Since joining the Miami Heat in February, Joe Johnson has been on a roll. He is averaging 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists assists per game since he took his talents to South Beach. Though Johnson is a seven-time All-Star and has had his fair share of time in the limelight, there are many things you may not have known about the 14-year NBA veteran.
Let’s take a look at some surprising facts and statistics relating to Johnson’s successful tenure as an NBA star.
1. He is shooting a staggering .596 from the field and .643 on 3-pointers with the Heat.
That’s pretty impressive considering he’s only going to get better in Miami once he learns the system.
“I’m about 65, 70 percent there,” he said of learning the Heat’s sets.
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2. He was drafted 10th overall in 2001 and actually played for the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns.
This was all before he became a key member of the Atlanta Hawks, where he rose to fame as “Iso Joe.”
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3. In 2010, he was the NBA’s highest-paid player after signing with the Atlanta Hawks.
Johnson signed a six-year, $123.7 million contract.
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4. Technically, he’s the lowest paid player on Miami’s roster.
Johnson is only making $414,481 to play for the Heat this year. Pat Riley and company managed to get him at a wildly reduced price after Johnson negotiated a buyout with the Brooklyn Nets, where he was making $24.9 million per year.
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5. He currently ranks third in total games played amongst active players who haven’t reached the NBA Finals.
He trails just Andre Miller and Vince Carter in this category.
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6. Johnson ranks 10th all-time on the three-pointers made list.
He ranks ahead of Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki on this list, so it’s safe to say he’s in good company.
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7. He also ranks 10th all-time in points scored by active players.
He’s sandwiched between teammate Dwyane Wade and two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol. Once again, good company.
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8. Johnson is averaging the highest free-throw percentage of his career this season.
The swingman is shooting an impressive 85.7% on the season.
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9. He’s one of the most experienced postseason players in the NBA.
With 87 playoff games under his belt, he’ll fit in right with the Heat.
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10. Johnson once owned a home in Miami and has spent the past six or seven summers here.
He’s been “relaxing and training” during his past six or seven summers in Miami. Heat fans certainly hope Johnson can continue his successful, winning ways, as they currently are without Chris Bosh for an undetermined amount of time, but still hope to make an extended playoff push. Miami could certainly use the uptick in scoring and veteran leadership Johnson provides in the absence of Bosh.
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