Johnson hopes to inspire BIG3 players with NBA comeback

Veteran wing Joe Johnson signed a partially guaranteed deal with the Detroit Pistons this summer and will compete for an NBA roster spot.

But whether or not the seven-time All-Star makes the final cut, Johnson already sees his audition for the Pistons as a victory for the BIG3.

"That was another reason why I thought it was very important for me to take this opportunity because those guys in the BIG3 - a lot of them, anyway - have hopes to at some point to be able to get back in the league," Johnson told reporters Thursday, including ESPN's Eric Woodyard.

"So I just wanted to let everyone know that it's possible just to get to this point. I mean, I'm not even all the way on the roster, but to get to this point, get your foot in the door. Then whatever you do from that point, it's up to you."

Johnson is coming off an MVP and championship season with the BIG3's Triplets. The 38-year-old led the three-on-three professional basketball league in several categories, including points (175), assists (31), and total field goals (63).

Several former NBA players have appeared in the BIG3 in an attempt to revitalize their careers, including Amar'e Stoudemire. But Johnson is the first player from that group to parlay their tenure into a contract in the Association.

BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube said he hopes Johnson's deal lays the groundwork for other players hoping to find their way from his league into the NBA.

"He played in the BIG3 for the love of high-level competition on the highest stage in the summer," the rapper and actor told Woodyard.

"I really enjoyed watching him play this year, and he's an example to all potential players what's really possible. It can happen if you do yo thang in the BIG3."