When Did Empower Take Over Massmutual?, West Haven High School Football Roster, Belittling Comments Examples, Nahl Protected List 2021, Who Does Rob Brydon Look Like, Articles D

Liam Rosenior's emotional Benjamin Tetteh moment as Hull City ace remembers Christian Atsu, The striker got off the mark for the Tigers with a blistering finish on Friday evening, Liam Rosenior reveals key on-field meeting was Hull City turning point against West Brom, City were 2-0 winners against West Brom at the MKM Stadium, Goals Soccer Centre being demolished more than three years after closure, Work has begun on flattening the football pitches to make way for new industrial units. I offer my Sincere Condolences to the Family, Friends and Colleagues of The Late Dennis Johnson I didnt know Him personally, never met him in person just heard him on radio, but felt like I did and it hurt deeply to hear of his death. But the most difficult job he held during that time was being sent to the homes of grieving families who had lost a . In a statement on the passing of the veteran broadcaster, Bradshaw said he could "slide from the passion-boiling . Which makes his story all the more remarkable, because a piece he composed in 1959, titled November, has recently resurfaced, and it may be the first ever minimalist composition. } Dennis Wayne Johnson, 70, Red Oak, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at his home. Johnson retired at age 35 after the 1989-90 season as the 11th player in NBA history to amass more than 15,000 points and 5,000 assists. Dennis Johnson was tragically found dead in Thailand on Monday March 28 - his family are now attempting to raise 10,000 to bring him home. Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 - February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics.He was a coach of the Los Angeles Clippers and an alumnus of Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University. [5] In his first year as a Celtic, he averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 assists and was elected to the All-Defensive Second Team. During the playoffs, Johnson hounded Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson on defense and most famously scored the winning layup for the Celtics in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons after Larry Bird stole Isiah Thomas's inbounds pass. [1], After retiring as a player, Johnson worked as a scout for the Celtics. Home / Local News / Tributes for broadcaster Dennis Johnson who loses battle with chronic illness at 64. Johnson, who was born in Grenada, was best known for his many roles at Voice of Barbados/Starcom Network. What also struck him about Johnson, said Fernandes, was his passion for excellence and desire to ensure that language and words were used in the proper context. [5], In the first two years of Johnson's stint, the Suns were fairly successful, reaching the Western Conference Semifinals both seasons. SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - Authorities in South Carolina say the "Chucky" horror film franchise allegedly inspired a 7-year-old student to bring a knife to school to threaten others. Hull FC were well-beaten by Catalans Dragons on Friday night. Johnson would win his third overall title and second with the Celtics in 1986 as they defeated the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately he stopped because of the constant ad hominems and how anonymity was abused to distort by a few. "He was very intelligent, a lot of people would say he was very wise as well, especially with his businesses and money and things. From Glasgow, Prime Minister Mia Mottley who is attending the COP26 climate change summit offered a tribute that in the large scheme of Barbadian broadcasting, Johnsons near three-decades-long sojourn at River Road is but a small slice of that history, yet, he has had such a phenomenal impact in that time that it is almost impossible to imagine Starcom Network without him. Johnson was known as one of the best defenders in the NBA, and was once called by Larry Bird "the best I've ever played with." In addition to his two titles with Boston, Johnson won the 1979 NBA championship with Seattle, being named the most valuable player of the Finals. Carr. We did not speak often but when we did the conversations were deep, sincere and meaningful. A couple of years later when my words obviously had reached the inner depths of his being, one evening my phone rang and the conversation went like this, boss, this is Dennis Johnson I want to come home, can I come home? My response to him was Dennis come home and we hung up the phone. [25] In addition Celtics colleague and triple NBA Most Valuable Player award winner Larry Bird called Johnson the best teammate he ever had. Johnson was a second-round draft pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1976 NBA draft. