Former 8th Overall Pick Reportedly Getting Released

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that Stanley Johnson is getting released by the San Antonio Spurs.

Stanley Johnson has been in the middle of a solid season with the San Antonio Spurs and is averaging 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest (while shooting 53.3% from the field and 45.0% from the three-point range).

However, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reports that the Spurs are releasing the former eighth overall pick (on Sunday).

Via Charania: "The San Antonio Spurs are releasing forward Stanley Johnson, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson had a strong stint for the Spurs this season, shooting 45 percent from 3-point range, and will now look to join a postseason contender."

The San Antonio Spurs are releasing forward Stanley Johnson, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson had a strong stint for the Spurs this season, shooting 45 percent from 3-point range, and will now look to join a postseason contender.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 12, 2023

At just 26 years old, he could be an excellent pickup for a team that is competing for an NBA Championship.

The Spurs (14-43) are one of the worst teams in the league and in rebuilding mode, so Johnson could end up in a much better situation. 

In addition to San Antonio, the former Arizona star has also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons. 

Count that! ☝️ pic.twitter.com/MLrlyXuICt

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 7, 2023

The Pistons drafted him in the 2015 NBA Draft, and he spent the first three and a half seasons of his career with the franchise. 

Through 449 games, he has career averages of 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest. 

Johnson has also played in seven NBA Playoff games (with the Raptors and Pistons). 

The 2022-23 season has been his most efficient shooting year since he came into the NBA (he is in his eighth season).