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.

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
The 36ers revamped their backcourt for the 2014/15 season, letting go of Gary Ervin (to Wollongong), Jason Cadee (to Sydney), and Rhys Carter (to Europe). To replace them, Adelaide signed Jamar Wilson (via Cairns) and Daequon Montreal (via Europe), with young forward Brock Motum (a member of the national team) signed as the key offensive addition.

Wilson (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) led the team in scoring and earned NBL Player of the Week honours twice, including after a 22-point game against Melbourne (Jan 10) and a 25-point performance against Townsville (Feb 1). Motum (17.5 points and 7.1 rebounds) led the team in rebounding, while Creek (11.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) emerged as the team’s third-leading scorer, increasing his production from the previous season. Johnson averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

The 36ers finished in third place (17-11) but were eliminated in the semifinals by eventual champions New Zealand. Jamar Wilson’s stellar season earned him the Mark Davis Trophy (club MVP) and All-NBL Second Team honours.

2015/16
Before the 2015/16 season, the 36ers revamped their backcourt again, signing import guards Kenyon McNeail and two-time NBL champion Ebi Ere. Brock Motum left for Europe, and Luke Schenscher was not re-signed, moving to Townsville. Adelaide added two young talents: Melbourne Tigers forward Lucas Walker and Nathan Sobey, who had impressed Joey Wright as a training player with Cairns.

Daniel Johnson (15.5 points and 9.3 rebounds) continued to lead the team in scoring and rebounding. However, McNeail left the team after just three games due to a shoulder injury sustained during a pre-season dunk contest. Wright brought in Jerome Randle as a replacement, a player who had been viewed as “too small” for the NBA and spent the last five years playing in Europe.

Randle made an immediate impact, scoring 30 or more points four times, including a 40-point effort against Perth on November 5. He finished the season as the NBL’s leading scorer, with averages of 23.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Randle’s play earned him the inaugural NBL Australia Post Fan’s MVP and a spot on the All-NBL First Team, while Johnson earned All-NBL Second Team honours with his consistent play.

Despite Randle’s individual brilliance, the 36ers missed the playoffs, finishing in fifth place with a 14-14 record.

2016/17
During the 2016 NBL off-season, the Adelaide 36ers managed to retain their superstar point guard Jerome Randle, while adding promising young talents like Anthony Drmic (younger brother of former NBL player Frank Drmic), Sudanese-born Majok Deng, and import forward/centre Eric Jacobsen. Joining them was 18-year-old NBA Draft prospect Terrance Ferguson from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who decided to play professionally in the NBL instead of committing to college basketball, ultimately leading to the creation of the NBL’s Next Stars Program.

While most experts predicted the young and relatively inexperienced 36ers to finish at the bottom of the standings, by mid-season, they had emerged as one of the teams to beat. Adelaide started the season slowly (3-6) due to injuries to captain Mitch Creek (ankle) and Daniel Johnson (hamstring). Their struggles reached a low point with a heavy loss to Brisbane (87-105) in Round 7, dropping them to last place. However, a fully healthy roster turned things around as Adelaide immediately bounced back, defeating Brisbane (101-83) in the very next game and going on to string together an eight-game winning streak. By Round 11, they had risen from last to first place, and by Round 16, they had won 14 of their last 15 games, locking in the top spot with three rounds to go.

Even after losing their final four games of the regular season, Adelaide finished two games clear at the top of the ladder, finishing 17-11. With Creek and Johnson healthy again, alongside the MVP-level performance of Randle and Nathan Sobey emerging as a strong candidate for the NBL’s Most Improved Player award, the 36ers went on an incredible run. They secured the minor premiership for the first time since the 1999/00 season, finishing five games ahead of the chasing pack.

Johnson averaged 15.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the season, while Randle led the team with 21.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, earning him the NBL MVP award. Randle became only the second 36ers player to win MVP honours (Mark Davis won in 1987). Sobey was also recognized for his tremendous improvement, winning the NBL’s Most Improved Player award after increasing his production from 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 10 minutes per game the previous season to 15.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 28 minutes per game, becoming the 36ers’ third option on offense.