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 4 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic . Johnson was joking about getting a parking ticket. When he retired, he was the 11th player in NBA history to total 15,000 points and 5,000 assists. display: none; Info Memorials Comments Browse. Johnson was born Sept. 18, 1954, in Compton, Calif., and played at Pepperdine University before being drafted in the second round by Seattle in 1976. Instead of a high-scoring shooting guard, he became a playmaking point guard. Surrounded by his family, Denny died at home in Coon Rapids at age 78 on Feb. 25, 2021. [3] The Sonics finished with a 4042 record[9] and missed the 1977 NBA Playoffs, leading head coach Bill Russell to resign. ", His daughter Bonita said: He always taught me to be responsible and live life the full. Passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 6, 2012. Grief Support. But sadly, on Monday, March 28, Dennis took his own life. He's left us way too soon.". Print. Select this result to view Dennis L Johnson's phone number, address, and more. She was born on October 2, 1943. As Laimbeer, the Celtics of the '80s, and the Seattle SuperSonics of the late '70s can attest, it also made for championships. Buy Keepsake. [1], A prototypical late bloomer, Johnson overcame early struggles[2] and had a successful NBA playing career. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Dennis Johnson (Fairfield, Maine), born in Ashby, Massachusetts, who passed away on May 24, 2022, at the age of 73, leaving to mourn family and friends. During the following season, Johnson averaged 19.0points and 4.1assists, appeared in his second All-Star Game and was named to the All-Defensive First Team and All-NBA Second Team. She became a longtime member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Jacksonville, AL after a life . Angels followed, along with three more novels in the next eight years, before the editor Jonathan Galassi, at Farrar Straus Giroux, agreed to pay Johnsons back taxes in return for the collection that became Jesus Son. #inline-recirc-item--id-ae2f90f2-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { "He redefined the shooting guard position by becoming one of the first true 'stoppers' in the modern era. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. View Dennis Johnson's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Dennis Johnson to pay them a last tribute. [5], Between the 197980 season and the 198182 season, the Celtics had lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Finals two out of three times, mainly because physical Sixers guard Andrew Toney routinely caused problems for their defensively fragile backcourt. Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 - February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. Barbados Today firmly discourages any commentary or statements that are libelous, disruptive in nature or incites others to violate our Terms of Use. "I accept it when it comes, but I still hate it. Dennis, whose last assignment in the media was with Starcom Network Inc, also worked previously at the state-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation. Johnson's big moment came in Game 4: when the score was tied at 105, teammate Larry Bird had the ball in the last seconds. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report; Shira Springer can be reached at springer@globe.com. In 1967, Dennis met and married the love of his life, Anne Shaver, while working at The Jones Store Co. in downtown Kansas City. As a result, Magic Johnson was taunted as "Tragic Johnson" whenever the Lakers and Celtics played against each other. King faced the media after Rovers' last minute defeat to Leigh Leopards on Friday evening. "We were laughing," said Travillion. Led by Finals MVP Larry Bird, the Celtics beat the Rockets 42, and Johnson won his third title. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. You win championships together, go through wars together, and to know he's passed away is amazing . He looked at the dark. Sympathy Ideas. Donna Johnson, wife of the late Dennis Johnson talks with Steve Smith about her husband\'s induction.http://nba.btshow.infoBTshow.infoNBA.COM - Where amazing. You always enjoyed it. We will remember him forever. After eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers, the defending champion Portland Trail Blazers, and the Denver Nuggets, they almost defeated the Washington Bullets by taking a 32 lead in the 1978 NBA Finals. #inline-recirc-item--id-ae2f90f2-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-ae2f90f2-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { Tributes flowed Wednesday for veteran broadcaster Dennis Johnson who died at his home on Tuesday as colleagues hailed as an outstanding broadcaster and man of strong character whose voice will be missed. Many former teammates believe Johnson should have been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. American writer and playwright Denis Johnson, who drew on his struggles with drugs and alcohol to produce award-winning poetry and short-story collections, has died at his home in California.. "As far as a person, he was a great competitor," said Jack Sikma, who played with Johnson in Seattle. Two verse plays, Soul of a Whore and Purvis, were published in 2012. Visitation will be from 5 to 6 PM at Epiphany Station Church, Thief River Falls, MN. [3] The Celtics met the Lakers in the 1985 NBA Finals again. }, First published on February 23, 2007 / 12:10 AM. Johnson was traded to Phoenix in 1980 and Boston in 1983. "My thoughts and condolences are with his family at this difficult time. When life is difficult, Samaritans are here day or night, 365 days a year. The Celtics went on to win the series and advance to the 1987 NBA Finals. When the Celtics took Game 7, Johnson went back at Rodman in the last moments of the game and mimicked his taunting gesture. ", "He played with passion and grit," Laimbeer said. Dennis was born on April 3, 1952, in Springfield, the son of Roy Edward and Anna "Pernie" Marie Viola Johnson. "Dennis was a great player for the Sonics. "He wouldn't let things pass. He was 52. Or perhaps, radio was made for him, for he was a natural in front of the mic. When he was 8 years old. Top 3 Results for Dennis Johnson. An. Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center - Creston. Jones, who guided the team to titles in '84 and '86, said, "Larry Bird was totally in awe of Dennis. Six times he made the all-defensive first team, including five consecutive seasons (1979-83). The center was made possible by the donations and effort of Larry Bird and M.L. [20][24], The next three seasons were disappointing for the aging Celtics. Lunch will be served at the cemetery following the burial, and everyone is encouraged to bring a chair. was the point guard who led the big three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish to two NBA Championships in the 1980s. What I write about, Johnson said, is the dilemma of living in a fallen world, and asking why it is like this if theres supposed to be a god.. } We were like two peas in a pod. [8] In his rookie year, the 197677 NBA season, Johnson, playing backup to the experienced Sonics backcourt tandem of Slick Watts and Fred Brown, averaged 9.2points and 1.5assists per game. ", Former Celtics coach K.C. . Lanette Kay (Kestner) Weston, 67, of Alexandria, passed away on March 1, 2023, at her son's residence following an extended illness. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, Remembering Dennis Johnson: Photo Gallery. A second small press book of poems followed, but the 70s were primarily lost to his addictions, including heroin. One single share can go further than you think. "I hate to lose," Johnson once said. The Sonics' record was 22games worse the next season despite the addition of Westphal. Among others, contemporary Celtics colleague Danny Ainge called him one of "the most underrated players of all time [] and one of the greatest Celtics acquisitions,"[25] and one-time rival Bill Laimbeer called him "a great player on a great ballclub. That mind-set, in part, led Bird to call Johnson the best teammate he ever had. Dennis A. Johnson, 64, of Port Byron, died Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Genesis Medical Center in Silvis. A man of many talents, Dennis showed that he was not only able to easily engage the attention of thousands of listeners on Voice of Barbados Brasstacks programme as a talk show host, but he exhibited his passion for radio as a disc jockey, where he demonstrated his extraordinary skills and knowledge of music to a much wider audience.. In the deciding Game 7, which the Celtics won, Johnson had a spectacular play with 1:30 left in the game: a Celtics ball threatened to fly out of bounds, but Johnson dived for it and whipped it backward in mid-air against Bucks center and former Sonics teammate Jack Sikma. [34] This was officially confirmed two days later when the Hall released the list of 2010 inductees. The 72-year-old medieval trader from Norfolk's episode of the show had aired just days before news of his death was announced. Travillion called 911, but Johnson never regained consciousness. 3 jersey, and he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Dennis' Obituary. The statement read that it would be fair to say that Barbados and the Caribbean have lost one of the finest and professional broadcasters of the last two decades. His role as television and radio producer and presenter will always be remembered and his reverent tone in the coverage of official ceremonies will be missed by all. (AH). Follow us on, UPATE: Police release name in unnatural death, Antigua and Barbuda mourns death of Sir Lester Bird, Bradshaw: Sir Lesters passing leaves a void, Government to start work on new Geriatric Hospital soon. Add a free photo. All U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current results for Horatio Johnson. [44] Johnson reportedly went to counseling to repair his marriage. It made for not only great games, but great entertainment.". LOS ANGELES -- Dennis Johnson, a five-time NBA All-Star and integral part of the Celtics' 1984 and 1986 championship teams, died yesterday, collapsing after coaching Boston's NBA Development League affiliate, the Austin Toros, in practice in Austin, Texas. "It was fun to play games like that. display: none; Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Loyd Dennis Johnson to pay them a last tribute. championships, died yesterday in Austin, Tex. "He just collapsed.". As if ink is so precious you can't waste it. "Whether he was leading his teams to NBA championships or teaching young men the meaning of professionalism, Dennis Johnson's contributions to the game went far beyond the basketball court," NBA commissioner David Stern said. During his stint in the Army, Lt. Col. Dennis Johnson had numerous responsibilities. That's the way I am.". Dennis Johnson, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Spring Valley, CA, on May 22, 2018 after a decline in health due to chronic pancreatitis. [3] In