Stanley Johnson, the former No. 8 NBA draft pick, has made a bold move this summer. After nearly a decade in the NBA, bouncing from team to team, Johnson has packed his bags for Europe. He’s now joined the ranks of Anadolu Efes, a top Turkish basketball team, in search of a fresh start. In an exclusive interview with Eurohoops, Johnson revealed Stanley Johnson’s plan to embrace this new chapter, discussing his transition, the challenges he faced in the NBA, and the upcoming showdown against fellow American Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Stanley Johnson’s Plan to Stop Hayes-Davis from Another Historic Night
After nine rollercoaster years in the NBA with teams like the Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, and LA Lakers, Johnson found himself stuck in a loop of short-term contracts and G League stints. “I was in a tough spot,” Johnson confessed. “I wasn’t getting the opportunities I deserved. Even when I performed well, I’d get stuck with minimum contracts and short-term deals. It felt like I was always one step away from stability.”
Finally, Johnson took a leap of faith. He decided it was time to rebuild his career in Europe. “I wanted to go back to the basics. I needed a place where I could get a real training camp, play regularly, and compete for something meaningful,” he added.
Johnson’s familiarity with European basketball didn’t start from scratch. He closely followed Nigel Hayes-Davis, a player whose 50-point EuroLeague game last season made headlines. “I wasn’t shocked by that performance,” Johnson said with a grin. “Nigel’s got the skill to drop 50 in any game, as long as the stars align for him. But believe me, when we face him, we’ll make sure he doesn’t get anywhere near that number.”
As Johnson gets ready for his EuroLeague debut, he knows one thing: facing Hayes-Davis won’t be a walk in the park.
Moving to Turkey wasn’t only about the game for Johnson. It was also about lifestyle. “Turkey’s beautiful, beyond my expectations,” he said. “I heard so much from friends who’ve visited, and now that I’m here, I see why. From the moment I stepped into Istanbul, everything felt right.”
Johnson admits his NBA journey was anything but smooth. Drafted at 19, he had to mature quickly. “When I got to Toronto, I watched guys like OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam develop into stars. I learned from them, but my own path was far more turbulent,” he explained. Despite the obstacles, Johnson remained dedicated to perfecting his craft, particularly his shooting.
Now 28, Johnson feels this new chapter in his career could be a game-changer. “I’m ready for a full season, something I haven’t had in a while. I’ve been working tirelessly, and I’m eager to see how it all comes together,” he concluded.
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