Joe Johnson Among 2026 Hall of Fame Nominees - Jazz Fans Remember “Iso Joe” Era Fondly
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame unveiled its list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2026, and while the announcement didn’t exactly tilt toward Utah Jazz legends, one name on the list will ring loud for Jazz fans: Joe Johnson.
Yes, that Joe Johnson - the seven-time All-Star known league-wide as “Iso Joe” - who spent a short but memorable stint in Salt Lake City from 2016 to 2018. And while he wasn’t in his prime by the time he arrived in Utah, Johnson still had enough left in the tank to deliver one of the most iconic playoff moments in recent Jazz history.
The Jazz Years: Short but Impactful
Johnson’s time with the Jazz was brief, but impactful. He wasn’t the team’s top option, and he certainly wasn’t the athletic scorer he had been in Atlanta or Phoenix. But when Utah needed a bucket - particularly in crunch time - Johnson was still that guy.
The 2017 playoffs are where his Jazz legacy was truly cemented. At 35 years old, Johnson hit a game-winner in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Clippers, a moment that not only gave Utah a 1-0 lead on the road, but also reminded the league that Johnson’s calm, isolation-heavy style could still deliver under pressure. That series win marked the franchise’s first playoff series victory since 2010 - and Jazz fans haven’t forgotten who helped lead the way.
A Career Built on Consistency and Clutch
Johnson’s Hall of Fame case doesn’t rest on MVP trophies or championship rings - he didn’t win either. But his resume is built on longevity, versatility, and an uncanny ability to create his own shot in any situation. Over a 17-year NBA career, Johnson racked up over 20,000 points, made seven All-Star appearances, and was a go-to scorer on multiple playoff teams.
His peak came in Atlanta, where he helped turn the Hawks into a perennial postseason presence. Johnson wasn’t the flashiest player on the court, but he was one of the toughest covers - a 6’7” guard with a smooth handle, a deadly midrange game, and the patience to let plays develop. He wasn’t just a scorer - he was a professional scorer, someone who could get you 20 points without breaking a sweat.
And that skill aged well. Even into his mid-30s, Johnson was still a reliable offensive option. The Jazz got the tail end of that, but it was enough to help push them forward during a transitional period for the franchise.
Potential Jazz History in the Making
If Johnson is inducted, he’d become the 11th Hall of Famer to have worn a Jazz uniform at some point in his career. That group includes franchise icons like Karl Malone, John Stockton, and Jerry Sloan, as well as other legends such as Pete Maravich, Adrian Dantley, and Gail Goodrich.
That number might seem low for a team with such a long history, but it’s a number that could grow in the coming years. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell both have trajectories that could land them in Springfield down the line, and while neither is eligible yet, their contributions to the Jazz - and to the game - are already significant.
The Jazz have also seen some of their alumni recognized in other ways, such as Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer representing the franchise on the 2008 USA “Redeem Team.” So while the Hall of Fame count is still growing, Utah's broader impact on the game continues to be acknowledged.
Iso Joe’s Legacy
Whether or not Johnson makes it into the Hall of Fame on his first try, his career speaks for itself. He may not have the hardware that typically headlines a Hall resume, but he has the numbers, the longevity, and the respect of peers and fans alike.
For Jazz fans, Johnson’s nomination is a chance to look back on a brief but joyful chapter - one where a veteran scorer brought poise, leadership, and a little playoff magic to a team on the rise.
And if the Hall calls? It’ll be a well-earned capstone to a career defined by consistency, clutch moments, and a whole lot of buckets.