Joe Johnson makes NBA return, signs 10-day deal with Boston

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Joe “Iso Joe” Johnson is back.

With limited players left in the Boston Celtics roster due to COVID-19 protocols issues, the management made the crucial decision of signing the 40-year-old free agent on a 10-day contract.

It was pure nostalgia during Boston’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The whole Celtics crowd shouted “We want Joe! We want Joe!” and the coaching staff tapped Johnson’s number and eventually played in the last few stretches during their win.

Loud oohs and aahs were then heard when Johnson was able to sink a tough fall-away jumper, one of the signature shots that made him into one of the most lethal scorers during his time in the league.

It was also a surreal feeling for Johnson as he got the chance to play with the team that drafted him during the 2001 NBA Rookie Draft.

Now that Johnson is back in the league, he will look to earn the trust of the whole management for the chance to extend his signed contract to a long-term deal.

After Johnson exited the league as a free agent, he played in different basketball leagues including Ice Cube’s Big3 basketball league where he shocked the world and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for two straight seasons.

Aside from Johnson, several former NBA veterans were also able to make their return to the league including point guard Isaiah Thomas and shooting guard Lance Stephenson.