Paris Basketball has strategically reinforced its squad for the upcoming 2026-27 season by bringing in former NBA forward Alize Johnson. This move marks a significant step in the club's ongoing efforts to rebuild its roster and enhance its competitive edge.
Paris Basketball Bolsters Roster with Experienced NBA Forward Alize Johnson
On a recent Friday, Paris Basketball officially announced the signing of Alize Johnson, an experienced forward who previously played in the NBA. This addition is part of the club's comprehensive strategy to reshape its lineup in preparation for the 2026-27 season.
Johnson's professional career spans eight years, during which he has competed in various leagues including the NBA, the G League, and several international circuits. His most recent engagements saw him play for the Shenzhen Leopards in China, following his tenure with the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League during the 2025-26 season.
The 30-year-old athlete was initially drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Over five seasons, he participated in 76 NBA games, representing teams such as the Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs.
His most notable period in the NBA was during the 2020-21 season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 5.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in approximately 10.5 minutes per game, achieving an impressive 58.8% field goal accuracy over 18 appearances. Throughout his NBA career, Johnson maintained averages of 2.5 points and 3.0 rebounds, with a 48.1% success rate from the field.
Although Johnson did not establish himself as a consistent starter in the NBA, he earned a reputation as a dynamic rebounder and an athletic finisher. His journey has also included playing for Busan KCC Egis in South Korea, Atléticos de San Germán in Puerto Rico, and Japan’s Kawasaki Brave Thunders, alongside multiple G League organizations.
Paris Basketball is entering the new season with considerable changes, both in its player roster and coaching staff. This follows a challenging second EuroLeague season where the team finished 16th in the regular season standings with a 15-23 record. Despite boasting one of the league's most potent offenses, averaging 90.1 points per game, their defensive vulnerabilities were evident, conceding an average of 90.9 points.
The offseason has already seen significant transformations. Maxime Lefevre has taken over as the new head coach, succeeding Julius Thomas. Key veterans like Derek Willis, Justin Robinson, and Yakuba Ouattara have also departed from the club.
Johnson joins a new cohort of players, including Terry Tarpey, Maozinha Pereira, former NBA forward T.J. Warren, and guard Tyson Etienne. These strategic acquisitions are intended to enhance the team's physical presence, athleticism, and overall depth, providing crucial support to returning leading scorer Nadir Hifi, who averaged 18.9 points and 3.8 assists in the EuroLeague last season.
The acquisition of Alize Johnson by Paris Basketball reflects a clear strategic direction to enhance team depth and experience. His journey through various high-level leagues, despite not solidifying a permanent NBA role, underscores his versatility and resilience. This move highlights the growing trend of European clubs attracting talented players with NBA backgrounds to elevate their competitiveness. It also emphasizes the dynamic nature of professional basketball careers, where players often seek new opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to team success across different global platforms. The challenge for Paris Basketball will be to effectively integrate these new talents and transform their revamped roster into a cohesive and formidable force in the EuroLeague.
