NEW ORLEANS — Making his seventh All-Star appearance, Joe Johnson has had plenty of experience playing in the league’s midseason showcase.
So Johnson was more than happy to play a few minutes, get up a few shots and then let the young guys get some time on the floor.
“That’s it, man,” Johnson said. “I wasn’t trying to do much more than that.
“I told [Pacers coach Frank Vogel], he asked me about my minutes before the game and I said, ‘You can just play me a little in the first [half], a little bit in the second [half], and I’m cool.’ So when he put me in with 2:59 left in the third, I told him, ‘After this 2:59, you can take me out, and I’m done.’ ”
With several first-time All-Stars in the East, including guards John Wall and DeMar DeRozan, Johnson said he was happy to get out of their way and let them play some extra minutes. But he also said the right knee tendinitis that’s bothered him in recent weeks also played a part.
“Yeah, it was a combination of both,” Johnson said. “I just wanted to take it easy, man. Break a sweat, and I broke a good sweat in the first half, I eased up a little bit in the second, and then I’ll get in a good workout in tomorrow and then get a good practice in on Wednesday, and I’ll be good to go.”
Johnson’s production has tailed off in recent weeks after his hot start to the new year, as he’s averaging just 10.2 points over his final 11 games before the All-Star break, and failing to score 10 points in six of them. He admitted the right knee tendinitis has played a part in those struggles.
“It affects a lot,” Johnson said this weekend. “Your balance on your shot, defensively, being able to handle the rock, make plays … I’m never one to make excuses, but it’s part of it. I’ve played through all of that, so hopefully this time off will help.”
Johnson said he never considered declining to take part in this weekend’s festivities because of his knee, and that it has been improving recently, to the point that he said it felt pretty good in the Nets’ back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday.
It’s been a busy weekend for Johnson, who also took part in the 3-point contest Saturday night, and he was more than happy with his experience.
“I’m just glad I’m a part of this,” he said. “I had fun, as usual, and it was great to hang out with the guys.”