NICKNAME/S: DJ

BIO: Johnson was born in Carnarvon, Western Australia, and grew up in Perth, where he attended Willetton Senior High School and began playing basketball as a junior with the Willetton basketball program. He later moved to Melbourne (VIC) where he played for the Melbourne Tigers basketball team as a teenager.

In 2006 and 2007, he attended the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and played for the program’s SEABL team. In 2006, he helped the AIS win the King Club International Cup en route to being voted the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after averaging 22 points, six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and a steal over five games.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Daniel Johnson made his NBL debut with the Melbourne Tigers at 20 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

In 2008/09, Daniel Johnson was elevated from the Melbourne Tigers junior program by head coach Al Westover as a backup to NBL MVP Chris Anstey. Johnson averaged 2.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.2 assists, contributing as the Tigers finished with a 20-10 record, securing second place. The Tigers advanced to the NBL Grand Final after defeating Perth in the semifinals but ultimately fell short to their cross-town rivals, the South Dragons, in a five-game series.

2009/10
Johnson’s role grew in the 2009/10 season as Chris Anstey dealt with a recurring back injury, which limited him to his lowest statistical output since his 1996 breakout season with the Magic. Anstey averaged 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game, leaving a void in the Tigers’ frontcourt. Johnson stepped up, improving his numbers from the previous season to 10.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, which included a career-high 17 points against Adelaide. The Tigers, however, finished sixth in the regular season with an 11-17 record. At season’s end, both Anstey and his long-time teammate Sam MacKinnon retired.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2010/11
Following the club’s worst-ever season, the 36ers parted ways with coach Scott Ninnis and brought in Marty Clarke, Johnson’s former coach at the AIS, for the 2010/11 NBL season. Clarke, who had won an NBL championship as a player with North Melbourne in 1989, was an unexpected choice as head coach due to his lack of experience at this level. Clarke recruited Johnson from Melbourne, along with Rhys Carter (via Sweden), to strengthen the roster. The team also re-signed captain Adam Ballinger, who had led the 36ers in both scoring and rebounding the previous season.

Clarke made significant changes, replacing imports John Gilchrist and Cortez Groves with Troy De Vries and Craig Winder. The 36ers were immediately hit by a string of injuries, starting with Nathan Herbert, who missed the entire season with an ACL injury. Adelaide won their season opener against Perth (74-69) but managed only two wins in their next seven games. Rhys Carter then suffered a major injury in December that sidelined him for a third of the season. In his absence, Adelaide brought back former guard Aaron Bruce, who had been away from the game to complete his studies in the US. Despite Carter’s eventual return, Bruce remained on the roster for the rest of the season.

Imports De Vries and Winder struggled with fitness and form, leading to both being replaced early in the season. Winder (10.1 ppg, 35% shooting) was replaced by Ron Howard, while De Vries (10 ppg) was replaced by Eddie Shannon, a veteran Euroleague guard recommended to the club by Chris Anstey. Shannon, who had played 10 years in Europe despite being blind in one eye, brought experience and leadership to the young squad. Despite his addition, the 36ers never found consistency, and for the first time in their history, they failed to win at least 10 games, finishing the season with a 9-19 record.

Johnson showed steady improvement, finishing the season with averages of 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. Adelaide narrowly avoided back-to-back last-place finishes, thanks to the returning Sydney Kings, who, operating with a limited player budget, ended the season with an even worse 8-20 record.

2011/12
The 2011/12 season proved to be another tough year for the Adelaide 36ers and coach Marty Clarke. The team’s struggles began with an injury to import John Williamson during the pre-season, forcing Adelaide to start their campaign with just one import. This led to the 36ers’ largest opening night loss in team history, a 69-102 defeat to Perth.

Diamon Simpson, a former college teammate of NBA star Patty Mills, joined the squad for the second game and became one of the few bright spots for Adelaide throughout the season. Simpson averaged 14.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks (second in the league) before earning a call-up to the NBA with the Houston Rockets.

Injury issues continued when new signing Nathan Crosswell suffered an Achilles tendon injury in round 10 against New Zealand, ending his season prematurely. While Adam Ballinger (5.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists) returned for the second half of the season, injuries kept him from reaching his previous form, relegating him to a bench role for the first time in his career.

Adelaide finished the season in last place with an 8-20 record, setting a club record for an eight-game losing streak. However, Daniel Johnson continued his development, capturing the NBL’s Most Improved Player award after increasing his production from 10 points and 4 rebounds to lead the 36ers in scoring with 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds (second on the team).

Despite the team’s struggles, there were standout performances from their imports. Chris Warren had an incredible shooting night on February 3, 2012, hitting 55% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc, and 100% from the free-throw line, finishing with 31 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in a narrow 87-81 loss to Melbourne. Meanwhile, Simpson, who posted 12 double-doubles in 27 games, recorded a monster performance in a win over Perth in December, tallying 22 points on 83% shooting, along with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in just 26 minutes against Perth’s formidable front-line defense.

2012/13
Adelaide entered the 2012/13 NBL season looking to rebuild around a core of emerging Australian talent. Following the collapse of the Gold Coast Blaze, the 36ers capitalised by signing Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, and Jason Cadee to multi-year deals. The club also added centre Luke Schenscher (via Townsville), returning to the 36ers for a second stint. Key contributors Daniel Johnson, Mitch Creek, Nathan Crosswell, and Stephen Weigh were retained, forming the foundation of the new-look roster. In a strategic shift, Adelaide opted to carry only one import, signing local state league standout CJ Massingale. Departing the team were Adam Ballinger (to Melbourne), Everard Bartlett (to Perth), imports Chris Warren and Diamon Simpson, while Darren Ng, Nathan Herbert, and Wade Helliwell all retired.

Adelaide opened the season in strong form, dismantling Melbourne 84–61 in their first outing. By Round 7, they held a 4–3 record and sat third on the ladder after a hard-fought 69–65 road win over Perth. However, the momentum proved short-lived.

Daniel Johnson (16.2 points and 8.1 rebounds) continued his emergence as Adelaide’s franchise player, leading the 36ers in scoring while topping the entire NBL in rebounding. His consistency across all 28 games further solidified his reputation as one of the premier bigs in the competition. Despite Johnson’s performances, Adelaide endured a collapse in the second half of the season, going 4–17 to close out the campaign. This included an eight-game losing streak that matched the previous year’s skid.

The season was further derailed by injuries, most notably the loss of explosive swingman Mitch Creek (5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds), who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear against Townsville on December 15. Creek’s athleticism and rising profile had made him central to Adelaide’s long-term plans, and his absence was a major blow.

Import CJ Massingale (4.1 points) struggled to make the transition to NBL level and was released mid-season after failing to meet expectations. He was replaced by American guard Scott Christopherson (2.9 points and 2.0 rebounds), who arrived from Belarus. Christopherson saw limited court time and became an afterthought in head coach Marty Clarke’s rotation by season’s end. His lack of impact drew harsh criticism, with veteran journalist Boti Nagy later describing him as the 36ers’ worst import of all time.

