The decision to sign Joe Johnson, if nothing else, is a confusing move that needs some explaining from the Detroit Pistons
It may have taken you aback when it was reported a couple of weeks ago that Joe Johnson was set to work out for multiple NBA teams. Perhaps it surprised you, even more, when it was officially announced that Johnson was set to sign with the Detroit Pistons.
Off the top of your head, the easy stance was that he didn’t deserve another shot in the NBA or how Michael Beasley – who was waived to make room for Johnson – was royally screwed.
However, before I get into that, I’d like to argue about how this is a great story. Johnson was out of the league and played his way back – get this, via the BIG3 League – on to an NBA roster. If nothing else, he’s going to get a chance to win a roster spot in training camp.
Joe Johnson has agreed to a partially guaranteed one-year deal with the Detroit Pistons, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 12, 2019
For the most part, the BIG3 has been more of a joke (for the lack of better words) than an actual place for ex-players to showcase their talents. And even if they wanted to showcase their talents to eventually make their way back to the NBA, it never worked. Until now.
Johnson won a BIG3 championship and was named MVP this past season. And was mightily impressive in doing so. If nothing else, he showed that he’s still the best of old, past-their-prime players.
From the perspective of Johnson, it’s a great story.
With that said, Johnson, who just turned 38 years old, is an interesting add for the Pistons.
I don’t think anyone would deny that. It’s a fact. Detroit isn’t a contender that is a veteran away from contention. Adding Johnson, who perhaps might never break the rotation, and cutting Beasley, who at the very least could theoretically break the rotation, is somewhat of an odd move.
At the very least, this move should come with some explaining. Joe Johnson has had a fine career in the NBA, which includes being a seven-time All-Star. However, Johnson hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2017-18 season. And even then, barely saw the floor towards the latter portion of his stint with the Houston Rockets.
Despite his great performance in the BIG3, I find it hard to believe that Johnson, one year removed from the NBA, is going to come in, at his age, and win a rotation spot for the Pistons. Again, this isn’t one of the most talented teams in the NBA, in fact, they may be considered far from it, but it would be quite the upset for Johnson to play meaningful minutes for Detroit this season.
Either way, this is a confusing move no matter how you come to the conclusion. I suppose if you want to say Johnson will bring some added leadership to the locker room, it makes sense. However, if Blake Griffin, at this point in his career, isn’t solidifying a locker room on his own, perhaps that says more about where this team stands heading into the season than the addition of Johnson itself does.
Joe Johnson getting another shot in the NBA is certainly a great feel-good story, and I don’t want to step all over it. But, the Detroit Pistons certainly have some explaining to do about this move. It makes little-to-no sense.