Antibes Signs First American Player in Franchise History, Adding Forward Marcus Johnson

The French basketball club Antibes Basket has made a significant move in its roster construction by signing its first-ever American player, forward Marcus Johnson, according to a team statement released Monday. The 6’7″ forward, who previously played in the NBA G League, will join the LNB Pro A squad for the 2023-2024 season, marking a strategic shift in the team’s recruitment approach.

Johnson, 26, spent the last two seasons with the Maine Celtics of the G League, averaging 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 2022-23. His signing follows Antibes’ recent efforts to bolster its frontline ahead of the new campaign, with team director of basketball operations Marc Lefevre stating, “Marcus brings international experience and versatility that aligns with our goals for this season.”

Antibes, which competes in the top-tier French league, has historically focused on domestic and European talent. The addition of Johnson represents a potential shift toward integrating American players, a move that could impact the team’s competitiveness in both domestic and continental competitions.

Who Is Marcus Johnson?

Johnson, a native of Chicago, played college basketball at the University of Nevada before entering the 2021 NBA Draft, where he was selected 53rd overall by the Brooklyn Nets. He was subsequently assigned to the Long Island Nets of the G League, where he averaged 12.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2021-22. His 2022-23 season with Maine saw him improve to 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds, with a career-high 18 points in a March 2023 game against the Austin Spurs.

The forward’s ability to play both power forward and small forward has drawn attention from European scouts. Eurohoops, a leading European basketball news outlet, noted that Johnson’s “athleticism and defensive versatility” make him a “fit for teams looking to add depth.”

Why This Signing Matters for Antibes

Antibes’ decision to sign an American player reflects broader trends in European basketball, where teams increasingly seek players with NBA experience to elevate competitiveness. The LNB Pro A, France’s top league, has seen rising interest from international talent, with clubs like ASVEL and Cholet recently adding American imports.

For Antibes, the move could address a need in their frontcourt. The team finished the 2022-23 season with a 19-15 record, securing a playoff berth but struggling to maintain consistency. Johnson’s physical presence and scoring ability could provide a boost, particularly in matchups against taller European forwards.

“This signing is part of our long-term plan to build a more balanced roster,” Lefevre said. “Marcus’ experience in the G League and his adaptability to different systems make him a valuable addition.”

What It Means for the LNB Pro A

The influx of American players in the LNB Pro A has sparked debate among fans and analysts. While some argue that it enhances the league’s quality, others worry about the financial pressures on smaller clubs. Antibes, which operates on a mid-tier budget, has not disclosed the financial terms of Johnson’s contract, but the move is seen as a calculated risk.

According to Euroleague Basketball’s 2023 report, the LNB Pro A had 12 American players on its rosters during the 2022-23 season, a 20% increase from the previous year. Johnson’s signing adds to this trend, highlighting the league’s growing appeal to North American talent.

What’s Next for Antibes?

Antibes is set to begin its 2023-24 pre-season training in late August, with the regular season tipping off in October. The team has not yet announced its full roster, but Johnson’s arrival is expected to be followed by additional signings in the coming weeks.

The club’s next confirmed action is a friendly match against French rivals Chalon-sur-Saône on August 26. Fans will be watching closely to see how Johnson integrates into the team’s system ahead of the regular season.

For now, the focus remains on Johnson’s potential impact. As one fan wrote on the Antibes Basket Facebook page, “It’s exciting to see a new type of player join the team. We’ll see if he can help us take the next step.”

Next Checkpoint: Antibes’ pre-season friendly against Chalon-sur-Saône on August 26, 2023.

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