The 36ers lost their final four games to finish with an 8–20 record—identical to their previous season—once again landing in last place. Following two straight wooden spoons, head coach Marty Clarke was not retained. Adelaide moved swiftly to appoint NBL championship-winning coach Joey Wright as his successor, signalling a new direction for the franchise.

Despite the team’s struggles, Johnson was recognised for his efforts with selection to the All-NBL Second Team. Gibson (11.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds) was named to the All-NBL Third Team and served as a steady influence throughout a turbulent campaign. Petrie (11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds), Weigh (10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds), and Schenscher (9 points and 6.1 rebounds) contributed effectively in the frontcourt, while Cadee (7.5 points and 2.5 assists) and Crosswell (3.1 points and 1.7 assists) handled duties in the backcourt.

Adelaide missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year, but with Joey Wright at the helm and Daniel Johnson’s continued rise, the 36ers laid the groundwork for a long-awaited turnaround.

2013/14
In 2013, the Adelaide 36ers secured NBL championship-winning coach Joey Wright, who transformed the team from two consecutive wooden spoon finishes into Grand Final contenders, ultimately facing off against the Perth Wildcats. The 36ers retained their core Aussie group, led by Daniel Johnson (19.2 points and 6.8 rebounds), who once again topped the team in scoring and rebounding. Other key returnees included Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, and Jason Cadee.

Mitchell Creek and Luke Schenscher made their comebacks after previous injury-shortened campaigns, with Creek overcoming a near career-ending Achilles injury and Schenscher returning post-elbow surgery. The team added BJ Anthony (via New Zealand) and former NBL MVP Gary Ervin (via Townsville) to the backcourt, alongside new import Jarrid Frye.

By Round 7, Adelaide had surged to second place on the ladder with a 7–2 record, including a 5–0 run. This stretch included the 36ers’ first wins over the Breakers in Auckland since 2009, and a victory against the undefeated Perth Wildcats (91–86) in front of a packed Adelaide Arena crowd of 6,585, the largest home attendance since Brett Maher’s farewell game in 2009.

By December, Adelaide had already surpassed their previous season’s win total (9-4). However, Jarrid Frye (8.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) was released in February after underperforming, having struggled with an ankle injury. Rhys Carter, who had been playing in Sweden, was signed as his replacement.

Adelaide finished the regular season in second place (18-10), with Johnson averaging 19.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. In the semifinals against Melbourne, Adelaide claimed game one (101-85), led by Gary Ervin’s 27 points and 7 assists. The Tigers evened the series with a game two victory behind Chris Goulding’s 37-point explosion (98-87), but Adelaide dominated game three (102-63), securing a spot in the Grand Final.

In the Grand Final series, Adelaide faced Perth. Despite James Ennis leading Perth with 30 points in game one, Adelaide pushed the series to a third game after a game two win (89-84) in front of their largest crowd of the season (8,127). In game three, Perth clinched the title (93-59), with Shawn Redhage and Damian Martin delivering key performances for the Wildcats, limiting Ervin to just 4 points. Despite Anthony Petrie’s valiant 20-point effort, Adelaide fell short, and Perth claimed their sixth NBL title.

Daniel Johnson won his third consecutive club MVP award and was named to the All-NBL First Team.

2014/15
After leading Adelaide in scoring and rebounding during its run to the 2014 Grand Final, Daniel Johnson (to Zielona Góra) left for Poland after winning his third consecutive Mark Davis Trophy as club MVP and earning All-NBL First Team honours. Gary Ervin (to Wollongong), Jason Cadee (to Sydney) and Rhys Carter (to New Zealand) also departed, while second-year coach Joey Wright retained captain Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie, Luke Schenscher, Mitchell Creek, Brendan Teys and BJ Anthony. Jamar Wilson (via Cairns), Daequon Montreal (via Europe), Peter Crawford (via Townsville) and Tom Daly were among the preseason additions.

Johnson had signed a two-year deal with Polish club Stelmet Zielona Góra, but his playing time declined following a coaching change and the two sides mutually agreed to part ways on January 18. “We just weren’t the right fit for each other,” Johnson said. Three days later he returned to Adelaide for the remainder of the NBL season, rejoining a frontcourt which had changed further after Brock Motum joined the 36ers during November.

Johnson made his return against Wollongong on January 23, contributing 4 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in 15 minutes as Adelaide won 89-85. Motum (18 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Wilson (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the 36ers, while Tim Coenraad (20 points) was Wollongong’s leading scorer. The victory was Adelaide’s fourth in succession.

Johnson (10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 9 games) appeared in each of Adelaide’s remaining seven regular-season games and both semifinals after returning from Poland, giving Wright another scoring and rebounding option in the frontcourt.

His highest-scoring game came against Sydney on February 6, when Johnson (18 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 3 blocks) made 8-of-14 shots in only 17 minutes as Adelaide defeated the Kings 97-78. Motum (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block) and Wilson (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided the main support, while Kevin White (20 points) led Sydney after making six three-pointers. The result extended the 36ers’ winning streak to seven games.

Johnson produced his strongest all-round performance in Adelaide’s final regular-season game against Wollongong on February 22. Making his first start since returning to the NBL, Johnson (11 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) played more than 33 minutes as the 36ers completed a 105-85 victory. Wilson (23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Creek (21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) led the scoring, while Rhys Martin (14 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) was Wollongong’s leading scorer. Adelaide’s tenth consecutive victory completed a 17-11 regular season and secured third place.

Wilson (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 26 games) led Adelaide in scoring, earned NBL Player of the Week honours twice and finished the season as the Mark Davis Trophy winner and an All-NBL Second Team selection. Motum (17.5 points and 7.1 rebounds across 24 games) led the 36ers in rebounding and earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Creek (11.2 points and 4.4 rebounds across 26 games) lifted his scoring from 7.7 points the previous season to become Adelaide’s third-leading scorer. Gibson (10.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) remained the primary distributor and defensive presence in the backcourt.

Adelaide’s 10-game winning streak ended against second-placed New Zealand in game one of the semifinals at Vector Arena. Johnson (14 points and 8 rebounds) provided one of Adelaide’s stronger performances alongside Wilson (21 points), but Corey Webster (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Cedric Jackson (13 points and 10 assists) led the Breakers. New Zealand opened the game 16-2 and outscored Adelaide 33-15 in the third quarter on the way to a 111-82 victory.

Game two returned to Adelaide, where Johnson (16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) produced his highest-scoring playoff performance and Wilson (23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) again led the 36ers. Jackson (18 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and Ekene Ibekwe (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led New Zealand to a 94-83 victory, completing the semifinal sweep and ending Adelaide’s season.

