Indiana Pacers exit interviews: James Johnson learned to become a leader for a team that needed it
James Johnson has been an on-court contributor for most of his NBA career. Since being drafted in 2009, the veteran forward has played at least 50 games in all but two seasons of his career, and one of those instances came during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 campaign. Johnson has oozed toughness on the hardwood for over a decade.
This year was different. Johnson, 36, joined the Indiana Pacers and reunited with head coach Rick Carlisle. The two overlapped in Dallas two seasons ago, and Carlisle knew that Johnson's leadership capabilities could help a younger Pacers team.
He was spot on. Former Indiana center Goga Bitadze described Johnson's locker room impact as "amazing" early in the season, and the 14-year veteran continued to provide that value throughout the year.
The difference between this campaign and past ones for Johnson is that this time around, he was not asked to play much. In the end, the Wyoming native played in just 18 games, amassing only 162 total minutes. That was far and away a career low.
Some of those minutes — particularly against the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson's former team — went fine. Others were rough. But the Pacers still wanted to keep Johnson past the contract guarantee deadline and the trade deadline because of the value he provided off the court, and that is the story of his season. Despite his on-court impact fading, the Wake Forest product was as important as ever.
In that role change from contributor to teacher, Johnson learned a lot about himself. "I learned I can do it," Johnson said of a veteran-heavy role during his exit interview this week. "Going from such a competitor like myself and a warrior like myself, [I thought] it would be harder to transition than what it really was."
Indiana was Johnson's tenth franchise in the NBA. Many young Pacers pointed to him as an important voice for younger players throughout the season, as did Carlisle. The way he kept the group together was important.
"I give all credit to my teammates for being the guys who they are and allowing me to help lead the team," the veteran forward said.
Johnson is a free agent this summer but hasn't thought about his future yet. He was excited about hanging out with his sons now that the season is over. One of his sons, Naymin, brought his dad the game ball after Johnson played well against Detroit in March.
The Pacers forward will turn 37 next year. He averaged 2.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this past season.
He made sure to credit his teammates for being open to leadership on Monday. "For them to allow me to help steer it in a direction that I felt was toughness and winning-like... I always liked the saying 'Act like a champion, think like a champion, until you become a champion'. I didn't have to install that on this team as much," Johnson said. "It was already ready for them."
Few will remember a James Johnson highlight from the 2022-23 season. But the guidance and advice he provided to his younger teammates will have a lasting impact on the Indiana Pacers for years to come.
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