound, run the floor and bring some energy," Johnson said. ''That's just my game. That's how I play. It's not like I'm trying to act like that. "Jerry West gave me that image. Why not take to it? That's what they see me as, the tough guy. So that's what I'm trying to bring to the team, toughness. That's how I play anyway, so it's not hard.'' That toughness has earned the rookie a spot in the starting lineup. And with each game, Johnson is playing like he doesn't want to give that spot up. Tonight at Oklahoma City will mark his fourth straight start. Two factors led to Johnson's promotion to the starting lineup. First, Lawrence Roberts, who was off to a solid start, suffered a right meniscus injury. Then, with the return of Pau Gasol at center, coach Mike Fratello was trying to determine who would fit best alongside his All-Star. "We just felt that the best piece might be somebody that's a good rebounder, can play post defense, and if they can bring us any kind of scoring, it's a help, a plus,'' Fratello said. ''That's what we looked for. We went with A.J. the one game, and we liked what we saw, and we decided to try it again." In his three starts, Johnson has averaged 10.3 points and 7 rebounds. While he admits he hated to see Roberts injured, Johnson realizes the importance of taking advantage of opportunities. Before starting, he had played sparingly in eight games. ''It was tough because I know I'm a competitor, and I work hard," Johnson said. ''But at the same time, with me being more mature, I understand it comes with the league. Being in the league, you've got to wait your turn and pay your dues. I wasn't mad. Every rookie goes through this process. ''Life is all about opportunities. You hate to see Lawrence go down because he worked his (butt) off. He was really coming along with the team, rebounding and playing hard. You need someone like me on the bench who's ready to step up and give the team what he was giving the team. That's what I'm doing, filling in where he left off. It's a blessing, but I hope Lawrence gets better. In this league, sometimes you get one opportunity. You have to be ready because you never know when your name is going to be called." Johnson originally was a second round draft pick of the Indiana Pacers, the 45th player taken overall out of Florida State. The Pacers traded his draft rights to Portland, who subsequently dealt him to the Grizzlies. He credits his second-round draft status for the type of hunger he has displayed so far. From the moment he joined the Grizzlies in time for the summer league, he has hit the court with abandon, showing no fear. Rebounding has been his main strength, but he has shown a nice offensive touch from 15 feet and in. </div> Source