2015/16
After finishing third with a 17-11 record before being eliminated by eventual champion New Zealand in the 2014/15 semifinals, Adelaide entered Joey Wright’s third season after club MVP Jamar Wilson (to Rouen), Brock Motum (to Žalgiris Kaunas) and Luke Schenscher (to Townsville) departed. Wright added import guards Kenyon McNeail (via Oliveirense) and two-time NBL champion Ebi Ere (via Bayamón), Lucas Walker (via Melbourne), Matthew Hodgson (via Frankston) and Nathan Sobey (via Cairns), who had spent the previous season as a training player with the Taipans before Wright noticed him during warm-ups and offered him a full roster position.

After returning to Adelaide from Poland midway through the previous season, Johnson signed a new three-year deal with the 36ers on May 15. “We couldn’t be happier to lock in DJ for three years, he is the type of player you can build a successful team around,” general manager Dean Parker said.

Adelaide opened the season at Titanium Security Arena on October 7, where Johnson (15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) helped the 36ers defeat defending champion New Zealand 90-71, with Hodgson (18 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) and Gibson (11 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) providing support, while Cedric Jackson (14 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) led the Breakers.

Johnson (15.5 points and 9.3 rebounds across 28 games) started every game and was Adelaide’s second-leading scorer and leading rebounder. He did not miss a game through injury or illness and his 9.3 rebounds per game led the NBL, marking the second time in his career he had finished as the league’s leading rebounder.

McNeail (4 points across 3 games) (released) entered the regular season carrying the shoulder injury he suffered during the NBL Blitz dunk contest and was released on October 19 after it became clear the injury was not responding to treatment. Jerome Randle (23 points and 5.2 assists across 23 games) (via Eskişehir Basket) was brought in as his replacement after spending the previous five seasons overseas. Randle later said he had begun to “fall out of love” with basketball during his time in Europe, before Wright called him out early in their relationship, telling him, “If you don’t play your game, then you’re gonna f***in’ sit on the bench!” The outburst struck a chord with Randle, who remembered thinking, “Damn, I’m at home now.”

One of Johnson’s biggest scoring performances came against Cairns at Titanium Security Arena on October 31, where Johnson (29 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made 12-of-18 shots and three of five three-pointers as Adelaide fell 104-101. Randle (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Gibson (13 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) provided support, while Markel Starks (27 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Cairns.

Johnson produced one of his strongest all-around games against Illawarra at Titanium Security Arena on November 21, finishing with 15 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks as Adelaide defeated the Hawks 89-77. Randle (20 points and 6 assists) and Petrie (16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) provided support, while AJ Ogilvy (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals) was Illawarra’s best.

Johnson’s best game of the season came against Melbourne at Titanium Security Arena on December 23, where Johnson (31 points, 16 rebounds, and 1 assist) made 11-of-23 shots and five of seven three-pointers as Adelaide defeated United 91-81. Randle (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Gibson (6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while Hakim Warrick (20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) was Melbourne’s best. The 31 points were Johnson’s season high, while his 16 rebounds equalled his season high.

Randle led the NBL in scoring, becoming the first Adelaide player to do so, and also finished second in assists after scoring 30 points or more three times during his first NBL season. He won the inaugural NBL Australia Post Fan’s MVP and was selected to the All-NBL First Team. Ere (10.8 points across 28 games), Petrie (9.9 points and 6.3 rebounds across 28 games), Creek (9.9 points and 4.1 rebounds across 26 games), Gibson (9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 27 games) and Walker (5.3 points and 4.9 rebounds across 28 games) were Adelaide’s other major contributors, while Johnson’s league-leading rebounding season earned him selection to the All-NBL Second Team.

Adelaide closed the season against Perth on February 14, where Johnson (8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) played 28 minutes as the Wildcats defeated the 36ers 100-84. Creek (17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Gibson (16 points) led Adelaide, while Tom Jervis (14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) was Perth’s best. The loss completed a four-game losing streak and left Adelaide fifth with a 14-14 record.

2016/17
After finishing fifth with a 14–14 record and missing the playoffs, Adelaide retained Jerome Randle while Adam Gibson (to Brisbane), Anthony Petrie (to Brisbane), Ebi Ere (to SLUC Nancy) and Lucas Walker (to Perth as an injury replacement for Matthew Knight) departed. Coach Joey Wright added Anthony Drmic (via Boise State), Majok Deng (via Louisiana-Monroe), Eric Jacobsen (via Arizona State), Adam Doyle (via Forestville) and Terrance Ferguson (via high school). Ferguson chose to play professionally in the NBL rather than attend college, a move which later helped pave the way for the league’s Next Stars Program, while most experts predicted Adelaide’s young roster to finish last.

Adelaide opened the season at WIN Entertainment Centre on October 7, where Johnson (4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) started as Illawarra defeated the 36ers 122–88. Creek (24 points) and Randle (13 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide, while Rotnei Clarke (23 points and 6 assists) led the Hawks.

Johnson (15.1 points and 7.1 rebounds across 29 games) entered the second season of the three-year deal he had signed with Adelaide in May 2015 and appeared in 26 of the 28 regular-season games before playing in all three semifinals. A hamstring strain forced him out of Adelaide’s November 5 game against Perth and November 12 game against Illawarra, while captain Creek (12.1 points and 5.4 rebounds across 21 games) also missed nine games after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot.

Johnson returned from the hamstring injury against Brisbane on November 19 and came off the bench, producing 20 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block, including a strong second quarter which helped Adelaide cut a 15-point deficit to one. Sobey (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Deng (10 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, but Torrey Craig (34 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Brisbane to a 105–87 win which dropped Adelaide to 3–6 and last place.

Adelaide responded by beginning an eight-game winning streak and started its climb from last place to first. Johnson produced 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal against top-ranked Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on November 28, hitting several important shots during a decisive 13–2 fourth-quarter run as the 36ers won 91–85. Randle (20 points and 3 assists) and Deng (11 points) provided support, while Kevin Lisch (25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led Sydney.

Johnson’s best game of the season came against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on December 12, where Johnson (27 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made 11 of 15 field goals and four of six three-pointers as Adelaide defeated the Taipans 96–83 for its fifth consecutive win. Sobey (19 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Randle (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped Adelaide dominate the second half, while Nathan Jawai (17 points and 7 rebounds) led Cairns.

Adelaide continued its surge, winning 14 of 15 games after its 3–6 start and securing first place with three rounds remaining. The 36ers lost their final four regular-season games, including a 98–89 home loss to Cairns on February 11 where Johnson (13 points and 4 rebounds), Randle (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Creek (16 points and 9 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Travis Trice (18 points) was Cairns’ leading scorer. Despite the late losing streak, Adelaide finished first with a 17–11 record, two games clear of the rest of the competition, claiming its first minor premiership since 1999/00.

Randle (21.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 31 games) led Adelaide in scoring and was named NBL Most Valuable Player and selected to the All-NBL First Team. Sobey (15.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 31 games) was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and named Most Improved Player, while Jacobsen (6.8 points and 5.9 rebounds across 31 games), Drmic (6 points and 3.2 rebounds across 30 games), Hodgson (5.6 points and 5.7 rebounds across 31 games) and Teys (5.1 points across 31 games) provided Adelaide’s other major contributions. Johnson was selected to the All-NBL First Team for the second time in his career, Drmic was named Rookie of the Year and Wright was named Coach of the Year.

