What we know about Joe Johnson and the Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons Luke Kennard and potential Piston Joe Johnson. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Luke Kennard and potential Piston Joe Johnson. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

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.

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.

More from PistonPowered

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.

Stay up to date with the latest Pistons news and analysis by liking the Piston Powered Facebook page and following us on Twitter @PistonPowered.