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Ivan Johnson has been named as the NBA's Rookie of the Month for April after averaging 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He led all rookies in steals per game at 1.45 per game and field goal percentage at .582 for the month. Johnson had six double figures scoring games in April including a career-high 21 against Toronto.
Johnson entered training camp as little more than an afterthought but has become somewhat of a cult hero in Atlanta. His physical play has allowed him the ability to fit in at backup center for the Hawks despite being undersized for the position. Johnson is averaging 6.4 points per game for the Hawks this season but has seen his role increase even more as the Hawks have dealt with injuries at the center position.
Atlanta begins its 2012 Playoff series with the Boston Celtics on Sunday at Philips Arena and Ivan Johnson figures to play a big part in the series.