Promising Signs From Johnson & Blalock <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS -- Sioux Falls SkyForce coach Mo McHone could close his eyes and simply hear Amir Johnson was back. The NBA Development League team's formerly quiet locker room was loudly thumping with the bass of rap and pop music. Johnson brought a little of the Pistons' pregame atmosphere with him, making sure the music was loud enough to rattle the lockers. McHone, 63, who admittedly isn't part of the hip-hop generation, never considered asking Johnson to turn down the volume. "He's a good kid, and it brings some life to the locker room; I like that," said McHone, a former Pistons assistant. "Why not let them have a little fun? They're here to learn and have some fun. I kind of like having some spirit around." The Pistons sent Johnson, 19, and rookie guard Will Blalock, 23, to the South Dakota team Feb. 27 to gain game experience. But the move also is about the belief McHone is a good coach and will be a good influence. So far, Johnson and Blalock are thriving. Johnson was named the NBDL player of the week Monday after averaging 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks in four games last week. He had 32 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks in his first game back in Sioux Falls. Blalock is averaging seven points and eight rebounds. "We told Amir, 'You're not only going with a good man, but a guy who can coach the game. So you're going to come back a better player,' " said John Hammond, vice president of operations for the Pistons. "And that's what we want for these guys. A chance to get their feet wet in a great atmosphere." Johnson, a promising second-year player, and Blalock, a smart rookie guard, are stuck behind a lot of experienced players. When they were with the Pistons they were challenging Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace and the others in practice. Training time But there is a big difference between practice and game experience. So, the Pistons decided to send Johnson and Blalock them to Camp McHone. "I tell guys who get sent here from NBA teams, 'I don't want you hanging your head; this is not a demotion. You were sent here because your team wants you to develop your skills and get tested under game conditions,' " McHone said. "I'm just trying to put the guys in situations to have them play (to the) best of their ability. I put them on the floor, try to build their confidence. I allow them to make the mistakes they need to make. If Will makes a bad pass, I'm not going to yank him out and park him on the bench for the rest of the game." When he comes out, he knows he's going back in. And that's a big thing for them to realize." Pistons coach Flip Saunders isn't sure how long the assignment will last but is confident Johnson and Blalock will be better players when they return. "The biggest thing is just for them to play, in front of a crowd, get in the atmosphere, smell the popcorn, get out there a little bit and react to game situations," Saunders said. "The more reps they have, it facilitates how quickly they can improve. "I know Mo will make it a positive experience for them. I think they'll enjoy the atmosphere in the town and how people are. I also think they'll come to appreciate as far as what you have when you come back to the NBA. And that's not a bad lesson to learn."</div> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../703070342/1127
