Title: Stanley Johnson emerges with a new role in the Raptors rotation
Date: January 26, 2021
Original Source: The Athletic
Synopsis: In my latest for The Athletic Toronto, I wrote about Stanley Johnson changing his game to become the rare failed lottery pick with a second act in the NBA.
Without Pascal Siakam available on Sunday, head coach Nick Nurse turned to Stanley Johnson in the starting lineup. A few weeks ago, it would have seemed strange. It was one of several unexpected twists that helped the Raptors to an unlikely victory against the Pacers. And while Johnson returned to the bench in Monday’s rematch, he was no less involved, playing 29 minutes.
This was not a case of a thinned-out team handing empty minutes over to a bench player. Johnson has been making a case for legitimate rotation inclusion all season, making an impact when called on in situations like these. On Monday, the Raptors won the minutes Johnson was on the floor by three, notable in a 15-point loss. Johnson tied for a team-high with six assists, added a couple of steals and, despite attempting just a single field goal, contributed meaningfully.
Blake Murphy Sports Writing 