Adelaide opened its semifinal series against fourth-placed Illawarra at Titanium Security Arena, where Johnson (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block), Randle (26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Sobey (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the 36ers, while Tim Coenraad (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) was Illawarra’s best. Adelaide won 93–78 to snap the four-game losing streak it carried into the playoffs and take a 1–0 series lead.

Game two moved to WIN Entertainment Centre, where Johnson (17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Randle (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Jacobsen (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Adelaide, while Coenraad (17 points and 10 rebounds) and Mitchell Norton (17 points) led Illawarra. The Hawks held their nerve through a fourth quarter containing several lead changes and won 100–94 to level the series.

The deciding game returned to Titanium Security Arena, where Johnson (9 points and 5 rebounds), Randle (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Sobey (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led Adelaide after Illawarra had built a 21-point fourth-quarter lead. The 36ers produced a 19–3 run to cut the margin to five, but Clarke (20 points) and Marvelle Harris (17 points) steadied the Hawks as Illawarra won 106–98 and eliminated Adelaide 2–1.

2017/18
After finishing first with a 17-11 record the previous season before being eliminated by Illawarra in the semifinals, coach Joey Wright retained all eight Australian players from the 2016/17 roster for another championship run. Reigning NBL MVP Jerome Randle (to Istanbul) departed after reportedly seeking around $300,000 per season and ultimately signed with Bahçeşehir in Turkey, while Terrance Ferguson (to Oklahoma City) and Eric Jacobsen (to Fukuoka) also left. Shannon Shorter, Ramone Moore (via Melbourne) and Ronald Roberts were recruited as the three imports, with Adelaide going undefeated at the Merlion Cup in Singapore and defeating the Shanghai Sharks in the final. Roberts was released immediately before the NBL season after the club cited a knee injury, although Roberts responded publicly that he was “100 percent fine.”

Johnson entered the final season of the three-year contract he had signed with Adelaide in May 2015.

Adelaide opened the season against Melbourne at Titanium Security Arena on October 5, where Johnson (13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block), Nathan Sobey (21 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) and Anthony Drmic (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) led the 36ers, but Casper Ware (23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) carried United to a 99-97 win.

Johnson (15.8 points and 6.8 rebounds across 35 games) appeared in every game Adelaide played during the season and did not miss any games through injury.

After Roberts’ departure, Alan Wiggins (2 points and 4 rebounds across 1 game) was signed as his replacement but broke his arm in his NBL debut and required surgery. Former Sydney Kings star Josh Childress (12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds across 27 games) was subsequently brought in to fill the import position. The former MVP Randle later enquired about returning to Adelaide after leaving Turkey, but with the 36ers’ roster already set he instead signed with Sydney.

Johnson’s best scoring game came in Cairns on October 12, where he made 11 of 15 field goals and four of seven three-pointers to finish with 32 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal as Adelaide defeated the Taipans 96-70. Mitch Creek (17 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Shorter (11 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) provided support, while Damon Heuir (13 points and 5 rebounds) was Cairns’ leading scorer. Johnson scored 22 points in the first half, including 14 in the opening quarter while making all five of his field-goal attempts, as the victory moved Adelaide to the top of the ladder.

Adelaide struggled for consistency through the first half of the season, with Creek (14.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 31 games) sidelined for approximately three weeks after tearing a small muscle from the bone around his hamstring and Drmic (6.7 points across 27 games) missing a similar period with a left knee MCL sprain. With the 36ers undermanned on Christmas Eve, Johnson (7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) was held quiet as Cairns won 94-75 at Titanium Security Arena, despite Childress (20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Matthew Hodgson (12 points and 4 rebounds), while Cameron Gliddon (27 points, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Taipans. The defeat left Adelaide at 8-8 but became a turning point in its season.

Johnson delivered another major performance against Brisbane on January 7, finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists as Adelaide won 95-84 in overtime. Johnson made two free throws with just over 10 seconds remaining to force overtime before hitting two long-range shots during the extra period, with Sobey (18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Childress (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) providing support, while Perrin Buford (19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) led Brisbane.

Johnson produced 25 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks against Brisbane again on January 27, with Moore (18 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Shorter (17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) also contributing, but Buford (24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Bullets to a 95-90 win. The defeat ended Adelaide’s seven-game winning streak, but the 36ers ultimately won 10 of their final 12 games to finish second with an 18-10 record.

Shorter (13.3 points, 5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals across 34 games), Sobey (12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3 assists across 35 games), Moore (11.3 points and 3 rebounds across 32 games) and Majok Deng (7.5 points across 34 games) provided Adelaide with considerable scoring depth alongside Johnson, Creek and Childress. Johnson was selected to the All-NBL First Team for the second consecutive season, while Moore was named Best Sixth Man and Creek received the Fans MVP award and All-NBL Second Team honours.

Adelaide opened the semifinals against defending champion Perth at Titanium Security Arena, where Johnson (16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Childress (22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Creek (20 points and 11 rebounds) led a 109-74 victory, while Bryce Cotton (22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) led Perth. The 35-point margin handed the Wildcats the second-biggest finals defeat in club history.

Game two moved to Perth Arena, where Johnson (6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) had a quieter night but Adelaide recovered from an 18-point deficit and was still five points behind with 54 seconds remaining before stealing an 89-88 victory. Childress (25 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block) and Creek (22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led the comeback, while Cotton (31 points and 3 assists) was Perth’s leading scorer as Adelaide swept the series 2-0 and advanced to its first Grand Final since 2014.

Melbourne hosted game one of the Grand Final at Hisense Arena, where Johnson (18 points and 5 rebounds), Shorter (16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) and Creek (14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide, but Chris Goulding (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Ware (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) carried United to a 107-96 win. Ware briefly left the game following a collision before returning. Following the loss, Wright was fined $5000 for comments made about the officiating after game one.

Adelaide levelled the series at Titanium Security Arena with a 110-95 game two victory as Johnson (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Deng (18 points and 6 rebounds) and Moore (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led a balanced attack, while Casey Prather (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Goulding (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne. The victory came at a significant cost when Childress (13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) suffered a shoulder injury late in the game that ruled him out for the remainder of the series.

Game three returned to Hisense Arena, where Johnson (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal), Moore (18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Deng (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Adelaide, but Ware (25 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists), Prather (23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Goulding (15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) helped Melbourne win 101-98. Sobey (9 points, 4 assists, and 1 block) was ejected following his halftime clash with Prather during a melee, and Deng missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds as Melbourne took a 2-1 series lead.

Facing elimination in game four, Adelaide raced to a 55-31 halftime lead before Melbourne mounted a second-half comeback. Johnson (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 steal) led the 36ers and hit a crucial three-pointer in the final minute, while Sobey (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Shorter (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) helped Adelaide hold on for a 90-81 victory. Prather (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led United as the series was levelled at 2-2.

