Jazz's Joe Johnson: Returns to bench role

Johnson will move back to the bench for Sunday's game against the Knicks.

Analysis:

The 35-year-old Johnson fared better than expected as Gordon Hayward's (finger) replacement in the starting lineup, averaging 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 29.8 minutes per game over the Jazz's first six games of the season. With Hayward slated to return Sunday and immediately available to take back a full workload, Johnson's minutes and productivity figure to take a significant hit. The veteran should still end up serving as the Jazz's leading contributor off the bench, but his fantasy value will mostly be relegated to deeper leagues.