NBA players name Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson as player they would 'least like to fight', per survey in The Athletic
James Johnson always has his teammate's backs.
The Indiana Pacers forward is known for his toughness and grit. On the court, he's physical and never backs down from a challenge. Off the court, he's a kick boxer and MMA fighter with a black belt. His family excels at karate.
That's why it's no surprise that when The Athletic surveyed 90 NBA players and asked "Who in the league would you least like to fight?", Johnson received 41.1% of the votes, roughly 37 of the players. He received the most votes. The poll was anonymous so that players could speak more freely.
The Pacers signed Johnson for his veteran abilities and his toughness. Head coach Rick Carlisle knew what Johnson could add to a team from their time together in Dallas, and Indiana needed a player like Johnon.
His reputation around the league is strong, as The Athletic's survey points out. One player is quoted in the piece as saying, "That's not smoke they want. I've seen it in person."
Johnson's reputation within the Pacers was strong, too. He was excellent in the locker room for the young team, providing insight and thoughts from his unique perspective.
"He doesn't let things slide," Indiana guard T.J. McConnell said of Johnson during the season. He helped the team cultivate winning habits, something Carlisle made a focus this campaign.
In his exit interview last week, Johnson called himself a warrior and a competitor. He learned how to become a day-in and day-out leader this season, which was a needed role for the blue and gold.
He also gave credit to the young roster for being sponges and having the right mentality. "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. It was already ready for them," the 36-year old said. He was the only Pacer born before 1992 for much of the season, but the team acquired the older George Hill at the trade deadline.
Without Johnson, the personality of the Pacers would have been totally different this season. His toughness, combined with him always having his teammate's back, is a big factor in why.
Read the rest of The Athletic's anonymous player poll here to see more illuminating thoughts about what NBA players think about various interesting topics.
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- Indiana Pacers President Kevin Pritchard knows he must toe the fine line between neutral and accelerating. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers exit interviews: Myles Turner put it all together. Now he wants more team success with the Pacers. CLICK HERE.
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