The Boston Celtics should use Joe Johnson in a Udonis Haslem role

The Boston Celtics are off to a mediocre 16-16 start this season, but they have shown flashes that they can compete with the top teams in the NBA.

December has been a rough month for the shamrocks as they have had their roster decimated due to COVID-19 protocols. This has forced President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, to sign interesting players such as 40-year-old veteran wing, Joe Johnson.

Johnson played his first game of the season last night, and he scored his first NBA basket since the 2017-18 season.

The moment capped off an excellent win for the Boston Celtics, and it showed why they should strongly consider keeping Johnson around for the remainder of the season.

Personally, I think the Cs should look to use Johnson the way the Miami Heat use Udonis Haslem. Haslem is 41 years old, and he brings them valuable leadership.

I think Johnson can bring the same leadership as Haslem, and he can probably give you even more than him in games. I’m not saying Johnson can tap into his prime self, but I think if he continues to get in shape he could give the Celtics some efficient and consistent isolation scoring.

The most important reason why Johnson would be great in a veteran leadership role is that he is already respected by Boston’s best players.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have spoken about how much they looked up to Johnson and how important his leadership can be.

Johnson’s leadership would help Tatum and Brown tremendously as they could use some extra guidance and motivation. As a veteran late in his career, this is something that Johnson is motivated to do.

This is why Johnson deserves a spot on the active roster for the Boston Celtics over players like Juancho Hernangomez, Jabari Parker, and Bruno Fernando.

I think having veteran players who experienced the highs and lows of the NBA is important because players respect them. I think Udonis Haslem is great in his role with the Miami Heat because he helps Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler tremendously.

This is something that Johnson can do for Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown.

The Celtics won’t have to worry about playing Johnson every game because he is a true professional, and he would understand his role.

Overall, I think signing Joe Johnson can be a blessing for the Cs because he can bring valuable leadership and he can give the fans special moments.

His leadership and experience can play a role in the C’s pursuit of banner No. 18.