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The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Hawaii’s ‘Big Fish’ lands with Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League team
- Story byThe Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- Hawaii’s ‘Big Fish’ lands with Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League team
Former University of Hawaii basketball player Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson is finding that life is sunny in Philadelphia .
On Wednesday, Johnson accepted an invitation to compete on the Philadelphia 76ers ' entry in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. All 30 NBA teams will field teams in the July 9-19 event at the Thomas &Mack Center and Pavilion on the UNLV campus.
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"Are we excited?" Johnson asked his wife, Audrah. "She said, 'Heck, yeah.'"
Earlier this month, the 7-foot Johnson participated in an invitation-only workout with the Houston Rockets . On Monday, a day ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, his agent received a call from the 76ers.
Johnson recalled being told: "Just a head's up. The 76ers only have one pick, but they're planning on reaching out the next few days for the summer league."
That call came on Wednesday following the conclusion of the two-day, two-round draft.
"We're pretty excited what that will look like," Johnson said. "Not sure who's on the team or what's going on. But I know I'm on the team."
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Bowling Green's website reported that former Falcons guard Javontae Campbell also signed to the Sixers' summer squad.
In his lone UH season after transferring from Utah State, Johnson helped the Rainbow Warriors win the 2026 Big West tournament and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Johnson, who averaged 14.1 points, was named to the All-Big West first team and was selected as the league tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Johnson had sought a waiver to play as a plus-year senior in 2026-27. But the NCAA denied that claim.
Johnson was hopeful of securing an opportunity overseas, preferably in Japan, when he received the workout invitation from the Rockets.
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But now, Johnson said, the summer league opportunity "could open some doors. We'll see what happens. Not sure what will come up with it. It's all up in the air. I'm just going to play my best basketball and work."
Johnson said the 76ers are finalizing the reporting dates. He is projected as a center or stretch-four. This past season, Johnson connected on 50.2% of his shots. He hit 88.5% of his free throws.
"It'll be determined when I get there," Johnson said of his role. "We'll figure it out. Whatever they have me do, I'll do it to the best of my ability, and see what happens. … That's the hope and the plan that it will spur things on whatever the next opportunity will be."
Johnson said he has been training in Utah. He is hopeful that working out in Utah's elevation will help build stamina for the games in Las Vegas' 2,001-foot altitude.
For now, Johnson said, "I'm just excited with the news."
