Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson hasn't been on the court much this season, but his fellow NBA players apparently don't want to see him off the court.
The Athletic asked 125 NBA players which contemporary they would least like to play against, and Johnson was the clear winner with 53.6 percent of the vote. Steven Adams was second with 16.8 percent, and Isaiah Stewart was third with 6.4 percent.
One player said, “Is he still in the league? He's a triple black belt. I'm not making fun of James.” “There are other guys who could actually lose the game, but I don't hate James. He might kick me in the head.”
Johnson is an accomplished martial artist and holds a black belt in karate. He also claims a 20-0 record as a kickboxer, but his previous fights are not substantiated.
The 37-year-old has played for 10 NBA teams since being selected in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft. One former teammate said Johnson's intimidating reputation did not match his actual personality.
“JJ is actually the coolest guy ever,” the player said. “He's so cool. I just know his reputation. I know if I put my hands on him, something like that could happen. But he's the best I've ever been.” He's one of my favorite teammates I've ever met.”
Adams' dabbling in MMA, coupled with his bulk, set back his fellow fighters.
