Joe Johnson may be about to change the way the NBA looks at the BIG3 League.
Since its inception in 2017, the summertime three-on-three competition has been seen as a way for former NBA players to keep their names in the spotlight once they’re past their prime. The games are played in a half-court format and feature two-, three- and four-point shots along with other unique rules.
The league has never been considered a pathway back to the NBA, but Johnson may be about to break that barrier. It was reported earlier tonight that he will work out for the Sixers tomorrow in Philadelphia. The Clippers, Bucks, Nuggets and Pelicans are also interested in seeing if the 38-year-old has anything left in the tank.
“This is and will be big for @thebig3, giving players the platform to perform and make it back to the league,” former Heat star Dwyane Wade tweeted.
Although it didn’t affect Johnson, one reason for the league’s new status is a rules change adopted this year that lowers the minimum age for players from 30 to 27. That allowed a fresh infusion of talent, including many players who are still in the prime of their careers.
One of the top proponents of the BIG3 is Celtics TV analyst Brian Scalabrine, who serves as team captain of the Ball Hogs. He told Frank Isola of The Athletic that Carmelo Anthony would be in a better position to land a training camp invitation if he had played in the league.
“Joe Johnson would not be in the conversation if he didn’t play in the BIG3,” Scalabrine said. “I want Carmelo Anthony to realize that hanging out with his trainer and playing in these bogus pick-up games is not better than playing in the BIG3. If Carmelo was killing the BIG3 it can help him, (but) I think these guys believe it can only hurt them. I think agents think it can only hurt them. But I’m telling you if you’re dominating the BIG3, you’ll get back in the league.”
We want to get your opinion. Will Johnson’s experience help the BIG3 turn into a summertime showcase for players who want to return to the NBA? Please leave your responses in the space below.
Even if Carmelo took the time to be “killing the BIG3” it wouldn’t make a lick of difference. He still wouldn’t be on an NBA roster.
In the BIG3 you don’t run or play defense, Melo’s found his calling.
The Big 3 could be a showcase for certain guys, but Joe Johnson is done. He’s 38. I applaud him for being awesome in Utah at 34, 35. But he’s done.
I disagree… I think in general a 38 year old would be done even if he “dominated the Big3” but with Johnson it’s different… the guy can shoot the lights out and in the NBA having a guy come off the bench even for 5-10 minutes a game that can shoot the way he does… he’ll get an opportunity if he wants it.
Okay but then I wonder why he flamed out with the rockets and why Joe Johnson wasn’t signed for this last season?
Yep, he totally flamed out in Houston. He was afforded every opportunity here and was no better than Ryan Anderson during the playoffs in 2018.
So if he’s not done now, you’re hyping the big3 for recharging powers!
Not saying he is recharged. I haven’t caught on with the league, despite the national TV exposure it gets and lack of competition until… this weekend! Buckeyes on!
I just went and looked at Joe Johnson stats the last few years. He started flaming out in 2017 and 2018. Then he didn’t play last year at all. Now he’s 38 trying to come back. I don’t think it’s going to happen for him.
But he’s had an amazing career. King of the mid-range kind of like one of my favorite players ever Brandon Roy. But Joe Johnson is done.
Loved that era of Husky basketball. I read where the previous coach Bob Bender recruited the players then Romar spurred their attitude. Should have won a title but some tourney ref got mad at Romar for some reason & wouldn’t give him reset seconds with only a few left. Anyway.
Sometimes an athlete just needs the right situation and opportunity. Looking at recent numbers will never give you the full story about anything.
Carrying a lot of prejudice is not always the answer to making good decisions. It’s great for making quick decisions, but not good ones.
Anyone who thinks Iso Joe has anything left to offer an NBA team didn’t watch him play for the Rockets, he’s done. Period.
Anyone gets done in Houston… even CP3 look off there, wait & see how good he looks in OKC. Houston makes anyone look bad, that is why they ain’t a good team, probably a first round exit that’s just about a good season for them this year.
His D was okay, but he didn’t hit his 3s. If he does now, someone might want him. Houston would not be a fit; Philly minus Redick may be. Not a fan but I’m rooting for him for the novelty.
IDK what all this “done” talk means.
Melo should play BIG3 if he can’t get an NBA deal.
Jamal Crawford would be amazing in the BIG3, Marshon Brooks would be mean for that league. As for some bigs Z-Bo would be cool there. David West and David Lee also.
I might watch to see David West but he could pick an NBA team & take a spot! Doesn’t want to.
He dudes 38 and played 15 years of nba already and won 2 rings he won’t come back there. He would be good for the BIG3 tho
Melo may have gotten “over-exposed” in the Big3 and not dominated… that wouldn’t help him get an nba invite
Yeah the argument assumes everyone plays well in Big3, but what if they don’t? SOMEONE has to lose. If I’m a fringe NBA player, I would hate for it to be me.
Even if you play well – or even dominate – the Big3 OR the TBT $2mil tournament, does that mean you’re nba ready? Probably not.
Which of these would give you the least relevant info that a guy can play in the NBA?
1. Playing in the NBA
2. Playing in college
3. Playing overseas
4. Playing in the G League
5. Playing in the NBA Summer League
6. Playing in the BIG3
7. Playing in your driveway
I call it a tie between 6&7.
LOL
Yeah the Big3 is entertaining but its relationship to basketball is like the home run contest in the all-star game’s relationship to baseball.
I do think that the intensity and level of excellence in the NBA is such that there really is no equivalent in sports, it is a 5 player game and in most games maybe 3 or 4 others get in to the game for a brief time. Stamina is as important as pure talent. That is why the Big3 is fine for older players, they can rely on talent (even if they only have one of them) and do not have to maintain the stamina required for a grueling slate of games and a lot of running.