In the last 3 seasons, so many sixer fans in this forum have said how they didn't want DJ on the team, citing :

- Lack of D.
- Lack of commitment when down.
- Shorts pulling.

This is that wish coming true, aren't you all happy?

I am not hugely disappointed. He is the most frustrating player in the league, natural talent but laziness. I've hoped he would get it but he just has not progressed.

What options do they have to replace him in free agency?
They could go for an import big.
Wouldn't blame Johnson for going overseas he is in his prime and could earn alot more in Europe.

Cannot believe some clowns on here when it comes to 'free' critising DJ.
Would love to know what percentage of the 'haters' are anonymous-- 98%?

He has done a fantastic job this season and improved heaps.
As per previous post, 'if' he does not return, will you be happy, or just direct your credentialled criticism to the next player who replaces DJ.
Get over it-- support your team during the finals.
Nothing worse than a could have been advising others what to do!

I'm a Perth fan and I actually think he is a good player I actually can't believe how much shit 36er fans heap on him. As I said in my last post he should go and make some serious coin while he can. Good luck to him.

Not many Aussies make it in Europe as imports, will be tough for him to do so. At the moment Newley and maybe Motum (not sure about his passport) are the only ones I can think of playing as imports at a decent level over there, plus Jawai before injury.

Not only will DJ have to work on his defence, his shot selection will have to change. Some good shots in our style of play will get you in the doghouse over there.

He needs to find a team that will utilise his talents well, but the odds of them actually chasing him as an import means it's probably not a sure thing as some think.

Firstly agreed, he cops far too much shot from "supporters" (using that word loosely) and I wouldn't blame him for going!

Does he have a preference of which countries to play in or would he just accept anything to get away from the criticism.

There are 4 new teams coming into the league in just over a years time (recruiting atleast) and they could do far worse than have DJ as their marquee Australian player

Steal Conklin maybe if we had to?

That last comment was me sorry.

I'm impressed this season with DJs maturity on court and willingness to go tough and his rapid change in attitude. It is showing in his results and he seems to have a personal bond with the team and thats great for a young man to have. This 36ers team is also about TEAM and he is doing what he is told and needs to do and that deserves respect. I would like to see him get in 1 or 2 seasons more under Joey with this playing group as it has done him a world of good and perhaps rushing off to Euroleague etc may disadvantage him in the long run as he is on a steep development curve right now. It is working and I would love to see just how much better he can get. Goulding getting interest from the states and there is no reason why not if DJ continues to improve that he can't gain the same interest in the future. The states are obviously having a different view to our league as well, especially with the ability of players to have no transition or cultural issues coming into Australia and vice versa. EuroAisa is currently the least stable it has been for a while and that may not be as enticing for some. We have to remember that not all players are motivated by the dollar either, while it is good to earn a few quid some may have other aspirations and not want to get lost in the EuroAsia leagues. Others are working towards other study and job prospects post basketball and others have strong family ties. So we need not make assumptions based on our own experience and desires. He may choose to go to Europe and return for next season here, thats what I am hoping

I just hope that DJ continues to improve and I hope that we still get to enjoy that journey as I am really enjoying it this season. Good for him.... Onya Joey for bringing it out, we always knew he had it in him.

I wasn't a fan last year either but now converting fast...

6er's fans have been lucky to have DJ....pretty much the most productive big in the league for the last 4 years!

Many talk about his lack of D but it has been as much about his D and the poor team D over the last few years!

In most ball clubs you'd have played him beside a defensive minded 4 and let him worry about getting his 24 & 10 every night!

In the current NBL he is irreplaceble among the Aussie bigs...you'd have to look for an import to try and get that sort of production which wouldn't be coming cheap!

Would be sad to see him go, he's an offensive force for us

I think his poor showing for the Boomers was the kick in the ass he needed, and he has responded. He is playing much better... Still needs to work on the defence.. but overall.. a lot better. I would prefer he didn't go to Europe next season. But I am sure a Euro team would see his tools and be interested.

@Paul
Anderson France
Majok Germany
Maric Russia
Broekoff Turkey
Kickert Ukraine
Barlow Poland
Ingles Israel
All high standard and good $$$$

DJ has been huge the last 2 years. I would be disappointed to see him go, but he has to make a living. He would be on top wage here, but nothing compared to what he could make over there.
Hope 36ers keep him but only time will tell.