The deciding game five returned to Hisense Arena, where Johnson (17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block), Shorter (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Creek (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal) led Adelaide, while Goulding (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal), Ware (23 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Prather (19 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, and 1 block) led Melbourne. Goulding was named Grand Final MVP and Prather collected his third consecutive NBL championship as United defeated Adelaide 100-82 to win the series 3-2.

2018/19
After narrowly missing out on the NBL championship the previous season, Adelaide was forced into rebuilding mode with the departure of several key players, most notably second-leading scorer Mitch Creek (to Long Island Nets). During the off-season, Creek had been given approval to play in Germany with the understanding he would return to Adelaide, but his performances overseas attracted NBA interest. The 36ers filed an injunction to stop Basketball Australia approving an NBA deal without compensation before the two parties eventually reached a resolution allowing Creek to pursue his NBA dream. Adelaide was coming off a five-game Grand Final loss to Melbourne, with game five ending in a 100-82 defeat.

Other departures included Shannon Shorter (to Japan), Josh Childress (retired), and Matthew Hodgson (to Brisbane). Adelaide signed import Jacob Wiley (via Germany) to help replace Creek, added point guard Adris De León, and brought in Harry Froling (via Marquette) and Jack McVeigh (via Nebraska) from college. Nathan Sobey, Majok Deng, Adam Doyle, Brendan Teys, Anthony Drmic and Ramone Moore all returned.

Daniel Johnson also returned after signing a new three-year contract during the off-season and took over as team captain following Creek’s departure. “I’m pretty settled in Adelaide and it’s become home for me, so I’m just excited to be a part of the group again,” he said after re-signing.

Adelaide opened the season at home against Perth on October 11, where Johnson (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block) led the 36ers but the Wildcats won 99-91. Sobey (20 points and 6 assists) and Wiley (13 points and 9 rebounds) provided support, while Bryce Cotton (22 points and 5 assists), Terrico White (20 points) and Nick Kay (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth.

Johnson (17 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 28 games) started all 28 games and did not miss a game through injury in his first season as Adelaide’s captain.

Two days later, Johnson (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped Adelaide record its first win of the season, defeating Sydney 94-83 at Qudos Bank Arena. Sobey (21 points and 4 assists) and Drmic (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) were also important, while Jerome Randle (28 points and 7 assists) led Sydney.

Adelaide improved to 3-2 with a 91-83 road win over Cairns on October 26, where Sobey (22 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals) recorded a triple-double. Wiley (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Johnson (17 points and 7 rebounds) supported him, while Dexter Kernich-Drew (17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Cairns.

The 36ers then lost four consecutive games to fall to 3-6, with a calf injury to Moore (9.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across 19 games) adding to their problems. De León was told his position was under pressure heading into Adelaide’s November 10 game against Sydney, but despite De León (11 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Froling (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Johnson (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal), Adelaide lost 93-81 as Brad Newley (26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Sydney. De León (7.7 points across 9 games) was released following the loss, with Demitrius Conger (via Illawarra) signed as his replacement and Shaun Bruce (via Brisbane) added while Moore recovered.

Conger made his Adelaide debut the following week as the 36ers snapped their four-game losing streak with a 104-79 win over Illawarra. Johnson (16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Sobey (16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Conger (8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped Adelaide pull away after trailing by nine points at quarter-time, while Todd Blanchfield (22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Illawarra.

Adelaide made it back-to-back wins against Cairns on November 23, with Johnson (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Wiley (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Drmic (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) helping the 36ers win 109-95, while Melo Trimble (23 points and 2 steals) led Cairns.

The 36ers were unable to maintain the momentum and lost 120-109 in Illawarra two days later. Johnson (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block), Conger (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Sobey (16 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Blanchfield (24 points and 5 rebounds) was Illawarra’s leading scorer.

Adelaide suffered another narrow loss against Illawarra on December 9, with Johnson (9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists), Sobey (24 points and 4 rebounds) and Wiley (14 points and 10 rebounds) unable to prevent an 87-86 defeat, while Jordair Jett (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led the Hawks.

Johnson (20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) helped Adelaide respond with a 101-91 road win over Brisbane on December 15, with Sobey (24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Drmic (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) providing support, while Lamar Patterson (24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led Brisbane. The victory began Adelaide’s best stretch of the season, with the 36ers winning four consecutive games and moving back into the top four.

Johnson’s highest-scoring game of the season came against New Zealand on December 30, where he made six of eight shots from the field and 16 of 17 free throws to finish with 28 points and 7 rebounds as Adelaide completed its fourth straight win, defeating the Breakers 109-98. Sobey (21 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Wiley (12 points and 6 rebounds) provided support, while Shea Ili (19 points and 4 steals) led New Zealand. Johnson also reached 4,026 career points during the game, the most of any active NBL player at the time.

After dropping back to 10-10, Adelaide returned to the winners’ list against Perth on January 17. Johnson (17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Conger (18 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Sobey (11 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) helped the 36ers defeat the Wildcats 97-84, while Terrico White (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) led Perth.

Two days later Adelaide produced one of its best offensive performances of the season, defeating ladder-leading Sydney 119-99 at Qudos Bank Arena. Johnson (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal), Wiley (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Sobey (16 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) helped the 36ers improve to 12-10, while Randle (23 points and 4 assists) led Sydney.

Back-to-back losses followed, including a 114-91 home defeat against Melbourne on January 28. Johnson (15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Sobey (24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide, while Josh Boone (19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) led Melbourne.

Johnson’s best all-round game of the season came in Cairns on February 2, where he made nine of 16 shots and finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal as Adelaide defeated the Taipans 100-91 and returned to the top four. Sobey (14 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Wiley (11 points and 2 steals) provided support, while Trimble (21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led Cairns.

Adelaide then travelled to New Zealand and recorded a crucial 114-107 win on February 7. Johnson (19 points and 1 steal), Sobey (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Moore (18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal), who returned after missing five games with his calf injury, led the 36ers to their 14th win of the season, while Shawn Long (28 points and 13 rebounds) led New Zealand.

Sobey (16.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 28 games) joined Johnson on the All-NBL Second Team, while Wiley (12.3 points and 4.9 rebounds across 28 games), Conger (11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds across 19 games), Drmic (9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds across 28 games), Froling (7.9 points and 4.6 rebounds across 28 games) and Deng (7.6 points across 28 games) were Adelaide’s other major contributors. Froling was named NBL Rookie of the Year, while McVeigh (3.4 points across 20 games) was named Adelaide’s Most Improved Player. Johnson was named Adelaide’s MVP for the fourth time in nine seasons and reflected on the difficult campaign, “We stuck together as a group, stayed really positive for each other and then fought it out to the end.” His All-NBL Second Team selection was the fifth All-NBL honour of his career at that stage.

Adelaide entered its final home game against Melbourne in fourth place but suffered an 89-87 loss on February 10. Johnson (15 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists), Drmic (20 points and 8 rebounds) and Sobey (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the 36ers, while Casper Ware (20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) led Melbourne. The defeat meant Adelaide could still guarantee a playoff berth by defeating Perth in its final game.

