This veteran is a treasure to have on Rick Carlisle’s teams.
Date: February 23, 2021; Location: Dallas, Texas, USA Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) at American Airlines Center following his game-winning basket against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Kevin Jairaj
Date: February 23, 2021; Location: Dallas, Texas, USA Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with forward James Johnson (16) at American Airlines Center following his game-winning basket against the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter. Credit is required. Please give credit to Kevin Jairaj of USA TODAY Sports.
In this narrative:
Indiana Pacers vs. Dallas Mavericks
NBA teams are in the process of deciding how to use their remaining roster spots and finalizing their rosters. Spencer Dinwiddie, the Dallas Mavericks’ fifteenth roster place, was just brought back, and now one of their previous players has re-signed with a former Mavs coach.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, former Mavericks forward James Johnson has re-signed with the Indiana Pacers for a one-year contract worth $3.3 million. Johnson is currently the seasoned veteran who can assist develop the young players and provide insurance in the event that one of the elite players gets into a fight.
Johnson played in just 29 games before being moved to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for J.J. Redick in 2020. Johnson was acquired to Dallas to provide security for Luka Doncic. Throughout his 15-year career, he has played for 10 different organizations, earning a living as many teams’ enforcer.
Rick Carlisle was in his final season as the Mavericks’ coach in 2020–21. Johnson’s influence on Carlisle is evident, as he ensured that the enforcer would visit Indiana and the inexperienced Pacers squad. Johnson has only played in 27 games over his two seasons there, but they still value his toughness and experience.
Be the first to comment