Milwaukee Bucks: The pros and cons of signing free agent Joe Johnson
By Dalton Sell
Having been linked to a handful of potential candidates in recent weeks, the Milwaukee Bucks have actively been trying to fill their final roster spot.
They reportedly recently worked out veteran guard and former Buck Brandon Knight, but any details about traction on that front have gone silent. The team has a handful of options on the market that they could look at to fill that vacancy, and it appears they are eyeing a household NBA veteran in Joe Johnson as a potential suitor.
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As first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Bucks are set to hold a workout for Johnson at some point this week.
The 17-year NBA veteran has been strongly gunning for a comeback after previously playing in the BIG3 basketball league and recently taking a spot on the USA Basketball Men’s AmeriCup Qualifying Team.
Johnson holds career averages of 16 points on .441/.371/.802 shooting splits, four rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game throughout his 17 seasons. His impressive resume includes a nod on the 2001-02 All-Rookie team, a whopping seven All-Star appearances, and an All-NBA third-team selection during the 2009-10 season.
Now, it appears that the Bucks will give the forward a genuine shot to make his way back onto an NBA roster right in time for this year’s postseason. With that being said, here are the potential pros and cons for the Bucks signing Joe Johnson as they prepare to work out the former All-Star.
The pros of the Milwaukee Bucks signing Joe Johnson
Throughout his illustrious 17 seasons in the NBA, Johnson was most known for his high-octane scoring prowess. His ability to thrive with the basketball in isolation situations made him a lethal scoring threat, particularly down the stretch, as he is currently tied with Kobe Bryant for second place all-time in game-winning buzzer-beaters with eight.
While the Bucks would likely not get double figures from Johnson every night, they could use another scorer in the second unit. Milwaukee’s bench ranks 20th in bench scoring this season with 34.6 points per game, and their inconsistencies have been a looming issue this season. Johnson does not bridge the gap entirely at this stage in his career, but a player with his scoring reputation could certainly help.
When last seen in the league, Johnson averaged 6.8 points on .406/.276/.889 shooting splits, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 21.9 minutes across 54 appearances with the Jazz and Rockets.
If all else fails, the 17-year veteran could provide some welcoming veteran leadership in Milwaukee’s locker room. At 39 years old, Johnson has been in the league for a long time, and having a player with his stature around the team would be a solid idea as the Bucks gear up for another playoff run.