Adelaide’s season ended at RAC Arena on February 15, where the 36ers led by as many as 16 points during the first half before Perth came from behind to win 93-85. The defeat left Adelaide with a 14-14 record and equal with Brisbane, with the Bullets advancing to the playoffs on points percentage and the 36ers finishing fifth. Johnson (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), Drmic (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Conger (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Adelaide, while Bryce Cotton (29 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Perth.

2019/20
After finishing 14-14 and narrowly missing the playoffs on percentage the previous season, Adelaide reshaped its roster following the departures of Nathan Sobey (to Brisbane), Jacob Wiley (to Gran Canaria), Majok Deng (to Cairns), Demitrius Conger (to Real Betis) and Shaun Bruce (to Sydney). Captain Daniel Johnson, Anthony Drmic, Ramone Moore, Harry Froling, Jack McVeigh and Brendan Teys returned, while Eric Griffin (via Ironi Nahariya), Kevin White (via Illawarra), Daniel Dillon (via Paris), Obi Kyei (via Spain), Alex Mudronja (via Saint Mary’s) and Deshon Taylor (via Fresno State) were added. Taylor was released prior to the regular season when former NBL MVP Jerome Randle (via Sydney) became available.

Adelaide opened its season against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on October 12, where Johnson (26 points and 7 rebounds) led the 36ers, while Randle (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), Drmic (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Moore (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided support. Newley (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Tate (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Sydney to a 102-80 win.

Johnson (18.1 points and 8.3 rebounds across 28 games) led Adelaide in rebounding and was second behind Randle in scoring during his tenth season with the 36ers. Johnson started all 28 games and did not miss any games through injury. Adelaide recovered from its opening loss to win its next three games and improve to 3-1 before four consecutive defeats dropped the 36ers to 3-5 and began an inconsistent season spent fighting around the playoff positions.

One of Johnson’s best performances came against Perth at RAC Arena on December 1, where he made 11-of-16 shots and finished with 29 points, a career-high 17 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Randle (20 points and 8 assists) and Moore (12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support as Adelaide built a 27-point lead and defeated the Wildcats 99-88, while Cotton (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth.

With Adelaide attempting to remain in the playoff race, Johnson produced another strong performance against Melbourne at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 11. Johnson (19 points and 7 rebounds), Randle (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Griffin (21 points and 11 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 100-86 win in front of 9,034 fans, the largest crowd to attend an NBL game in Adelaide, while Goulding (26 points) led Melbourne.

Johnson’s best game of the season came in Cairns on January 18, where he made six of his seven three-point attempts and finished with a career-high 38 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Randle (21 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) almost recorded a triple-double, but Newbill (28 points), Oliver (24 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 block) and Machado (21 points and 9 assists) led Cairns to a 108-91 win, leaving Adelaide 11-12 and still fighting for a playoff position.

Randle (19.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists) led Adelaide in scoring, while Griffin (14 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks), Drmic (10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds), Moore (7.8 points), Froling (7.3 points and 3.5 rebounds), McVeigh (6 points) and Teys (5.2 points) were the other major contributors. Moore missed the final seven games with a shoulder injury as Adelaide lost five of its final six games and fell out of playoff contention.

Following the season, Adelaide re-signed five-time club MVP Johnson to a new three-year deal which would keep him with the 36ers through the end of the 2022/23 season.

Already out of playoff contention, Adelaide finished its season against Perth at RAC Arena on February 15 in Joey Wright’s 500th game as an NBL head coach. Johnson (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists), McVeigh (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) and Froling (11 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Adelaide, while Kay (23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led Perth to a 94-79 win as the 36ers finished seventh with a 12-16 record.

2020/21
After finishing seventh with a 12-16 record and missing the playoffs in 2019/20, Adelaide parted ways with long-time coach Joey Wright despite time remaining on his contract, with allegations of abuse and bullying from players emerging following his exit. Former Perth assistant Conner Henry was appointed as his replacement, while co-captain Kevin White (to Perth), Harry Froling (to Brisbane) and Obi Kyei (released) departed. Jack McVeigh, Brendan Teys, Daniel Dillon and Alex Mudronja remained, while highly-rated Next Star Josh Giddey was the first major addition to the roster.

‘Josh is arguably the best young basketball talent in the nation, and we’re thrilled for him to choose to start his professional career at the Adelaide 36ers.’ said Adelaide 36ers owner Grant Kelley on Giddey’s signing.

Adelaide rebuilt its frontcourt by adding former NBL Rookie of the Year Isaac Humphries, Keanu Pinder (via Warsaw) and Sunday Dech (via Illawarra), before imports Donald Sloan and Tony Crocker completed the main roster.

‘Keanu Pinder was a highly sought-after player in free agency, and we are thrilled he chose to join the 36ers. Together with Daniel Johnson and Isaac Humphries he will bring great athleticism and competitiveness to our team, and strengthen our offensive capability, which we promised our fans would be a priority for the upcoming season’ said Adelaide 36ers Chairman Grant Kelley upon signing Pinder.

Five-time club MVP Daniel Johnson also committed his future to Adelaide, signing a new three-year deal in May 2020 which kept him contracted through the end of the 2022/23 season.

Adelaide opened the season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 15 against Melbourne, where Johnson (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) was comfortably the 36ers’ best performer, with McVeigh (9 points) and Giddey (7 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) providing support, while Jo Lual-Acuil (16 points and 12 rebounds) led Melbourne to an 89-65 victory.

Johnson (19.4 points and 7.1 rebounds across 36 games) remained Adelaide’s most reliable scorer, starting all 36 games and not missing a game through injury. His 19.4 points per game was a career-high scoring average and saw him lead the 36ers in scoring for the sixth time.

Johnson’s best scoring game came two days after the season opener against South East Melbourne, where he shot 11-of-14 from the field and finished with 33 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block as Adelaide prevailed 116-108 in double overtime. Giddey (16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Humphries (14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) were also instrumental, while former 36er Mitch Creek (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Phoenix.

Adelaide reached 4-2 before losing momentum during the NBL Cup in Melbourne. Sloan (9 points and 3 assists across 6 games) requested a release after being moved to the bench, with Jeremy Kendle signed as an interim replacement before former NBA guard Brandon Paul (via Zhejiang) arrived for the remainder of the season. Paul (13.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 20 games) became one of Adelaide’s primary scorers after joining the team.

The 36ers were dealt another blow when Humphries (13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks across 19 games) suffered a foot injury against New Zealand on February 27 and was initially ruled out for four to six weeks. Jack Purchase was signed as his injury replacement, with Purchase (1.7 points across 9 games) providing additional frontcourt depth before Humphries returned to action in April.

With Humphries sidelined, Johnson delivered another big performance against Cairns at the NBL Cup on March 6, finishing with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block as Adelaide defeated the Taipans 81-71. McVeigh (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Giddey (10 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) helped Adelaide collect the win, while Fabijan Krslovic (12 points) led Cairns.

