'This dude is worth whatever they paid him' - Josh Smith on Joe Johnson impressing him once he arrived to the Hawks

Many people remember Joe Johson for his days with the Atlanta Hawks, but before coming to ATL and becoming a perennial All-Star, "Iso Joe" was one of the better role players in the league. Starting his career with the Phoenix Suns, the 6'7" guard was in the shadow of guys like Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire.

However, when Johnson became the newest member of the Hawks in 2005 via a sign-and-trade that got him paid $70 million, the Little Rock, Arkansas native broke out. At the same time, many thought that it was too much money to pay for an unproven star, but his teammate Josh Smith quickly dismissed those notions and backed up Joe's abilities.

"I didn't know how good Joe was until he came on the team. Then I was like, I don't care what anybody says. This dude is worth whatever they paid him," Smith praised Johnson.

ATL explosion

After four seasons in Arizona, in which he averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Johnson would have a true renaissance in ATL. Taking the role of the primary option and leader, "Iso Joe" made the Hawks a constant playoff team and tough out in the playoffs.

The Arkansas product spent seven seasons in Atlanta, averaging 20.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 assists per contest. In six of those seasons, Johnson made the All-Star Game and even earned an All-NBA third-team nod in 2010-11.

It was a true pleasure to see "Iso Joe" at work, as his wide array of moves and ways of putting the ball in the basket placed him amongst the best and smoothest scores in the NBA. Even Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins was impressed by how well Johnson acclimated to Atlanta and his new role.

"I knew he was good, but I think he went above and beyond expectations last season," Nique exclaimed.

All about the money

When Johnson decided to turn down the Suns' offer to stay in Phoenix, many fans lamented his loss of a good chance to compete for a title. However, it was nothing personal for Joe. He was simply making a business decision that would allow the 10th pick of the 2001 Draft to capitalize on his skill and become a true star.

"It's a business, man. It was a tough decision, but I had to work out what's best for me and my family. I don't think in Phoenix, I ever would have got a contract like this," Joe explained his thought process.

Ultimately, it paid off for Johnson, who, despite never winning a ring in the NBA, still built an impressive legacy for himself. During his peak, he was regarded as one of the best scorers of the 2000s/2010s. "Iso Joe" lives on as one of the best nicknames in history.