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Joe Johnson Player Preview: Continuing an enduring tradition of signing washed players at expense of young prospects

It’s a tradition that transcends time, generations, and front office regimes: the Detroit Pistons wasting a roster spot on a washed up player.

The Allen Iverson trade inspired it. What followed: Chucky Atkins. Damien Wilkins. Ben Wallace’s second tenure. Chauncey Billup’s second tenure. Tayshaun Prince’s second tenure. (Love the guys, but they were dumb signings on their season’s roster construction that was nothing more than fan appeasement) Caron Butler. Aaron Gray. Steve Blake. Beno Udrih. Jameer Nelson. Jose Calderon. And now, Joe Johnson.

Generally when the Pistons sign or trade for an obviously washed up player, that player is out of the league the next year.