Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson happens to be one of the most underrated players in the league. Maybe it's because he is so quiet. He is a very effective player even though his game does not consist of a lot flair like his counterparts. His combination of outside shooting and ball handling skill makes him tough to guard. Because of that his opponents are forced to play him close which opens the lane and he has the size and strength to finish plays. He is an excellent catch and shoot guy, but did not get enough chances to utilize that due to the mere fact that most of Atlanta's offense was created through him. But all that changed since Mike Bibby was traded to the Hawks. Johnson is a 3 times All-Star and even though not considered a superstar is a solid defender who has the ability to play several positions. In 2007 he became the first Atlanta Hawks player to be named to the All-Star Games since Shareef Abdur-Rahim in 2002 when he was named a reserves replacement for Jason Kidd by Commissioner David Stern. He is said be the best all round player for the Hawk since Dominique Wilkins. In 2004-05 he became the 4th player in NBA history to make at least 150 three-point field goals and shoot over 45 percent from behind the arc in the same season (others — Glen Rice in 1996-97, Dana Barros in 1994-95 and Dale Ellis in 1988-89). He was a member of Team USA's Men's Senior National Team in 2006. Averaging 17.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assist in his career makes Joe Johnson a very effective and stable player in the league. But all that goes unnoticed. While I love the hype that Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Shaq, etc generates I also pay attention to the simpler players who just love to play the game of basketball. I chose to post about Joe Johnson cause he is a good basketball player and I like to watch him play. Sure, he won't give you theatrical shots like Wade but he can hold his own. Like Delonte West he is underrated but they don't let that affect their games and that's basketball.