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Utah Jazz 2016-17 season review: Joe Johnson

By Adam Coffman

April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) and Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) celebrate after a Johnson three point basket during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) and Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) celebrate after a Johnson three point basket during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Weaknesses

Although he excelled in the areas most demanded of him by the Jazz, Johnson does become a liability in the offensive areas he’s not physically primed to preform in, which tend to be those usually covered by big men at his position.

When he plays as a power forward, Johnson isn’t too apt at setting screens either on ball or off, which can limit the Jazz offense as far as variability goes. This in turn holds back others who function better in a more movement-heavy offense.

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He also can’t post up in any situation aside from a mismatch, leaving the brunt of the paint work to be done by Utah’s centers.

Given that Johnson actually fares better when matched up with traditional bigs due to the factors mentioned previously, it shouldn’t be a surprise that he runs into trouble facing a similarly-situated combo forward.

Defending in isolation was a major downfall for Johnson last year, as he allowed 1.03 points per possession in such situations. Similarly, he ranks in just the ninth percentile defending against off-ball screens on the perimeter.

He only missed four games on the season, which was the third-least on the roster, but one element of age-related decline is the absence of consistency that accompanies it. Johnson’s game is fairly hit-and-miss already, so coming into a game out of rhythm could seriously tank his impact that night.

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