Honestly, if you watched Joe Johnson during his prime in Atlanta, you knew the nickname "Iso-Joe" wasn't just some clever marketing. It was a warning. But nobody—not even the most die-hard Hawks fans—could have predicted that a guy with over 20,000 NBA points would find his second act by completely breaking a 3-on-3 league. When we talk about Joe Johnson Big 3 history, we’re not just talking about a retired veteran getting some exercise. We’re talking about a man who treated a professional league like a local YMCA run, and he’s been doing it since 2019.
Most "legends" leagues are about nostalgia. You show up to see if your favorite player from 2005 can still hit a jumper. With Joe, it was different. He didn't just play; he dominated in a way that felt almost unfair to the other former NBA players on the court.
The Triplets and the 2019 Takeover
When the Triplets joined the league as an expansion team, they had a secret weapon that wasn't really a secret: Joe Johnson. In that first season, he didn't just lead the team; he shattered the record books. 175 points in a single season. Think about that. In a league where games only go to 50 points, he was basically a walking bucket.
He ended up taking home the MVP honors, which was kind of a no-brainer. He led the league in scoring (21.9 ppg), assists, and total field goals. He even tied for third in rebounds. It’s rare to see a guy who was known as a pure scorer in the NBA transform into a Swiss Army knife, but the 3-on-3 format just gave him more room to breathe.
That Legendary Four-Point Shot
One of the wildest things about the Joe Johnson Big 3 era is his mastery of the four-point circle. In the 2019 season, he made four of them. That might not sound like a lot until you realize he doubled the total of the next closest person.
I remember watching that game against the Killer 3s in the championship. The Triplets were down, things looked shaky, and then Joe just... took over. He finished with 28 points in a 50-39 win. He wasn't just the best player on the court; he was the only player that mattered in those closing minutes. Lisa Leslie, the Hall of Fame coach of the Triplets, basically just had to point him toward the basket and get out of the way.
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Why Iso-Joe Thrives in 3-on-3
The Big 3 is built for isolation. In the NBA, teams can hide a weak defender with complex zone schemes or quick help-side rotations. In 3-on-3? You’re on an island. If you can’t guard Joe Johnson one-on-one, your team is going to lose. Period.
His game has aged like a fine wine because it was never about explosive verticality. It was always about:
- The Size: At 6'7" and 240 pounds, he's basically a power forward with the handle of a point guard.
- The Footwork: He uses his body to create just enough space for that high-release jumper.
- The Patience: He never rushes. He’ll back you down for 10 seconds just to see how you react.
He’s one of the few players who actually used the Big 3 as a springboard back to the league. Most people forget he signed a 10-day contract with the Boston Celtics in 2021. He played one game, scored two points, and the crowd went absolutely ballistic. It was a "full circle" moment for the guy drafted by Boston back in 2001, and it wouldn't have happened if he hadn't been destroying people in the Big 3.
The Comeback and the 2023 MVP
After a brief hiatus in 2022, everyone thought maybe the Joe Johnson era was over. He’s 44 now. Surely, the wheels have to come off at some point, right?
Nope.
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In 2023, he came back and grabbed his third MVP trophy. He didn't just coast; he finished right at the top in scoring and rebounding. It’s actually kind of ridiculous when you look at the competition. He’s playing against guys like Jordan Crawford and Michael Beasley—players who are significantly younger—and he’s still the one dictating the tempo of the game.
He struggled a bit in the season opener that year, going 11-31 against Bivouac. People started whispering that maybe he was finally "old." Then he went on a tear that led the Triplets straight back to the Championship game. They lost a heartbreaker to the Enemies, but Joe proved that as long as he’s on the floor, the Triplets are the team to beat.
The Roster Dynamics
It’s not just the "Joe Show," though it often feels like it. The Triplets have stayed relevant because of the chemistry between Johnson and the Pargo brothers (Jeremy and Jannero). Under Joe's leadership, Jeremy Pargo turned into a legitimate star in the league. You also had guys like Larry Sanders providing the rim protection that allowed Joe to gamble a bit more on the perimeter.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Legacy
There’s this narrative that Joe Johnson was "just" a volume scorer who took too many mid-range jumpers. People look at his massive NBA contracts from the Atlanta days and criticize the efficiency.
But the Joe Johnson Big 3 run proves that his "ISO" style wasn't a flaw—it was a specialized skill set that simply needed the right environment to be appreciated. In the modern NBA, everyone wants to shoot 40 threes. In the Big 3, Joe reminds us that being able to get a bucket when the game is on the line is the most valuable trait a basketball player can have.
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He’s one of only 52 players to ever cross the 20,000-point mark in the NBA. He’s a seven-time All-Star. But for a whole new generation of fans, he’s simply the GOAT of 3-on-3.
How to Watch and Support
If you want to catch Joe in action, the Big 3 usually runs through the summer months, hitting different cities every weekend. It's high-energy, physical, and a lot more intense than people realize. It’s not an "old-timers" game; it’s a dogfight.
For those looking to follow his career or improve their own "iso" game, here are the takeaways from watching the master:
- Watch the pivot foot: Joe is a master of the jab step. He uses it to freeze defenders before the pull-up.
- Master the post-up: Even if you aren't the tallest, using your strength to get to your "spot" is more important than a fancy crossover.
- Stay in shape: Joe’s longevity isn't luck. He’s famous for his yoga routine and his dedication to his body, which is why he’s still elite at 44.
Joe Johnson didn't need the Big 3 to prove he was a great player. His NBA resume was already set in stone. But the league gave him a chance to show that "Iso-Joe" isn't just a nickname—it's a lifestyle. Whether he's hitting a step-back three or a game-winning four-pointer, he remains the gold standard for what a professional bucket-getter looks like.
To really appreciate the impact, keep an eye on the Triplets' roster movements this coming summer. As teams try to figure out how to stop the three-time MVP, the league continues to grow, and it’s all thanks to the guy from Little Rock who refuses to stop playing the game he loves.
Practical Insights for Fans:
- Check the official BIG3 website for the 2026 summer schedule to see if the Triplets are playing in a city near you.
- Follow Joe Johnson's training highlights on social media; he frequently shares the yoga and conditioning drills that keep him competing with younger athletes.
- Focus on "effective" scoring over "flashy" scoring in your own recreational games—notice how Joe uses his body to shield the ball, a skill that requires zero vertical leap.
- Support the league by watching the broadcasts on CBS and Paramount+, which has been the primary home for these matchups.