Kevin Johnson is a former professional basketball player who played for the Phoenix Suns for the majority of his career. He was known for his quickness, agility, and ability to drive to the basket. Johnson was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1987, but was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1988. He quickly became a fan favorite in Phoenix, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his first season with the Suns.
Over the course of his career, Johnson was a three-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1990. He was also a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal in Barcelona. Johnson was known for his ability to score, averaging over 20 points per game in four different seasons. He was also a skilled passer, averaging over 10 assists per game in three different seasons.
Despite his success on the court, Johnson's career was not without controversy. In 1991, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked for the Suns. Johnson denied the allegations, and the case was eventually settled out of court. In 1997, Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election as mayor of Sacramento, citing personal reasons. He later revealed that he had been the victim of sexual abuse as a child.
Johnson retired from the NBA in 2000, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and focus on his philanthropic work. He remains a beloved figure in Phoenix, where he is remembered for his electrifying play on the court and his dedication to the community off the court. In 2017, Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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