Adelaide's late-season push for a finals berth has been immeasurably boosted by the signing of Daniel Johnson.
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An NBL All Star Five selection when he played for the 36ers last season, Johnson is free to suit up against Wollongong on Friday night after being granted a release from Polish club Stelmet Gora.
The 211cm forward-centre averaged 19.6 points and seven rebounds with the Sixers last season and won his third straight club MVP award.
He played in Puerto Rico before joining Stelmet Gora, but Adelaide needed a replacement for injured forward BJ Anthony (torn Achilles) and Johnson was the obvious choice when management heard he wasn’t happy in Poland.
‘‘I’ve stayed in touch with DJ while he’s been in Poland, and while things unfortunately didn’t work out for him there, we are more than happy to have him back,’’ 36ers coach Joey Wright said.
‘‘He’s a quality player and quality person.’’
Johnson is required to play in the 36ers’ final seven games to be eligible for the playoffs.
The Sixers now boast an imposing frontline of Johnson, Brock Motum, Anthony Petrie, Mitch Creek and Luke Schenscher.
‘‘It’s going to be interesting with Johnson back, but the way that they’re playing it doesn’t really matter,’’ Hawks guard Rhys Martin said.
‘‘You can throw anybody in that team. They’re playing so quick you don’t really have to learn any offence. He should slot right in because that’s how he plays too.’’
Adelaide (10-11) are closing in on fourth spot fifth after last Sunday’s 83-78 home win over Wollongong.
The last-placed Hawks (3-18) have lost their past six games and are running out of chances to add some respectability to a disappointing campaign.