New Orleans Pelicans: Why the Pels should re-sign James Johnson

When the New Orleans Pelicans traded J.J. Redick and Nicolo Melli to the Dallas Mavericks for James Johnson, Wesley Iwundu and a second-round pick, most fans were more excited about the pick than any of the players being swapped.

Redick and Melli were both horrible for the Pelicans this season, James Johnson is old and hadn’t played since February and Iwundu is a guy most fans had never even heard of.

After just a few games it appears that Johnson could end up being the prize for the New Orleans Pelicans and is a guy they should try to re-sign in the offseason, here’s why.

New Orleans Pelicans: James Johnson can still play

Johnson is 34-years-old and definitely in the latter stages of his career, but the man can still play. He has scored 16.5 points and added four assists and 3.5 rebounds in the two games he’s played for the Pels.

He’s gotten big minutes because of injury but Johnson has shown that he can still get it done on both ends, especially in a limited bench role like he would have under normal circumstances.

James Johnson is an adult

This may sound silly but the Pelicans need a few grown adults on this team. Steven Adams would probably like at least one guy on the team who is old enough to to have a beer with and the Pels are lacking in veterans with experience who can provide some leadership and mentor the young guys.

Johnson is a journeyman on his 9th team, so can provide the type of insight that can only be acquired through age.

New Orleans Pelicans: Johnson can provide the defense and toughness the Pels lack

All season we’ve been talking about how the Pelicans’ defense is horrible and that they need some toughness. Let’s face it, this team is soft and needs a few guys like Johnson who are not afraid to mix it up a bit.

He is also a willing defender who can guard just about anyone for stretches, which is something the Pels lack outside of Josh Hart, who might miss the rest of the season with a thumb injury.

Johnson is one of those “junkyard dog” type players who doesn’t need the ball and will do whatever he is asked. He will also hustle at all times and play with effort on defense, which is something the Pels need.

Even if they aren’t able to promise him a big role, the New Orleans Pelicans should re-sign James Johnson in the offseason to start rebuilding their bench with some defense and toughness, which they will need, especially if they lose Hart in the offseason.