For a guy who sat on the bench in his senior year of high school and was barely noticed by college recruiters, Dennis Johnson was an unlikely NBA hero. A born fighter who didn't have the greatest natural skills, Johnson battled his way from mediocrity as a prep player to greatness as a pro. D.J. played for three championship teams during his 13-year career with Seattle, Phoenix and Boston, and established himself as one of the league's best defensive guards. more...
Full Name: Dennis Wayne Johnson Born: 9/18/54 in Compton, Calif. Died: 2/22/07 in Austin, Tex. High School: Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) Junior College: Los Angeles Harbor (Calif.) College: Pepperdine University Drafted: Seattle SuperSonics, 1976 (29th overall) Transactions: Traded to Phoenix Suns, 6/4/80; Traded to Boston Celtics, 6/27/83
Nickname: DJ Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 lbs. Honors: NBA champion (1979, '84, '86); NBA Finals MVP (1979); All-NBA First Team (1981); All-NBA Second Team (1980); All-Defensive First Team (1979-83, '87); All-Defensive Second Team (1984-86); Five-time NBA All-Star 1979-82, '85).
