Indiana Pacers Linked to Potentially Bringing Back Fan Favorite

The Indiana Pacers currently have an open roster spot after their decision to waive Ethan Thompson and sign rookie point guard Braden Smith to a two-way contract.

Kevin Pritchard and the front office are always looking to add players if they help the Pacers win. Looking at the current roster, there aren't many spots open for a player to compete for playing time.

Despite that fact, Indiana could use more veteran leadership on the roster.

Could the Pacers consider bringing back a former fan favorite and veteran leader? After not being re-signed last season, would James Johnson make sense as a target for Indiana?

That is a scenario Sports Illustrated's Alex Golden has suggested.

"Lastly, his teammates adore him and he was just a groomsmen at Tyrese Haliburton's wedding. The face of the franchise has a special relationship with the veteran forward --who just won the rookie of the year award in the Big 3-- and would love to have him back in the locker room on a daily basis," Golden wrote.

"Adding Johnson back on a non-guaranteed contract would be a fantastic move for the blue and gold."

Johnson provided excellent leadership for the Pacers during their run to the NBA Finals. He was the ultimate teammate who supported and protected his guys. Indiana could use that kind of presence and "enforcer" this season as it tries to get back to the Finals.

At 39 years old, Johnson wouldn't be signing with the Pacers having the expectation of playing. He embraced a deep bench role with Indiana during his previous tenure. That is the kind of player Pritchard and company should consider targeting.

Throughout his long NBA career, Johnson has played in 786 total games and made 243 starts. He holds career averages of 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists per game.

In addition to those averages, Johnson has been the definition of an NBA journeyman. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, and the Pacers.

Whether or not Indiana has interest in bringing Johnson back remains to be seen. But, if the Pacers are looking to fill out their final roster spot, his leadership and locker room presence would be a welcome addition to this year's team.