What we know about Joe Johnson and the Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are one of three NBA teams working out Joe Johnson. Here’s the latest update on where the two stand right now.
Joe Johnson‘s Big3 performance was watched carefully and several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, have taken enough interest to give the 17-year NBA veteran another shot.
Johnson, 38, did not play last season after no teams expressed interest in him, though he wanted to re-sign with the Houston Rockets following the 2017-18 season. The seven-time All-Star turned to the Big3 and won the MVP award.
The latest update is that Johnson is working out for the Pistons in Detroit on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. But there could be more to the story.
Related Story. Why the Pistons should avoid signing Joe Johnson. light
On Tuesday morning, it was reported that the Pistons are the favorites to land Johnson. Detroit could win the free agency bid over the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.
"“From what I’m hearing, Detroit is the favorite to land Joe Johnson,” The Athletic’s Frank Isola said on SiruisXM Radio."
It’s a match that’s been in the works for 237 weeks. The Pistons were interested in Johnson four years ago under Stan Van Gundy. Looking back on it, that probably wasn’t the best match.
It is now.
Related Story. How Joe Johnson could fit with the Pistons. light
More from PistonPowered
- Which Detroit Pistons could save Team USA in the Olympics?
- Detroit Pistons could have major roster churn after 2023-24 season
- The best Detroit Pistons to wear each uniform number
- Full Detroit Pistons NBA 2K24 ratings
- Detroit Pistons: Who will sign the remaining NBA free agents?
The Pistons are incredibly thin on the wing, particularly the small forward position. The offseason trade to acquire Tony Snell provided a 3-and-D starting small forward. Pistons senior advisor Ed Stefanski knows that there’s a depth issue, which is why he signed Michael Beasley to a non-guaranteed contract.
Johnson has a realistic shot at making the Pistons roster. He’s immediately available, unlike Beasley who is suspended the first five games of the season.
At 6-foot-7, Johnson could play either wing position, and even slide to the four spot in small-ball lineups and defensive switches. That versatility is something the Pistons lack, with half their roster 6-foot-5 or shorter and the bigs’ skill sets are mostly to play the four or five.
But there’s also a realistic counterpoint, which Sean McFadden details further. Johnson was playing in a 3-on-3 league against former NBA players, most of which wouldn’t be granted a NBA tryout today.
For Johnson, it’s a great fit that could turn into a substantial role back in the NBA. But he’s going to have to prove it and his time to do so for the Pistons is on Tuesday.
Next. Detroit Pistons replay center: Blake Griffin post-ups. dark
Stay up to date with the latest Pistons news and analysis by liking the Piston Powered Facebook page and following us on Twitter @PistonPowered.