Who’s Better: Brandon Roy or Joe Johnson?
We argue. You decide…
BRANDON ROY (by Austin Burton)
I won’t lie — I did not see this coming. The first time I ever put “Brandon Roy” and “NBA” together in the same breath, it was back when 17-year-old B-Roy was publicly entertaining the idea of entering the Draft straight out of Seattle’s Garfield High School. Despite seeing Brandon regularly light up my alma mater (Franklin H.S.) in those days, at the time he was barely a Top-50 national recruit. Not only did I question his common sense trying to go pro so early, I questioned if he’d ever be an NBA player, period, let alone an All-Star, let alone someone being lumped into that exclusive group regarded as the future of the League.
Brandon Roy (photo. Aaron Hewitt)But here we are, and at 24, B-Roy has exceeded all expectations. After Kobe, he’s arguably the second-best shooting guard in the West, with Healthy T-Mac and Ginobili as his main competition. Looking at the entire NBA, Roy at worst falls into that second tier class of two-guards, the one firmly below Kobe and D-Wade, where players like himself and Joe Johnson are going for elite member status. And while it’s close between those two, I’ll take Roy.
There’s a lot in common here. Roy and Johnson are both the unquestioned leaders of young teams with playoff potential, chameleons who can float effortlessly between three positions. Neither is known for doing any one thing exceptionally well, but for being all-around, complete ballplayers. Whether it’s shooting, ball-handling, passing, defense, leadership or hitting clutch shots, Roy and Johnson can pretty much do it all, and are dead-even in a lot of areas.
So what gives Roy the edge? I look back to last season, Jan. 27, a head-to-head matchup in Portland. A few days after Joe had dropped 37 on Roy in Atlanta, Roy went into this game running a fever that was supposed to sideline him. Instead, Roy outscored Johnson 24-19 and took the game over on both ends in crunch time. He scored at will down the stretch while locking up Johnson on the defensive end. He led the Blazers back from 19 down, hit the go-ahead free throw with two seconds left, and on Atlanta’s last chance, pressured Johnson into a miss. Playing sick, embracing a challenge from a star who had just torched him, and basically saying, “This guy won’t beat me twice,” it was something from the MJ playbook.
B-Roy put it all on display that night, and since then has only improved. He’s now considered one of the most dangerous clutch players in the League, compiling daggers on his resume that would make Sam Cassell feel like dancing.
It’s only been two-plus years of the “Brandon Roy: NBA Player” era. That he’d already surpass a superstar like Joe Johnson is something I wouldn’t have predicted, but it’s come true.
JOE JOHNSON (by Christian Grant-Fields)
Don’t get me wrong, Brandon Roy is the business. The other night I watched him dismantle the Knicks, and it was not just with his scoring (23 points); Roy’s overall steady play is what makes him so good. But when comparing him to Joe Jeezy, there really isn’t an argument.
Joe Johnson (photo. Zach Wolfe)I would describe Brandon Roy as a Joe Johnson-type player. They both are completely well-rounded on the court … but Joe does everything better. Through Tuesday’s games, Roy was averaging 21.1 points along with 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds, while Joe Jeezy was better in almost every statistical category except field goal percentage. Joe is dropping 22.7 points, 5.4 dimes, and 4.6 boards a night for the Hawks.
Many of Portland’s fans rave about how Roy passes the rock. Well, Joe Johnson this season has 11 games where he has dished out five assists or more. Roy isn’t that far behind with nine. And as I previously mentioned, B-Roy is shooting better from the field than Joe, 46.4 percent to be exact, while Johnson isn’t that far behind, dropping 43.7 percent of his shots.
Could that be because, for years now, Atlanta’s biggest issue has been at the point guard spot? No knock to Mike Bibby and Acie Law, but if Joe had a pass-first PG like Steve Blake, he would be put in the position to score a bit easier.
Watch a Hawks game. Johnson handles the ball a lot, especially due to the fact that Bibby has a ratchet. Most of Joe’s buckets come from him creating his own shot. While a lot of Brandon’s buckets come from the same method, he definitely benefits from having a distribution-heavy point guard.
Last season, Joe Cool and the Hawks pushed the eventual NBA champs to seven games. Johnson went berserk in that series, solidifying himself as a legit problem in the NBA.
Although we know Brandon Roy is nasty, he has yet to perform on that big of a stage.
Who do you think is better?
