The Big3 is a 3-on-3 basketball league with players from the NBA, WNBA, and international basketball. Players are paid $250K each to play 20 games in five weeks.
Joe Johnson is a former NBA player who has been playing in the Big3 basketball league since 2017.
(Source: CBS Local Sports) Joe Johnson may be 40 years old, but he is still one of the greatest basketball players on the planet. The 7-time All-Star is one of several former NBA players who are shining in the Big3, a league founded by Ice Cube and entertainment entrepreneur Jeff Kwatinetz to allow players outside of the NBA to continue to play the game they love. Week 7 will premiere on CBS at 1 p.m. EST/PST on Saturday, August 14 and will be streamed on Paramount+.
Johnson is the league’s top scorer with 152 points, as well as the league’s leader in steals and total field goals. The former Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets player recently spoke with CBS Local’s DJ Sixsmith about what it’s like to play in the Big 3, his greatest NBA experiences, and the time he got to defend Michael Jordan.
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“I’m simply grateful to be able to participate this year.” “As a nation, we’ve gone through so much in the last year and a half,” Johnson remarked. “It’s been incredible to finally have a chance to participate and have people attend the game. Jannero Pargo is a former teammate of mine from college. We’re constantly chatting, always in touch, and always trying to figure out a strategy. It’s reassuring to know that we’re constantly working out together. On all the other teams, I know a lot of guys.”
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“We train out together and play pick up together since a couple of them reside in Atlanta,” Johnson said. “It’s all been a lot of fun. There’s Josh Smith, Jarrett Jack, and Josh Powell, all of whom I’ve played with over the last several summers, and it’s exciting to compete with them on the big stage on CBS.”
During his 18-year NBA career, the 10th overall selection in the 2001 NBA Draft averaged 16 points per game and over 20 points per game for five consecutive seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Johnson was a member of the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and Houston Rockets throughout his career. His scoring ability gave him the moniker “Iso Joe,” and he continues to score in the Big3 as he did in the NBA.
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“It’s my first passion, and I respect it, and just because I’m not in the NBA doesn’t mean I can’t play basketball at a high level,” Johnson said. “I take care of my body, manage what I can, and try to compete and have fun out there.” The Big3 is fun, but it is not as simple as it seems. You’ll be OK if you’re in good condition. For me, I grew up at the Hoopfest, where I won a 3 on 3 game when I was 13 or 14. I owe Ice Cube a debt of gratitude for bringing this league together. I played for 18 years and it took a toll on my physique. You will ultimately break down if you do not perform the things necessary to maintain your body robust. It’s all about the longevity and enjoyment of the game for me.”
Joe Johnson is one of the most successful basketball players of all time. He has won eight NBA Championships, four NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, and two Olympic Gold Medals. Reference: joe johnson net worth.
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