The 36ers faced the Illawarra Hawks in the semifinals, easily winning game one 93-78, led by Randle’s 26 points and 4 assists. However, in a shocking turn of events, Illawarra won games two (100–94) and three (106-98), ending Adelaide’s season prematurely.

Daniel Johnson had several standout games during the season. One of his best performances came on 12 December 2016, when he scored 27 points, shooting 11 of 15 from the field and adding 9 rebounds in a win against the Cairns Taipans (101-83). Another notable game was on 28 November 2016, when he dropped 22 points on 7 of 14 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds in a win against the Sydney Kings (103-96). Johnson also had an impressive outing on 8 October 2016, where he recorded 26 points, shooting an efficient 10 of 11 from the field, while also contributing 5 rebounds and 2 assists in a victory over the Perth Wildcats (96-88).

2017/18
With the Adelaide 36ers proving they had a championship-contending roster, coach Joey Wright locked in all eight Australian players (Mitch Creek, Nathan Sobey, Daniel Johnson, Matthew Hodgson, Brendan Teys, Majok Deng, Anthony Drmic, and Adam Doyle) from the previous season for another title run. One notable absence from the roster was star US import Jerome Randle, who reportedly asked for $300k per season, a figure far beyond what Adelaide or other NBL teams could afford. Randle opted to play in Turkey instead, with the 36ers replacing him with experienced guard Shannon Shorter.

Philadelphia-born shooting guard Ramone Moore and athletic forward Ronald Roberts were signed as the team’s other imports to complete the roster. However, import woes began early, with Roberts being released a week before the season opener due to a ‘knee injury,’ although Roberts stated on Twitter that he was “100 percent fine.” Veteran forward Alan Wiggins was signed as his replacement but suffered a broken arm in his NBL debut. With Wiggins requiring surgery, former Sydney Kings star Josh Childress was signed as his replacement.

Despite the early struggles with imports, Adelaide managed to find rhythm, although consistency was an issue. They won half of their first 16 games, and around this time, Randle enquired about a return after leaving Turkey. However, with the team roster set, Randle signed with the Sydney Kings instead.

Mitch Creek was ruled out for three weeks in mid-December 2017 after tearing a muscle from the bone in his hamstring. A disappointing 19-point home loss to the Cairns Taipans on Christmas Eve summed up the slow start to the season, but the defeat became a turning point for the 36ers, who went on to win 10 of their last 12 games, including seven in a row, and finished second on the ladder at the end of the regular season.

Daniel Johnson had another strong season, averaging 16.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Some of his standout performances included a 32-point game on 12 October 2017 in a win against Cairns, where he shot 11 of 15 from the field and added 7 rebounds. Another impressive outing came on 7 January 2018, when Johnson recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Brisbane. He also posted a 25-point, 10-rebound performance on 27 January 2018 against Brisbane in another strong victory for the 36ers.

In the semifinals, Adelaide made short work of the third-ranked Perth Wildcats, defeating them 109–74 in game one, marking the second-biggest finals loss in Wildcats history. They followed up with an 89–88 win in game two behind Josh Childress’s 25 points and 10 rebounds.

The Grand Final series against Melbourne United saw United’s Casper Ware explode for 20 points before going down with a hip injury in game one. Chris Goulding stepped up with 26 points, leading Melbourne to a 107-96 victory. Johnson contributed 18 points for Adelaide, while Creek added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

In game two, Adelaide tied the series with a 110-95 win, thanks to solid contributions from Majok Deng (18 points), Creek (17 points), and Moore (17 points). However, the win came at a cost, with Childress suffering a shoulder injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the series.

Tensions rose in game three, with Adelaide’s Nathan Sobey ejected after clashing with Casey Prather. United claimed a tight 101-98 victory after Adelaide’s Majok Deng missed a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds. Casper Ware (25 points), Prather (23 points), and Goulding (15 points) delivered crucial performances for Melbourne.

Game four saw Sobey lead Adelaide in the first half, with the 36ers dominating Melbourne 55-31 at the break. Adelaide went on to win comfortably (90-81), with Johnson recording 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Prather leading United with 23 points.

