John Johnson was a professional basketball player who had a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1970s and early 1980s. He was born on October 18, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, and attended college at the University of Iowa.
Johnson was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1970 NBA Draft. He played for the Cavaliers for four seasons, from 1970 to 1974, and was known for his versatility on the court. He could play both small forward and power forward positions, and was a strong rebounder and defender.
In 1974, Johnson was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played for two seasons. He was a key player on the team that won the NBA championship in 1977, and was known for his clutch performances in important games.
After his time in Portland, Johnson played for the Houston Rockets for one season before being traded to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. He played for the SuperSonics for three seasons, and was a key player on the team that won the NBA championship in 1979. Johnson was known for his strong defense and his ability to hit clutch shots in important games.
Johnson retired from the NBA in 1982, after playing for 12 seasons. He finished his career with averages of 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He was also known for his leadership on and off the court, and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
After retiring from basketball, Johnson worked as a coach and scout for several NBA teams. He also worked as a broadcaster for the SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Johnson passed away on January 7, 2021, at the age of 73. He was remembered by his former teammates and colleagues as a kind and generous person who was dedicated to the game of basketball. His legacy as a versatile and talented player, as well as a respected coach and broadcaster, will be remembered by basketball fans for years to come.
🏀