Opposing Western Conference teams now officially have yet another Houston Rockets long-range threat to worry about this season. The team announced on Wednesday the signing of seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson for the remainder of the season.
Johnson, 36, was acquired by the Sacramento Kings from the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade at the deadline last week. He was almost immediately bought out — allowing the veteran to hit the free agent market. A former first-round pick of Boston back in 2001, Johnson was averaging 7.3 points and shooting at what would be a career-low 27 percent from three-point range prior to the trade. Though, he is also one year removed from shooting at a blistering 41 percent mark from distance.
This addition gives a surprising Houston squad yet another option from beyond the arc. The Rockets had added P.J. Tucker, Chris Paul and Gerald Green this past summer to team up with James Harden, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson to form a filthy perimeter unit.
Heading into the All-Star Break, Houston boasts the second-best record in the NBA. Adding someone of Johnson’s ilk will surely help this team moving forward.