In the deciding game five, Goulding, Ware (both 23 points), and Prather (19 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals) were too much for Adelaide as Melbourne clinched the championship with a 100-82 victory. Goulding was named Finals MVP, averaging 16.6 points and 3.6 rebounds over the five-game series, while Shannon Shorter led Adelaide in scoring with 20 points.

2018/19
After narrowly missing out on the NBL championship the previous season, the Adelaide 36ers faced a significant rebuild with several key departures, most notably second-leading scorer Mitch Creek, who left to pursue his NBA dream after lengthy negotiations between Adelaide and Basketball Australia.

During the NBL 2018 off-season, Creek was granted permission to play in Germany with the understanding that he would return to Adelaide for the 2018/19 season. However, his strong performances in Germany caught the attention of the Brooklyn Nets, who signed him to their G-League team. The 36ers filed an injunction to prevent Basketball Australia from approving Creek’s NBA deal without compensation, but a resolution was eventually reached, allowing Creek to pursue his NBA aspirations.

Other key exits included Shannon Shorter (to Japan), Josh Childress (retirement), and Matthew Hodgson (to Brisbane). To fill these roster gaps, Adelaide signed import Jacob Wiley (via Germany), who was scouted by Joey Wright at NBA Summer League as a replacement for Creek, and added point guard Adris De León to assist with scoring and playmaking duties. Young talents Harry Froling and Jack McVeigh were also brought in straight from college, adding youthful energy to the team.

Despite the significant roster changes, Adelaide retained key players, including Nathan Sobey, Majok Deng, Adam Doyle, Brendan Teys, and import Ramone Moore. Leading scorer Daniel Johnson also returned and was named team captain, stepping into the role vacated by Creek.

Adelaide’s season started with a loss to Perth (91–99) at home in Round 1, but they bounced back with a win against the Sydney Kings (94–83) on the road. In Round 3, Sobey recorded a standout triple-double performance (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists) in a victory over Cairns (91–83).

However, a string of four consecutive losses followed, starting with a defeat to New Zealand (114–94) and ending with a loss to Brisbane (93–90) in Round 4. Key injuries, including a calf injury to Ramone Moore, disrupted the team’s momentum. After another loss to Sydney, De León (7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists) was released, and Illawarra import Demitrius Conger was signed to replace him. With Moore still sidelined, Adelaide also signed Shaun Bruce, who played out the remaining games of the season.

Adelaide’s inconsistency continued as they followed back-to-back wins in Round 7 with a heartbreaking one-point loss to Illawarra (87–86) at home in Round 8. After a win against Brisbane (101–91) in Round 9, another defeat to Illawarra (90–93) ensued.

In Round 14, Adelaide found some rhythm, winning four consecutive games, including a crucial victory over Perth (97–84) and a dominant win against Sydney (119–99). However, inconsistency resurfaced as losses to Melbourne (114–91) and Brisbane (98–87 OT) in later rounds impacted their playoff chances.

Daniel Johnson delivered another strong season, averaging 17.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. His standout games included a 28-point, 6-rebound performance in a win against New Zealand (30 Dec 2018), where he shot 75% from the field. He also recorded 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in a victory over Cairns (2 Feb 2019), making 9 of 16 field goal attempts. In another strong showing, Johnson posted 23 points and 9 rebounds in a game against Perth (11 Oct 2018), helping Adelaide secure a key victory.

Adelaide’s playoff hopes were dashed after key losses, but both Daniel Johnson and Nathan Sobey (16.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists) were selected to the All-NBL Second Team. Other key contributors included Jacob Wiley (12.3 points, 4.9 rebounds), Demitrius Conger (11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds), and Harry Froling (7.9 points, 4.6 rebounds), who won the NBL Rookie of the Year award.

The 36ers hovered between fourth and fifth place throughout the second half of the season, finishing equal with Brisbane at 14-14 but missing out on the playoffs due to points percentage.

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 415 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 49th in total games played.
– 31st in total points
– 28th in total rebounds
– 49th in total blocks