Johan Petro

As the New Jersey Nets look to rebuild with a move to Brooklyn, New York in two years on their horizon, they want Johan Petro to be a part of their future.

The Nets introduced Johan last week, along with three of his new teammates: Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow and Travis Outlaw, at a press conference in New Jersey.

Johan comes to New Jersey with plenty of experience under his belt. Last season, when his former team the Denver Nuggets, needed help in the post in a pinch, they went to No. 27 and he delivered, with 16 starts for the playoff-bound Nuggets. He'll bring that experience to New Jersey, where they're hoping to return to the postseason after a disappointing 2009-2010 season.

"[I will bring] everything I've learned in the past. What I've learned defensively, offensively, around the basket," Johan told Nets.com "I think coach just wants me to be a big presence defensively. Offensively I will find my way. I don't think that's going to be an issue. With all the great players that we have, I will find my way around there. I don't think that's going to be a problem. Defensively, that's the big accent that they've put on me and that's something that I'm definitely going to pull out for them."

Watch Johan talk to Nets.com's Chris Carrino about growing up in France and Guadeloupe, getting a late start on basketball and his move to New Jersey below:

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Johan will fit in right behind starting center Brook Lopez in New Jersey and former Nets GM Rod Thorn, who initiated the signing of Johan, loves what he brings to the table, as he told NorthJersey.com:

"[He's] a young player with a defensive presence who should fit well into our frontcourt rotation," Thorn said.

Johan has 168 career blocks and his size and athleticism lend themselves to his presence as a shot swatter. Oly Sandor of HoopsVibe likes the move for the Nets:

"Johan Petro will bang, rebound, block shots, and defend. And the Frenchman is a serviceable back-up for budding star Brook Lopez.

As usual, the New Jersey Nets signed him for reasonable money, and it’s the latest example of the organization bringing in young, undervalued players."

Johan said he has talked to Nets coach Avery Johnson about his role, is pleased with the plan for him and is ready to show everyone what he's made of:

"I think Coach believes in what I can do – what I’ve never really had the chance to show," Johan told Nets.com. "He put everything in my hands. Now it’s going to be my turn to just go out there and give whatever I have."

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