Former NBA player Chris Johnson is coming back to the Sal’s NBL after agreeing to a deal to join the Auckland Tuatara for their inaugural campaign.
The vastly experienced Johnson was a stand-out playing for the Auckland Huskies last season, averaging 20.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
The 36-year-old centre spent time with the Portland Trailblazer, Boston Celtics, New Orleans Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves in his NBA career while he has played basketball professionally all over the world.
Married two a Kiwi with two young children, Johnson jumped at the opportunity to come back to Auckland with the Tuatara and coach Aaron Young.
“Chris is just an outstanding professional and does everything you could possibly want from an import,” Young said.
“He is a team-first player, he does all the little things well and is terrific player at both ends of the court.
“He will be a key contributor for us this season and I am absolutely delighted he has chosen to come back to New Zealand and play as I’m sure our fans are as well.”
Johnson joined an absolutely stacked front court that boasts Tall Black Rob Loe, impressive young Kiwi college star Dan Fotu and veteran big Nick Barrow.
He is the second import signed by the Tuatara with fellow American Siler Schneider joining a talented young cast of local stars that include Taki Fahrensohn, Dontae Russo-Nance, Chris McIntosh, Braydon Iuli and Reuben Fitzgerald with a number of other players set to be announced in the coming days.
The Tuatara begin their first season in the Sal’s NBL with a game against the Taranaki Mountainairs at home at Eventfinda Stadium next Saturday April 30.
Memberships and tickets are available via www.tuatarabasketball.com.