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Joe Johnson
#2 – Joe Johnson – Atlanta Hawks
Season: 22.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 43% fg percentage, 81% ft percentage
Career: 16.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.0 spg, 44% fg percentage, 78% ft percentage
All Joe Johnson needs is 40 minutes – it’s not an understatement. If you look at his career numbers, Johnson’s numbers catapult as long as he gets time on the floor. Drafted back in 2001 by the Celtics, Johnson has blossomed into one of the game’s best all-around players. Primarily used as a shooting guard, Johnson has shown he can handle the rock, play the wing and take challenge bigger forwards down low. Sure, he’s making a ton of cash but, for a player with his versatility; he’s definitely earning his cut.
Looking back on the draft in 2001 Johnson was a steal at ten. His size, speed and presence on both ends of the floor make him an asset to any team and he’s thriving with the Hawks. After his departure from the Suns, Johnson was eager to show he wasn’t just a one season wonder. Now in his fourth season with Atlanta, Johnson and the Hawks are no longer the bottom feeders of the East – but are expected to make some noise in the playoffs after last year’s success.
The Good
Johnson can do it all. He’s a treat with or without the ball as he can come off screens and rise up or drive and kick the ball outside. Teams much account for him at all times – he’s that dangerous. Sure he doesn’t shoot the three with any consistency but he’s bound to torch you anywhere within 18 feet. Johnson will also get to the line. Although he’s only averaging about five attempts a contest, he shoots a high percentage.
The Bad
His shooting percentage is downright awful. He takes about 18 shots to score 22 points – and that’s not efficient by any means. Johnson is a good player but he’s got to up that percentage to truly be considered an elite player.
The Recap
- Good face up and help defender.
- Shoots a high percentage from the line.
- Willing to pass, more apt to shoot.
- Shoots himself into and out of games.
Tips and Tricks
You never know which Joe Johnson will show up. Will he shoot 16-31 and light you up for 41 or will he shoot 9-25 for 25 points? The only thing you can do is play Johnson by ear. Take his drive away early and dare him to hit open shots. If he starts getting into rhythm, play tighter defense and force him to drive into the middle. Johnson isn’t really a treat to burn you from three – but he will hit an occasional one to keep defenders honest. You don’t want to foul him; get a hand up and challenge.
Final Thoughts
Johnson is a player every team wishes they had. He’s the ideal wing player who you’ll live and die with. He doesn’t shoot a very high percentage, but he’s a streaky shooter who isn’t liable on the defensive end. He’s a very smart player – six assists to two turnovers – and knows where his shots come from. He’s an integral part of the Hawks lineup and, as long as he stays on the court, should continue to put up respectable numbers for many more years.
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