Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey admitted that his main concern with new free agent signee Joe Johnson was if he could keep up in today's fast-paced NBA. That doesn't appear to be a problem as the 38-year old apparently impressed Casey with how well he can still run the floor.
“My main concern was Joe getting up and down and he showed that he can still run the floor and still be athletic,” Casey said per Rod Beard of The Detroit News. “He has it, even at (38). He’s not a 40-minute player anymore but we don’t need him for 40 minutes. We need that experience from a guy like that who can bring it at the end of games and close games.”
The 7-time All-Star is currently competing with Christian Wood for the 15th and final roster spot in Detroit.
Casey also said that, while they won't need Johnson to play heavy minutes for them, his veteran presence and shot-making ability, especially in clutch situations, would be a valuable addition to their team. That would be his advantage over the 23-year old big man.
“The need is there but we also have a need for that veteran player like a Joe Johnson, who can put the ball on the floor and still make plays and still shoot the ball,” Casey said. “He stayed in great shape and kept his body in great shape.”
Johnson missed the entire 2018-19 campaign as all teams decided to pass on the veteran forward. However, Iso Joe showed that he still had a lot left in the tank with his dominant stint at the renowned 3-on-3 professional league, the BIG3.
Johnson won the BIG3 MVP in his debut campaign and led the Triplets to the championship. He provided BIG3 fans with some of his classic clutch shots, including a couple from 4-point range.
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