Many people remember Joe Johson for his days with the Atlanta Hawks , but before coming to ATL and becoming a perennial All-Star, “Iso Joe” was one of the better role players in the league. Starting his career with the Phoenix Suns, the 6’7″ guard was in the shadow of guys like Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire.
However, when Johnson became the newest member of the Hawks in 2005 via a sign-and-trade that got him paid $70 million, the Little Rock, Arkansas native broke out. At the same time, many thought that it was too much money to pay for an unproven star, but his teammate Josh Smith quickly dismissed those notions and backed up Joe’s abilities.
“I didn’t know how good Joe was until he came on the team. Then I was like, I don’t care what anybody says. This dude is worth whatever they paid him,” Smith praised Johnson.
ATL explosion
After four seasons in Arizona, in which he averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Johnson would have a true renaissance in ATL. Taking the role of the primary option and leader, “Iso Joe” made the Hawks a constant playoff team and tough out in the playoffs.