Tyler Johnson has ambitions to lift Brisbane off the NBL canvas as part of a one-two punch with Aron Baynes.
The eight-year NBA veteran arrived in Brisbane on Wednesday ahead of October’s season tip off.
He’ll re-link with Australian center Baynes, who like Johnson enjoyed some of his best NBA form at the Phoenix Suns in 2019.
Their partnership, and the club’s decision not to re-sign star import Lamar Patterson, signals a fresh approach for a franchise that’s made just one finals appearance in six seasons since returning from the NBL wilderness.
“I came with really high expectations,” the 354-game NBA veteran said.
“Talking to JD (coach James Duncan) and (Bullets basketball boss) Sam (Mackinnon), they’ve explained their vision.
“I came to be part of a really good basketball team, to allow ourselves to compete for something out here.
“I was familiar with what happened last season, know where we finished (eighth of 10 teams with a 10-18 record) and I’m looking forward to putting a couple more wins in that win column.”
The 30-year-old guard averaged 42.6 percent from the field and 36 percent from deep with just under 10 points, three rebounds and 2.3 assists throughout his NBA career.
Baynes’ physicality around the rim and from long-range, as well as the additional playmaking of fellow Olympian Nathan Sobey and guard Jason Cadee, gives Duncan plenty of options.
Johnson said the signing of Baynes, who hopes to return to the NBA after a serious neck injury suffered at last year’s Olympics, was “a great kicker” after talks to join the franchise had already begun.
.