NBA vet James Johnson on Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton: 'He's probably the biggest student of the game that I've ever been around'
James Johnson was the exact veteran the Indiana Pacers needed last season. The 36-year old joined the team just before training camp, and he instantly provided the squad with a boost thanks to his off-court influence.
"He's a perfect fit just chillin' with us." Pacers guard Buddy Hield said at the time.
Johnson has been on several good rosters during his career, and he has teamed up with MVPs before. He knows a thing or two about the NBA. He was the eldest Pacer by over five years for much of the season.
His experience allowed his words to carry more meaning. When he spoke, others listened. His leadership style was important to a younger Pacers group. "I give all credit to my teammates for being the guys who they are and allowing me to help lead the team," Johnson said at his exit interview.
Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton noted during the 2022-23 season that Johnson had been like a big brother to him throughout the campaign. Those two were leaders for the blue and gold, but the veteran forward was important to Haliburton's growth both on the court and in the locker room. He was a quality voice.
Johnson discussed Haliburton and his abilities on the NBA Rookie Life podcast with former NBA big man and current Houston Rockets analyst Ryan Hollins. The two began talking about the Pacers star about 58 minutes into the episode.
"I think he let everybody know 'I'm one of those guys'," Hollins said. "The way that he commands a game, I didn't understand it JJ. I got to see it, I was a believer but I'm really a believer." The 10-year veteran shared that he is impressed by Haliburton's ability to manipulate the game.
Johnson agreed, and he had a ton of praise for his former teammate. "He's probably the biggest student of the game that I've ever been around. Somebody who [does] nothing but [watch] film," Johnson shared. He added that Haliburton studied his teammates, his opponents, and his own tendencies. The young guard always wanted to correct his mistakes.
Johnson put Haliburton in a player tier with Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, and Zion Williamson. He was teammates with the latter two in the past.
"His way of not running away from confrontation is what makes him such a great leader," Johnson added of Haliburton before going in depth on his passing ability. The veteran shared more about the Pacers, including the team's culture of coming in for practice-like workouts on their off days. Haliburton's leadership played a part in setting that culture.
"It's gonna continue for a long time man. This is a group of guys that, I'm telling you, off days, you would have thought we had practice," Johnson said. He and Hollins broke down an important part of Haliburton's mentality, too — his pettiness. They said it is important to some of the greatest players.
Johnson is still a free agent who has not signed with a team. But he was vital to the Pacers, and Haliburton, this past season. His whole conversation with Hollins, which is over an hour long, can be found on Spotify here.
- Catching up with Indiana Pacers forward Jordan Nwora: On his offseason, team goals, and more. CLICK HERE.
- Four Indiana Pacers make Bleacher Report list of Top 100 NBA players. CLICK HERE.
- Team USA guard Tyrese Haliburton is showing the World exactly what he showed the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- How Jarace Walker can help the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