"@Paul
Anderson France
Maric Russia
Broekoff Turkey
Kickert Ukraine
Ingles Israel
All high standard and good $$$$"

None of those guys are imports, they play on European passports. Majok is playing second division in Germany and Barlow was sacked from Poland quite some time ago.

A European passport is worth EVERYTHING.
It's a whole new ballgame if you aren't an import competing against the US players.

I also like having DJ in the team with a defensive player in the frontcourt with him. Not likely to be trivial to replace.

That said, as I suggested earlier, there would be options available like pairing Petrie with Conklin or a guy like Hudson. Doubt either are especially expensive.

Haven't seen a lot of Conklin's play, but if he's half decent and a lot cheaper, you could do things like run him with Petrie, Schenscher off the bench, try to lure Forman home, save money for a non-budget import SF, etc.

Sure is. Ask guys like Rillie and Bradtke. Not having one can often mean you don't unpack too much over there!

hi Marcus Camby

yes , your tolling is spot on as always - if it was not for the fantastic development that was put in by Australia's best development coaching duo ( and the carefully planned PW effect they managed to get out of him in his brief Boomers stint)DJ would not have broken out of the whinny self-absorbed lazy and 1/2-assed attitude he displayed for all of those 3-years and finally extracted a digit this year under the woefully overrated new coach.

we will be absolutely devastated to see him go after paying him 4 years wages for one seasons' effort.

Lets hope we get a great finals effort out of him this year and get a flag before all of that development work goes down the drain.

If DJ leaves go hard after Gary Wilkinson.

He has come along way and is a solid part of the core 36ers shame to lose him regardless of opinion past and present

Momo undersized to play the 5 at NBL level and lacks a jumper so can't play the 4 spot.

Good guy but limited at NBL level at best.

I agree with Paul, if DJ goes, 6ers should be teeing up Wilkinson, if someone else doesn't grab him first.

Its always been said how intelligent Adelaide supports are and I usually believe this until I read posts on here by some people. DJ had become an excellent player but complainers will always complain no matter what. Would be a shame to lose him.

Always thought Cadee would head for home (Sydney) on the next contract. Sydney would really benefit.

Quote: "How would Momo Ntumba go as a cheap import? Seems to be a good player in the SEABL."

In the right club/role he'd be OK as a cheapie no way could he replace DJ. Momo is only a threat under the basket - no jumper as Tiger Watcher rightly says.

Agreed re: Big Luke's salary and its impact.

If DJ does go, could the 36ers make a play at Ogilvy

If Cadee went, I don't think it will be too unfavourable to the 36ers.

You could give his minutes to someone like Daly (which would save salary cap surely?)

Get Ogilvy's salary from DJ, the difference in salary between Cadee - Daly and the salary saved from getting a returning college player rather than an established backup.

Get rebounding and interior defence from Ogilvy, together with some scoring. Only other hole to fill is outside shooting (quite a serious problem)

Ogilvy can make megabucks in Europe as he has a passport, turned down offers this season to come home, so I imagine it would be tough for another Aussie city to get him, and tough even for the Kings to keep him.

Could Corey Maynard come home to Adelaide if Cadee goes?

Rets row Ree-Ray, rets row!

Todd Blanchfield...…..

I think it would be sad to see Johnson go because he has improved a lot and adds a lot to the scoreboard, however his defense is not great which results in giving up points to the opposition. Another 2 years in Adelaide under Joey Wright would improve that immensely.

Would do everything I could to keep DJ if I were the Sixers. Offensively I don't think there is an Aussie big man in the NBL who comes close.

If you want to win championships you have hang onto players like him. If he does leave for Europe, we need to grab someone like Ogilvy or Matt Knight. No-one else currently in the league is really going to cut it.

RE: Anonymous:
"Cross our fingers he doesn't read Hoops, the haters on here will come into his decision, and the booing might not help either."

Agreed! ATTN: DJ (if you read this) Adelaide loves you and we don't want to see you go!

...Well some might but meh... fuck em.