Mickey Johnson was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was known for his versatility on the court, as he could play both forward and center positions. Johnson was born on August 31, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, and attended the University of Aurora.
Johnson began his professional career in 1974 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA draft. He played for the Bulls for four seasons, from 1974 to 1978. During his time with the Bulls, Johnson established himself as a reliable scorer and rebounder. He averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the 1976-77 season, which was his best statistical season with the team.
In 1978, Johnson was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he played for two seasons. He continued to be a productive player for the Pacers, averaging 16.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game during the 1979-80 season. Johnson was then traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1980, where he played for three seasons. He was a key player for the Nets during his time there, helping the team reach the playoffs in 1982 and 1983.
After his stint with the Nets, Johnson played for the San Antonio Spurs for one season before finishing his career with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1986. Throughout his career, Johnson was known for his ability to score from both inside and outside the paint. He was also a strong rebounder and a solid defender.
Johnson's career statistics are impressive, as he averaged 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game over the course of his career. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1975 and was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 1977.
After retiring from basketball, Johnson remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He worked as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks, and he also coached at the high school and college levels. Johnson was known for his dedication to the game and his willingness to help young players develop their skills.
Overall, Mickey Johnson had a successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams and establishing himself as a versatile and productive player. He was a key contributor to his teams and was recognized for his skills with All-Star and All-Rookie honors. Johnson's legacy in the sport continues to be felt today, as he remains a respected figure in the basketball community.
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