The Best Role for Joe Johnson
Billy King, a general manager known for his willingness to make an abundance of roster transactions, seemed to have gone into overdrive this past offseason. With the “Five Year Plan” in the hindsight of the organization, King did his best to bring in players that were athletic, young and most importantly for Brooklyn, affordable.
This particular personnel group consisted primarily of journeymen and players who were grasping at a second, third, and perhaps last chance to prove themselves in the NBA. The fact that they’re still around the league supports the notion that they have the talent, but lack something else: an x-factor . The Brooklyn Nets will be an almost completely retooled team going into the start of the 2015-2016 NBA season and with that will come the change as well as reallocation of roles. This is where Joe Johnson will step in to be the leader by example and emotional cornerstone of the team.
Rumors have begun to circulate that the best role for Joe Johnson would be one where he comes off the bench. Brooklyn Nets commentator and expert Ian Eagle commented on his take on Johnson’s role this season:
“I wouldn’t be shocked if he came off the bench this year. That wouldn’t shock me in the least bit.”
He goes on to explain that it would make sense to have Johnson play against the talent of second units, while keeping his body fresh by not forcing him to guard other fours. Although this makes sense, there are coaching options that could be used to garner equally, if not more favorable situations.
As the leading veteran and the highest paid player on the team, I disagree that Johnson should come off the bench. While boasting the second highest paying contract in the league, the responsibilities to lead the Nets will be set on his shoulders. He won’t have to be the highest scoring player in the league, but his play on the court along with his intangibles on and off of it will play a huge role in how far the team goes.
Brooklyn cannot afford to have Johnson as a bench player. He is their best perimeter threat, and one of the few perimeter players that can create a shot for himself. He’ll be needed to set the offensive tone at the start of games. And he’ll often be called upon to bail the Nets out of bad possessions as the new group takes time to become a cohesive unit. There are too many glaring necessities that Johnson will be doing his best to provide for him to become a bench player this year.