The Celtics are throwing it back to 2001
The Celtics are bringing one of their 2001 draft picks back to the playing roster.
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 05: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks wears a headband promoting the NBA’s recycling campaign during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Philips Arena on April 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
It's been over two decades since the Boston Celtics drafted Joe Johnson with the No. 10 overall pick, and nearly 20 years since he last donned a Celtics jersey. But the 40-year-old is finally back where it all started, as the Celtics have signed the veteran scorer to a 10-day contract, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
(ISO JOE!)
Johnson's signing comes with the Celtics depleted by COVID and nagging injuries, and ahead of the team's Wednesday night showdown with the Cavaliers. Johnson, by the way, will be available for that game, according to Woj.
It's been over three years since Johnson last appeared in an NBA game, with his final NBA appearance coming with the Rockets and in a playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors on May 28, 2018. Johnson later signed with the Pistons in 2019, but failed to make the team out of training camp, and has kept busy in Ice Cube's BIG3 league, where he's won two MVP awards.
A veteran of nearly 1,300 NBA games, Johnson was a seven-time All-Star during his first NBA stint, and ranks 45th on the league's all-time points list, and has dropped the 14th-most three-point shots in league history.