“Who’s better?” archives
12/3 — Dwight Howard vs. Yao Ming
12/2 — Paul Pierce vs. Carmelo Anthony
December 4th, 2008 at 10:05 am
fallinup says:
Tough call. Johnson hits more threes. He’s more polished. Roy I think still has room to grow. So to win right now, I’d have to pick Johnson. But to build for the future, Roy gets my pick.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:06 am
YOUNGFED says:
Rudy Gay
December 4th, 2008 at 10:09 am
JCARR says:
ROY… all around player. Ambidextrious to an extreme. All around he puts up numbers in all categories.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Ray says:
Both are great players in the league but I think Brandon Roy gets the edge in this matchup. Joe and Brandon are both great shooters but Roy is a much better all-around player. His intensity is what gives him my vote. Johnson is as clutch as any player in the league but Roy showed his capability to hit big shots with his deeeep three to defeat the Houston Rockets earlier this season.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Scott says:
As much as I like Roy, and I’ve been impressed with him over and over again, everytime you watch him, he does shit you don’t expect him to be able to.
But at the end of the day, at this point, JJ is the better player. He’s a beast. Officially he’s listed at 6′7″, but I’ve heard rumors that he’s 6′8″, and he’s listed at 240. Thats a Beast of a player physically. And the reason why he can dominate in the playoffs like he did. The more physical the game, the better he’s equipped.
Consider that LeBron only has an inch and 10 pounds on JJ, and you realize just how incredible dude is for his size.
As I said I’m a HUGE fan of Roy, but JJ is too much of a beast.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:14 am
DPGC says:
Johnson by far
December 4th, 2008 at 10:21 am
caeubona says:
right now, joe cool is the more polished, more mature player. he’s also more proven, having played in a playoffs series while brandon roy has not. both players can do everything well, but joe johnson gets the edge because of his experience. look for brandon roy to catch up as he gets more and more experienced.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
K Dizzle says:
Closest comparison ever, but I’m gonna go with the dude who took the eventual champions to the brink with some disgustin 4th quarters. When Roy gets his squad to the playoffs and puts em on his back like JJ did, we can revisit this topic
December 4th, 2008 at 10:31 am
it aint easy being green says:
For the “right now” imma have to go with double J, partly because B Roy still has a lot of room to grow, and partly because Im kinda bias as I wish the C’s never got rid of JJ. Ask me the same question in like 2-3 years and my answer might just be a little different.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Dangertronix says:
AB’s case is more convincing, but I’m gonna have to go with Joe Cool as well… Dude’s a beast.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:38 am
LakeShow84 says:
Joe Johnson is just plain nasty..
But give Broy 2 more years and he will be better..
This was a good one dime..
December 4th, 2008 at 10:39 am
isotope says:
Yeah. Gotta go with Joe.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Kobeef says:
Joe Johnson.
bigger, stronger, more athletic, just as good a playmaker, better shooter…wow the suns screwed up when they let him go…
December 4th, 2008 at 10:40 am
dapro says:
I agree with the above post^^^, closet comparison I’ve seen
I’m a fan of both but as of right now I’d go Roy
Even though Joe is nasty I’ve seen Roy put his stamp on a number of games the past few years and he continues to amaze me
JJ is sick but I right now I’d go Roy, maybe it’s because the blazers get more press
December 4th, 2008 at 10:42 am
shake&bake says:
I’ll give it Joe Johnson right now just because he’s a killer come playoff time. It’s not Roy’s fault that he hasn’t had a chance yet but until he does, I’m going with Joe.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:44 am
barons beard says:
To think the Suns traded him for Boris Diaw
Imagine an Amare & JJ forward combination
December 4th, 2008 at 10:49 am
P_Dizzle says:
I’m going with Roy, but that could be because I have seen him play more than I have JJ.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:54 am
blah says:
whatever. I wanna see some more articles about OJ mayo. I know there was one yesterday kinda, but that’s only the second one i’ve seen since the season started. If you guys can give us 4 articles in 1 week about average at best carmelo anthony, then you can show OJ some love.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Richard Wellner says:
Brandon Roy.
Joe Johnson has surpassed his peak, and he will not improve by much from this point.
Brandon Roy, while being much cooler and urbane, is also more well rounded and will surpass JJ in a year or two. Look for Roy to keep improving and become a more all-around player than JJ could ever dream of.
