Joe Johnson — known to so many NBA fans as Iso Joe — could win his first NBA ring at the age of 40 this year.
That’s despite the fact that the veteran who has played with eight teams in his career isn’t even on the Boston Celtics’ playoff roster.
But if the Celts take down the Golden State Warriors this year — Boston isn’t favored, and the fact that Kendrick Lamar’s new album dropped this year is also bad news for the Celtics — it’s possible the franchise will give Johnson a ring after he played for them this year.
What’s the deal here? Let’s explain below:
We're talking about the same Joe Johnson here, right?
Sure are.
Why would he get a ring?
Because the guy drafted by the Celtics all the way back in 2001 signed a 10-day contract through the hardship exception to join Boston back in December and played in … exactly one game.
But it was an awesome moment in a blowout over the Cleveland Cavaliers:
Standing ovation for Joe Johnson as he enters the game for the #Celtics 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/loqQQf7aMB
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 23, 2021
He hit a beauty of a midrange jumper and fans went nuts:
JOE JOHNSON NBA BUCKET IN THE YEAR 2021!! pic.twitter.com/gnAAYUuLGD
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) December 23, 2021
He ended up not getting a second 10-day contract.
... And he'll get a ring for that?
Iso Joe could potentially get his first NBA championship ring this year 💍 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xd2gxE95Zq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 30, 2022
It’s possible! NBA franchises have chosen to give rings to players who were on the roster at some point during the year — remember the wild Anderson Varejao thing that happened in 2016? He was with the Cavs the first half of the season, then joined the Warriors.
The two teams faced off in the Finals and the center said he wouldn’t accept a ring from Cleveland if the Cavs won.
This is kind of awesome!
Agreed!
Win the ring for Iso Joe
— Karan (@ksenguptaa) May 30, 2022
This play right here is why the Boston Celtics are in the NBA Finals. This is objective and if you disagree you are simply wrong. Iso Joe deserves a ring if we win btw. Hope this helps. pic.twitter.com/j8q4VEKmZ1
— nick (@verdugoredsox) May 30, 2022
Iso Joe!!!! God I need this https://t.co/OODFMxvNAB
— Connor (@connorjgarcia15) May 30, 2022
Iso Joe got us here, he's vindicated https://t.co/xR18B40QrK
— Neon Genesis Evan Fournier (@JeremyFrom413) May 30, 2022
Dear Boston, if you win it all please give Joe Johnson a ring.
Thank-you.
— Karce (@Karsonnnn) May 30, 2022
Gotta get Joe Johnson a ring https://t.co/WT2l589r5g
— Cousin DPOY (not notable) (@AndrewDoxy) May 30, 2022
