Joe Johnson to Show and Prove in Playoffs

Johnson knows full well that how he (and the Hawks) performs this postseason could turn out quite beneficial for his bank account once July 1st rolls around. From the AJC: “The Hawks open the playoffs Saturday night against Milwaukee. This needs to be Joe Johnson’s time. Not just because his play will help determine how far the Hawks go this postseason. Not just because he is nearing free agency and potential bidding teams (including the Hawks) will ask, ‘What did he do in the playoffs?’ But because Johnson needs to prove something – and he’ll be the first to tell you. ‘I’m going into these playoffs with a chip on my shoulder,’ he said. ‘Not only do I want to prove I’m one of the best players in the league but that we have one of the best teams in the league. Honestly, I’m really not trying to prove it to anybody but myself. I just want to know that, if necessary, I can put this team on my back and take us as far as we can go.’ This is what a Hawks fan wants to hear. Their best player wants to take over.”