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Welcome back Ervin

Authored by Zach Eisendrath - September 1, 2005 - 3:17 am

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Ervin Johnson doesn’t sugarcoat anything. After learning he wasn’t in Minnesota’s plans for next season, the unrestricted free-agent was hoping on working out a deal with the Denver Nuggets. Ervin lives with his family in Denver; can you blame the 37 year-old for wanting to reunite with longtime head coach George Karl and possibly contend for a championship with his up-and-coming hometown franchise?

But that is why you have to love Ervin Johnson.

Always trying to do the right thing. ALWAYS. Whether it be trying to play in Denver to be close to his family, or making up his mind to come to Milwaukee in a timely fashion because he gave his word to general manager Larry Harris, Ervin has always been a class act in Milwaukee, welcome back Ervin Johnson. The Bucks had there best success in over twenty years in EJ’s first go-around with the team. In his six season stint with the Bucks he ended up averaging over six rebounds per game. Sure, EJ had trouble with his share of missed lay-ups, but he brought defensive toughness to the Bucks that has been missing since his departure.

His hardnosed attitude showed as he was the Bucks captain during their remarkable 2001 run to the Eastern Conference Finals. He brought respectability to the team that was missing before his presence and lost after his first departure.

With Andrew Bogut and Dan Gadzuric solidifying the center position, Ervin won’t be asked to do much on the basketball court this year unless a sudden injury. Coach Terry Stotts will ask him to set the tone in the locker room, help out the younger players, build strong team chemistry, and lead by example. Of course, this shouldn’t be a problem to EJ…he has just been doing this…his whole career.

Send questions and comments to Zach at eisen063@umn.edu