Former Grizzlies Player Joins Eastern Conference Contender

The Pacers just got some toughness.

Less than 24 hours after a heated confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, the Indiana Pacers have signed 15-year NBA veteran James Johnson.

According to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski, free agent James Johnson is returning to the Indiana Pacers on a one-year deal.

Free agent F James Johnson is returning to the Indiana Pacers on a one-year deal, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Johnson played for the Pacers last year. This will be his 15th NBA season. pic.twitter.com/et55WrHhTa

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 14, 2023

It's very likely that Johnson was signed by the Pacers specifically for the purposes of bringing a toughness and mental edge to the team, especially after the Giannis incident last night. This could very easily be Indiana's way of having someone to make sure the team doesn't get punked anymore, especially by the Bucks or Lakers. 

Tyrese Haliburton has been an incredibly rising star in the NBA at only 23 years old, and Johnson could very easily be one of his protectors. It's something that every young star in the NBA needs, dating as far back as the 80s. 

Throughout James Johnson's 15-year career, he's averaged 7.6  points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 47/30/68 shooting. He most recently played with the Indiana Pacers last season, where he played 18 games and averaged 9 minutes a game. The season before that though, he played 62 games with the Brooklyn Nets and even started for 10 games. 

While some may argue what the purpose of signing Johnson is, every team should have a tough veteran to help navigate the careers of younger players.

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