Five days later Johnson produced another strong performance against Brisbane, finishing with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in a 109-104 loss at John Cain Arena. Dech (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Giddey (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists) provided support, while Nathan Sobey (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Brisbane.

Giddey (10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists across 28 games) emerged as Adelaide’s primary playmaker, leading the NBL in assists and winning Rookie of the Year before being removed from the active roster late in the season to prepare for the NBA draft. Johnson and Giddey were subsequently named joint winners of Adelaide’s club MVP award. Crocker (10.8 points across 32 games), McVeigh (9.4 points and 3.3 rebounds across 36 games) and Dech (8.7 points and 4.1 rebounds across 36 games) were also regular contributors, while Pinder (4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds across 35 games) made 21 starts during his first season with the club.

Adelaide’s late-season slide left the team outside the playoffs and they entered their final game assured of a seventh-place finish. The season ended against Melbourne at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on June 6, where Johnson (18 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists) closed the year with another double-double, Crocker (27 points and 5 rebounds) and Paul (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the perimeter scoring, while Jock Landale (19 points and 9 rebounds) led Melbourne as United won 102-80, leaving Adelaide with a 13-23 record.

2021/22
After finishing seventh with a 13-23 record the previous season, Adelaide lost Josh Giddey (to Oklahoma City), Jack McVeigh (to Tasmania) and Keanu Pinder (to Cairns), before adding Mitch McCarron (via Melbourne), Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto (via the NBA G League Ignite), Tad Dufelmeier Jr (via Cairns), Mojave King (via Cairns), imports Dusty Hannahs (via the NBA G League) and Todd Withers (via Italy). King had sought a larger role after believing his limited playing time in Cairns was hurting his NBA chances. Adelaide then surprisingly released coach Conner Henry despite a year remaining on his contract, with the club saying their directions were no longer aligned, and appointed CJ Bruton only weeks before the opening game. Bruton completed the roster by adding Hyrum Harris (via Hawke’s Bay) and Cam Bairstow (via Illawarra), reuniting with Bairstow after their time together in Brisbane. McCarron was named the new captain and positioned as Adelaide’s franchise player moving forward.

Adelaide opened at RAC Arena on December 3, where Daniel Johnson (22 points and 6 rebounds), Bairstow (15 points and 7 rebounds) and Hannahs (10 points and 4 rebounds) were unable to match Victor Law (37 points and 4 rebounds) as Perth won 85-73. A second loss left Adelaide 0-2 before two round-two wins moved the 36ers to 2-2 and sixth place, their highest position of the season and the only point they did not have a losing record. Johnson (16.1 points and 7 rebounds across 28 games) entered the second season of the three-year deal he signed in May 2020, started every game and did not miss a game through injury. He led Adelaide in scoring and continued to spend time at power forward, where his mid and long-range shooting allowed him to remain effective after primarily playing centre throughout his career.

His season-high scoring game came at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on March 4, where Johnson (31 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) made 10 of 13 shots and four of five three-pointers as South East Melbourne defeated Adelaide 83-76. McCarron (9 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals) and Hannahs (9 points and 4 rebounds) helped Adelaide remain close, while Mitch Creek (29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Ryan Broekhoff (12 points and 5 rebounds) led the Phoenix, with assistant Jamie Pearlman coaching the 36ers after Bruton entered COVID protocols.

Johnson’s best all-round game came at Nissan Arena on April 3, where Johnson (28 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) made 11 of 16 shots without committing a turnover, but Adelaide’s final possession did not produce a score as Brisbane escaped with a 92-91 win. Sunday Dech (14 points and 4 rebounds) and Harris (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) supported Johnson, while Jason Cadee (26 points and 5 assists) made seven three-pointers and Robert Franks (17 points and 12 rebounds) helped Brisbane hold on.

Johnson (23 points and 6 rebounds) was again decisive at RAC Arena on April 14 as Adelaide led throughout and upset Perth 82-70. Dech (23 points and 9 rebounds) and Hannahs (23 points) gave the 36ers three 23-point scorers, while Law (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Matt Hodgson (16 points and 6 rebounds) led Perth, with Adelaide holding Bryce Cotton (7 points) to three field goals from 16 attempts.

Adelaide’s frontcourt was weakened when Isaac Humphries (7.7 points and 5 rebounds across 6 games) suffered a knee injury that ended his season, while Bairstow (11.4 points and 8 rebounds across 18 games) produced the best season of his NBL career before a late ankle injury ended his campaign and ultimately his NBL career. Hannahs (13.6 points across 23 games) and Withers (8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 26 games) delivered underwhelming seasons as Adelaide’s imports, while Dech (12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds across 23 games), McCarron (7.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2 steals across 27 games) and Sotto (7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 23 games) were the other major contributors. Harris (4.2 points across 22 games) was named Adelaide’s Most Improved Player, while King (3.7 points across 26 games) was used in a smaller role before producing his best performance in the final game. Johnson won his second consecutive Mark Davis Award as Adelaide’s Most Valuable Player.

With one month remaining, Adelaide was 7-17 and out of playoff contention, but improved road form gave the 36ers a chance to finish with four consecutive away wins. South East Melbourne erased a 17-point deficit at John Cain Arena on April 22, where Dech (20 points and 6 assists), Johnson (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Hannahs (18 points) led Adelaide, while Cameron Gliddon (24 points and 6 rebounds) and Brandon Ashley (14 points and 11 rebounds) carried the Phoenix to a 94-91 win.

Adelaide ended the season in Hobart on April 24, turning a seven-point half-time lead into a 93-60 win over New Zealand, the team’s largest victory of the season and its third win from the final four games. Dech (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), King (15 points and 2 steals) and Withers (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Adelaide, while Chasson Randle (14 points) and Rasmus Bach (14 points) were New Zealand’s leading scorers. “I’ve got a smile on my face. It’s been a tough and challenging road but finishing off strong is important. You’ve always got a lot to play for – our fans, our families, the community, our sponsors. While this time might not have been our time, we still had a job to do and showed everyone we’re united,” said Bruton. Adelaide missed the playoffs and finished seventh for the third consecutive season with a 10-18 record. Johnson (4 points and 5 rebounds) played 16 minutes.

2022/23
After finishing seventh with a 10-18 record during CJ Bruton’s first season as coach, Adelaide entered NBL23 after finally giving Bruton a full offseason to prepare a roster which had struggled with injuries and cohesion. Captain Mitch McCarron, Daniel Johnson, Sunday Dech, Hyrum Harris, Kai Sotto and development player Nick Marshall returned, while Isaac Humphries (to Melbourne), Mojave King (to G League Ignite), Todd Withers (to Rytas Vilnius), Cameron Bairstow (retired), Dusty Hannahs (free agent), Tad Dufelmeier Jr (free agent) and Emmanuel Malou (free agent) departed. Anthony Drmic (via Brisbane), Antonius Cleveland (via Illawarra), Robert Franks (via Brisbane), Craig Randall II (via Long Island Nets), Kyrin Galloway (via New Zealand) and Deng Acuoth (via Knox) joined the group.

