Orlando Johnson, the former Pacer, is back in the NBA family.
After a stint overseas with the well-known Spanish League Baskonia, Johnson has been claimed by the Austin Spurs, the San Antonio Spurs’ D-League affiliate, a source told VigilantSports.com.
That’s a very good fit for Johnson, who is looking to earn his way back into the NBA. The right system and situation are important and the Spurs have a great history with personnel and rejuvenating players’ careers.
Former Pacers guard Earl Watson (2009-10) retired after the 2013-14 season and is an assistant coach for the Austin Spurs.
The Pacers traded up with the Sacramento Kings to select Johnson at No. 36. Johnson was on the team for about a season and a half before being waived last February after the team needed his roster spot to complete a trade to acquire both Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen (in exchange for Danny Granger).
Johnson enjoyed his D-League experience while with the Pacers. In four games (and 155 total minutes), he averaged 23.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while playing for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Johnson, who’s just 25, was with the Golden State Warriors for Summer League play in Las Vegas this past July.
(For Pacers fans interested in checking him out, the Spurs are in Fort Wayne on Dec. 28th to play the Mad Ants. The game is slated to tip at 5 p.m. ET).
New start new beginnings!! let’srock http://t.co/XNOQ93Mxk7
— Orlando Johnson (@OrlandoVJohnson) December 2, 2014