Let’s face it, JJ benefited from D’Antoni, cashed in, and went to a crappy Hawks squad. He will never go anywhere.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:59 am
justice(knicks fan) says:
Austin ur such a homer…B Roy is nice but the edge goes to J.J for me due to experience and he has a more reliable jump shot
December 4th, 2008 at 11:20 am
got them..SCOOBY DO's says:
JoeJohnson….although they are very similar type players…but if I were choosing teams…I’d pick Joe first,
December 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
K Dizzle says:
@ post “Let’s face it, JJ benefited from D’Antoni, cashed in, and went to a crappy Hawks squad. He will never go anywhere.”
Did you not get the playoffs where you live? Cuz a team with JJ, J-Smoove, and Horford takin the Celts to 7 games bein called crappy can only come from a Blazer fan. It’s comedy that he “benefited from D’Antoni and cashed in” but is somehow a way better player now than he ever was in Phoenix.It’s called improvement. I gotta laugh at the dudes who keep sayin JJ now, but in two years??? Like JJ just gonna stall at where he is, even though he’s gotten better every year in the l. Yeah. In 2 years, Joe gonna be better and Roy gonna be better and we’ll still be debatin this
Try to keep ur posts a little bit grounded in reality
December 4th, 2008 at 11:34 am
MSkittle says:
Johnson because of the series against the Celtics
December 4th, 2008 at 11:36 am
mavid says:
Definitely the best comparison so far.
Here´s been my argument for the past little while:
Joe Johnson now is basically where Roy will be in 2 years, and probably represents his peak. No knock to Roy, as Joe is a helluva player… I just don´t see Roy ever being better than Joe is right now. I see him being pretty much exactly the same… which isnt bad all!
The difference is, Roy has yet to take on the responsibilities that Joe has. Joe does EVERTHING for the Hawks and is bombarded with defensive attention that Roy just doesnt see as much of. Once Roy can prove that he can do what Joe does, when being double and triple teamed on a nightly basis… then they will be about equal.
Right now, Joe has him tho.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:39 am
the rocket cat says:
Holy Fuck! Austin got one right.
Sorry, but I disagreed with his previous picks.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:41 am
BEdger says:
Roy all day every day, he wins when they go head to head and has absolutely locked up JJ with his defense in end of game, clutch situations
December 4th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
jace says:
ROY.
i think joe johnson is a better all around player. just by a bit. but roy is by far the better leader. sooo the edge goes to roy.
joe johnson has been the leader of his team for a while now. but to be honest. the swagger of that team came when bibby came. not saying that bibby is the best player on that team. but i think in the back of the hawks’ mind, they finally believed they had a chance. it was bibby who brought that veteran leadership. not joe.
b-roy IS the veteran. hard to believe that on a team this young. but as far as leadership goes, thats as good as it gets on this team. and they’ve done superb with him in that role in a tougher-than-nigerian-hair west.
December 4th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Diego says:
Great comparison. I’m going with JJ, whom I’ve seen live lots. I admit I haven’t seen Roy much. I recall that game at Portland, but you can’t judge on one game (or I’d go with JJ for crushing the supposedly clamp-down Boston defense in the 4th in that one particular playoff game last year). Good note re. JJ’s general lack of point guard help in Atlanta. (But thank goodness Billy Knight–against strong opposition–took Horford over Conley.)
JJ is ahead of Roy development-wise and Roy in 3 years vs. JJ today might be different story.
Sorry, but JJ’s move to Atlanta was a great one for him.
Gripes on JJ: He sometimes is just too unselfish with passing to lesser teammates, and he sometimes coasts–he needs to develop 4th quarter focus for entire game (and against crappy competition–like Memphis (w/ OJ attempting to cover him) last night).
December 4th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
rell says:
I have to go with Joe Johnson by a slight margin over Roy. Even though JJ is older I still don’t think he reach his prime yet. If Johnson had a better coach I think his number will be better than they are right now. Larry Brown would be a great coach for ATL.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
mavid says:
LOL at some of yall. Joe is 27 or something. Dude hasnt peaked yet.
I bet if you took a poll of NBA players, Joe would come out waaaaay ahead. Just sayin.
December 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Phil says:
Roy and it’s not even close.
December 4th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
doc says:
Give me Joe Johnson.
December 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
mavid says:
“Roy and it’s not even close.”
Ummm, Joe has better numbers across the board, while facing way more defensive pressure. Gonna have to convince me on that one Phil (from Portland).
December 4th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Joe Johnson is the better player right now hands down and I ride the B-Roy jock more than anyone.