The seven-time club MVP entered his 15th NBL season after winning a silver medal with Australia’s 3×3 team at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. He contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds as Adelaide completed an undefeated NBL Blitz with an 84-77 victory over Illawarra, before scoring 15 points as the 36ers became the first NBL team to defeat NBA opposition with a 134-124 win over the Phoenix Suns. Randall II (35 points), Franks (32 points and 7 rebounds), Cleveland (22 points) and McCarron (9 rebounds and 16 assists) also starred as Adelaide made 24 three-pointers, while the veteran big man missed the following 131-98 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder with an ankle injury.

Adelaide opened its regular season against Tasmania at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 13, where he started and finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Randall II (18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Franks (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the 36ers, but Tasmania made seven three-pointers during a 32-10 opening quarter and won 97-72 behind Magette (23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals).

Johnson (11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds across 27 games) started Adelaide’s first 14 games before moving to the bench in December and remaining there for the rest of the campaign. He averaged 22.3 minutes while producing his lowest scoring average since an injury-shortened 2014/15 season, with Franks and Cleveland becoming the team’s main frontcourt options. Adelaide was unable to maintain the momentum created during its United States trip and opened the regular season with a 3-4 record, while Randall II (20.3 points and 3.2 rebounds across 6 games) had several on-court altercations with Bruton and was released after reacting negatively to being moved to the bench.

Johnson’s best game came against Illawarra at the WIN Entertainment Centre on November 3, where he made 11 of his 14 field-goal attempts and four three-pointers to finish with 28 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Randall II missed the game with a chest injury, but Franks (25 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Drmic (16 points) supported Johnson as Adelaide defeated the Hawks 96-80, while Harvey (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) led Illawarra.

Johnson led Adelaide against defending champion Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on December 4, making three three-pointers and finishing with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Franks (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Sotto (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) provided support, but Soares (18 points and 3 steals) and Walton Jr (16 points and 11 assists) led Sydney to a 97-78 win.

Five days later, Johnson became the 40th player to appear in 400 NBL games when Adelaide hosted Perth at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. “This has snuck up on me, I think it’s cool to be able to play so many games, especially for Adelaide as well,” he said. Johnson (10 points and 5 rebounds) reached the milestone on the same night Norton played his 300th game, but Cotton (32 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Thomas (22 points and 8 rebounds) and Corey Webster (22 points) led Perth to a 98-90 win despite McCarron (20 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Franks (19 points and 5 rebounds) carrying Adelaide.

After shifting to the bench, Johnson produced one of his most efficient games of the season against South East Melbourne at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Christmas Eve, making six of his nine field-goal attempts and seven free throws to finish with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block in 17 minutes. Franks (20 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Cleveland (13 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block) helped Adelaide win 94-88, while Creek (24 points and 5 rebounds) led the Phoenix.

Former Sydney guard Ian Clark (via Sydney) joined when Adelaide sat at 6-8, with Clark (12.2 points and 3.1 assists across 10 games) added for the final 10 games as the 36ers battled Melbourne, Perth and South East Melbourne for the final two Play-In positions.

Franks (17.7 points and 6.5 rebounds across 28 games) led Adelaide in scoring and rebounding, while Cleveland (15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 28 games) won his second consecutive NBL Best Defensive Player award and the club’s Mark Davis Trophy. Drmic (10.3 points and 3.4 rebounds across 25 games), McCarron (7.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals across 26 games), Dech (7.3 points across 28 games) and Sotto (6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds across 27 games) were Adelaide’s other main contributors.

Adelaide entered its final game still capable of reaching the Play-In tournament and faced Melbourne at John Cain Arena on February 5, where Johnson (10 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 17 minutes off the bench. Cleveland (30 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) and Dech (20 points and 4 assists) led the 36ers, while Tucker (31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) carried Melbourne to a 116-107 win as Adelaide suffered its sixth loss from its final eight games and finished eighth with a 13-15 record. Following the season, Adelaide chose not to re-sign Johnson, ending his 13-season tenure with the club after 366 appearances, and announced plans to retire his number 21 jersey as he prepared to continue his career overseas. “To have my jersey hanging next to the legends of the club is something I’m very proud of,” he said.

13 seasons, over 6000 points, one legend ⭐

Daniel Johnson is departing the Adelaide 36ers, and the club has announced plans to retire his number 21 jersey 👏

Read more: https://t.co/XKTZA3vP54 pic.twitter.com/4XWnZuY7Tq

— NBL (@NBL) August 22, 2023

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
2023/24
South East Melbourne began NBL24 under new coach Mike Kelly after finishing fifth and losing the Play-In Qualifier to Perth the previous season. Kyle Adnam (to Sibiu), Trey Kell III (to Adelaide), Ryan Broekhoff (retired) and Dane Pineau (to New Zealand) departed, while Ben Ayre (via Cairns), Gorjok Gak (via Brisbane), Matt Kenyon (via Tasmania), Rhys Vague (via Kagawa), Craig Moller (via Würzburg) and Will Cummings (via Zhejiang) joined Mitch Creek, Alan Williams, Gary Browne and Reuben Te Rangi.

After retiring from the NBL following 13 seasons with Adelaide at the end of NBL23, Johnson returned to the league in November when Gak suffered a calf injury. A proposed overseas move to Qatar had fallen through, allowing South East Melbourne to sign Johnson as a nominated replacement player on November 9, with the expectation his stint would last only until Gak returned.

Johnson made his Phoenix debut against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on November 12, where Johnson (3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) played 10 minutes off the bench in a 92-83 loss. Creek (19 points and 5 rebounds) and Browne (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led South East Melbourne, while Goulding (27 points) was Melbourne’s leading scorer.

Johnson (3.7 points across 3 games) provided short-term frontcourt depth during Gak’s absence, with his second appearance taking him back to Adelaide to face the club he had represented for the previous 13 seasons.

Johnson’s best game came against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on November 17, where Johnson (6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) made both of his three-point attempts after receiving a warm reception from his former home crowd. Williams (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Creek (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led the Phoenix, but Vasiljevic (29 points and 6 rebounds) powered Adelaide back from an 18-point halftime deficit to win 96-93.

Johnson’s final appearance came against New Zealand on December 2, where Johnson (2 points and 1 assist) played seven minutes as South East Melbourne defeated the Breakers 90-79. Creek (26 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Williams (10 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) led the Phoenix, while Le’afa (17 points and 3 rebounds) was New Zealand’s leading scorer.

Gak returned to fitness following the win over New Zealand and Johnson’s replacement stint ended after three games, taking his NBL career total to 417 appearances. Johnson (to Taiwan) then signed with the Taiwan Beer Leopards days after leaving South East Melbourne.

Daniel Johnson played sixteen seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Melbourne Tigers, Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix. He averaged 14.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 417 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 47th in total games played.
– 30th in total points
– 28th in total rebounds
– 48th in total blocks