That being said Joe Johnson will NOT win a championship. Brandon is a MUCH better team player and will have a ring before he retires. B-Roy is a fundamental player who cares more about winning than gettin his. B-Roy is to Duncan as JJ is to like a Bosh/Dirk.
December 4th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
YGB (Obama 08) says:
B Roy their should be no debate.
December 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
The saint says:
joe jeezy cuz ppl say i play like him
December 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
The saint says:
joe jeezy cuz ppl say i play like him
December 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
The saint says:
joe jeezy cuz ppl say i play like him
December 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
The saint says:
joe jeezy cuz ppl say i play like him
December 4th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
The saint says:
joe jeezy cuz ppl say i play like him
December 4th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
toshi says:
Joe Johnson led the Hawks to a 37-45 record in the East in the 2007-2008, good for an 8th seed.
Roy led the Blazers to a 41-41 in the western conference last year, the same as Toronto whom had a 6th seed in the east.
Joe Johnson had good games against the Celtics in the playoffs, but give the same chance to Roy and I bet he’d surprise people.
December 4th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Pantelakis says:
Yo Christian…. … just thought I would point out a couple of things with regard to your taking JoeJ over BRoy. Your main point appears to be that they are very similar, but JJ is better because his per game stats are a touch higher. Just a thought, but would game pace impact this at all? The Blazers play a very low possession style of ball that may impact the stats. Also I think the stats should be compared on a per minute basis… it looks like JJ plays 3 more minutes per game than BRoy. Either way, they are both ballers, so I don’t fault you for liking JJ… even though the Blazers have a better record… I take BRoy.
December 4th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
gift of gab says:
joe is like a poorman’s lebron, so roy would be a poorman’s joe. did phx reaaly trade jj for diaw…idiots.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
BlackJesus says:
JJ w/o a doubt. Y’all can make an argument for B.Roy, but deep down u know JJ is the better choice. Lol @ tougher that nigerian hair.
Let’s get that D.West vs. Zach Randolph, D.will vs. C.Paul. A.jefferson vs. L. Aldridge, Amare vs. C. Bosh.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Johnny says:
JOE JOHNSON all the way.
Roy is just a good player, but will not be an elite or a superstar. Roy is a solid all around player, kind of like a Ron Artest without the defense but slightly better offensive game.
Joe Johnson really stepped it up the last 2 yrs. He is a good defender also and has a bigger chance to be an elite player than Roy.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Jcoop says:
Roy all the way. Joe is nice!, but I have seen Roy take over to many games in the 4th and be so clutch. A lot of time Portland will just Iso him at the end and he always comes through with it. I also like roy because he is so good with both hands when finishing drives. Joe Johnson is the man but I just like roy for his intangibles. The point about states to me doesn’t carry much weight. Some players don’t care about stats, but if they did the could but up more. I honestly believe both players could put up a lot more statics if they cared too. Roy never forces his game unless he has too at the end and that’s what great players do. (same for Joe)As for the whole Playoffs thing put Roy in the same situation and he might surprise you. (joe did do it though so +1 for him). all and all both are fantastic just wanted to give my opinion on why I like Roy a little more.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
wiseman says:
b roy for sure
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:50 am
chief youngblood says:
Brandon Roy.
August 30th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Jeremy says:
joe johnson bigger stronger better shooter better rebounder and distributor he will prove this season that hes an elite NBA player
brandon roy was gifted a couple of all star selections
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:48 pm
luke says:
b roy is the better player. jj is a stud no doubt but head to head brandon roy owns him. clutch d by broy and big shots give him the edge, the reason broy doesnt score as much is because he has more threats on his team, lemarcus aldirdge, travis outlaw, rudy fernandez. he doesnt need to avg 24 a game. plus i believe broy hit the most game winning shots last season
September 28th, 2009 at 3:24 am
Ivy says:
too be honest Brandon roy is one of my fav players right next to iggy but gotta admit joe johnson is the man awell, that guy can shoot with that deadly clutch but that celtics series aint the reason thats like saying dwights better than lebron cuz the magic beat the cavs in the semi’s. but both players are equal on almost each area of b ball. eg b roy hits the j with his crazy clutch but also jj. so equal too me this match up.
November 5th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Dave says:
Yea Rudy Gay is a problem but hes not better than Roy or Joe he def has the potential to be tho
February 9th, 2010 at 1:01 am
ryan says:
Roy over johnson.. roy is a better playmaker by far and can pass much better. shooting johnson is a little better