this period Johnson, like in Seattle, played shooting guard and became the main scorer on the team, as opposed to being the second or third option as a Sonic. It is a Great Loss! The Celtics won 43, and Johnson took credit for playing smothering defense on Hall of Fame Lakers playmaker Earvin Johnson, limiting him to a sub-average 17 points in the last four games,[5] and being at least partly responsible for several of the Laker point guard's game-deciding errors in Games 2, 4 and 7. Bird and Ainge joined a long list of former Celtic teammates, including Cedric Maxwell and Rick Carlisle, in sharing memories of Johnson from their title runs. When Johnson joined the Celtics, his role changed. Lanette Kay Weston. What a play by Bird! The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating why the man's car slammed into an interstate barrier wall just after 11:30 p . Video: Dennis Johnson - Career Retrospective, Statement from Danny Ainge | Remembering Dennis Johnson: Photo Gallery | Dennis Johnson's NBA.com Bio | Basketball World Reacts to DJ's Passing, Archives: Dennis Johnson Q&A with Celtics.com. The Celtics made it to the 1984 NBA Finals and took on the Los Angeles Lakers. I would like to take this opportunity, he said, to pray for another human being.. [1], The Celtics retired Johnson's No. "He just collapsed.". A family's world has been torn apart following the tragic death of a much-loved dad, grandad and businessman in Thailand. Johnson, a five-time All-Star and one of the top defensive guards, was part of the last Boston dynasty. The Boston Celtics are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former point guard Dennis Johnson, 52. "He moved to Thailand about eight years ago. "Dennis was a great player, one of the best teammates I ever had, and a wonderful person," said Bird, now president of the Indiana Pacers. He would cause some friction if he felt strongly about something, but with our team that was a good thing.". . Johnson rose through the ranks in the Radio Services Department to senior programme assistant, senior producer and programme director. On April 6, 1968, Wilson was driving through Malibu when he noticed two female hitchhikers, Patricia Krenwinkel and Ella Jo Bailey. MG affects voluntary movement, especially control of eyes, mouth, throat and limbs and, in rare cases, may lead to death. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At the time of his retirement after the 1989-90 season, he was the 11th player in NBA history to score 15,000 points and record 5,000 assists. By Shira Springer, Globe Staff | February 23, 2007. LOS ANGELES -- Dennis Johnson, a five-time NBA All-Star and integral part of the Celtics' 1984 and 1986 championship teams, died yesterday, collapsing after coaching Boston's NBA Development. Harlan J. Lemke, age 78, of Waconia passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Society in Waconia Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 1100 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Community 41 E 1st St in Waconia with Father Stan Mader as Celebrant of By then Johnson had also moved into movies. [1] In the following season, the team lost 17 of the first 22games under Russell's replacement Bob Hopkins, who was replaced by Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens, who gave Johnson a starting spot and paired him with Gus Williams. [2] Like Seattle after Johnson's departure, the Suns finished 12 games worse in the next season despite the addition of Robey. The collection was a critical success, and became a staple of creative writing programmes in America; Johnson himself became a professor, teaching writing at Boise State, Idaho, and the University of Texas. After clinching the Pacific Division with a 5230 record,[9] the team met the Bullets again in the 1979 NBA Finals. Johnson was joking about getting a parking ticket. The Celtics retired DJ's #3 on December 13, 1991. In 1985, he hit a last-second jumper against Los Angeles that won the fourth game. Until he arrived a couple days later to join the team, he did not even know what the terms of the contract were.. [3] Apart from his reputation as a defensive stopper, Johnson was known as a clutch player who made several decisive plays in NBA playoffs history. Johnson, coach of the Austin Toros, was unconscious and in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived at Austin Convention Center, said Warren Hassinger, spokesman for Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Paramedics attempted to revive Johnson for 23 minutes before he was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. [5] Colleague Ken Shouler called Johnson "one of the first guys I'd give a Hall [of Fame] pass". ", Added Maxwell: "That was my guy. Dennis was born May 14, 1951, in Shenandoah, the son of Wayne and Margaret (Grape) Johnson. Dennis "Denny" Johnson, aged 82, of Hobart, IN, passed away Friday, December 9, 2022. [2] Johnson gave up his jobs and developed into a promising young guard, averaging 18.3 points and 12.0 rebounds per game and leading Harbor to a college junior state title. "He played hard and he took. [32] Johnson is also acknowledged by the NBA as a "money player"[1] who was clutch in decisive moments, such as scoring 32points for his team in a Game 4 overtime victory in the 1979 NBA Finals, playing smothering defense on Magic Johnson in the 1984 NBA Finals, and converting a last-second layup in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals after a Larry Bird steal. Sign up and stay up to date with Barbados' FREE latest news. Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw has paid tribute to broadcaster Dennis Johnson who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64. This was Construction associated with the transformation of the old Edgewater Hotel into a world-class beach For information about this website or content published please contact the, Subscribe to NationNews with our Webfeed. The Celtics defeated the Lakers 4-3, and Johnson did a great job defending Magic Johnson. [3] The Sonics, however, lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Lakers, who had Hall of Famers Jamaal Wilkes, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. [42][43] The prosecutors dropped the case several months later after his wife declined to press charges. Johnson was a man of strong character who was committed to intellectual and broadcasting honesty and excellence, one who was not afraid to challenge the establishment, to defend the proverbial small man, then without so much as batting the eyelid, let that same small man know he was wrong, the Prime Minister said. A novella, Train Dreams, which won the Aga Khan award from the Paris Review in 2002, was published as a book in 2011, and a ninth novel, The Laughing Monsters, set in Sierra Leone, appeared in 2014. The Barbados Association of Journalists and Media Workers (BARJAM), in representing the media fraternity, said in a statement that it was shocked and saddened at the death of a colleague. In the 1984 finals, Johnson guarded Magic Johnson effectively in the last four games. [1] Johnson chose the latter, and in his only year there, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game,[3] and developed a reputation for tough defense. Add a Memory. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Dennis Johnson to show support. Oh my, this place is going crazy!!! [15] Johnson's situation deteriorated towards the end of his career at Phoenix. Dennis Johnson, who once owned a fisheries business in Grimsby, moved. [1] This play caused Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most to shout out one of his most famous calls:[23]. Obituary. Dennis had a great passion for the game of basketball as a player, and loved to teach the game as a coach. Johnson, who was born in Grenada, was best known for his many roles at Voice of Barbados/Starcom Network. The rivalry between the two teams is one of the greatest in sports history. The 40th running of the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup promises to be one of the biggest ever in its With 39 killings in 2022 and a murder rate of 9.77 for every 100 000 people, outspoken High Court Washington The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday announced that its Executive Board Government expects to break ground soon for construction of a new Geriatric Hospital. When he passed away in 2017, it was a shocking blow to the NBA community andthe Celtics organization. Dennis is related to Tony Lee Johnson and Arthur C Johnson as well as 3 additional people. Benson Funeral Home, St. But Larry Bird baited Thomas, made his famous steal on the baseline and turned around to find Johnson streaking to the basket for the winning layup, sending the Garden crowd into pandemonium. In the 198788 season, Johnson averaged 12.6 points and 7.8 assists,[3] but in the 1988 Playoffs, the Celtics were unable to beat the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. Donate to the GoFundMe page here and help bring Dennis home. He played his role on the team as a true point guard and put his team in the best position to win games, and he did just that. Indeed, it reinforced in many of us his quiet courage.. He is survived by his third wife, Cindy Lee Nash, a daughter and two sons. ". Dennis Johnson, the star NBA guard who was part of three championships and teamed with Larry Bird on one of the great postseason plays, died Thursday, collapsing after his developmental team's practice. [2], With the Celtics Johnson changed his playing style for the third time in his career: after being known as a slam dunking shooting guard with the Sonics, and an all-around scorer with the Suns, he now established himself as a point guard who was defined more by playmaking than scoring. Nov 14, 2019 at 1:13 am. [21] The following 198990 NBA season was Johnson's last. The legacy of Johnson will continue throughout the NBA, and he will always be considered one of the greats to play the game. Abrahams said Johnson had a unique way of drawing parallels and making cultural references that exposed his intimate experience of life in Barbados and the Caribbean. He was predeceased by : his parents, Clifford Gustave Johnson and Ina Johnson (Russell); his . Write in blood. He would finish his career in Boston and establish himself as one of the all-time greats. The cause was a. He became head coach of the NBA Development League's Austin Toros the following season holding the position until his death two years later. [3] After defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics reached the 1986 NBA Finals against the up-and-coming Houston Rockets, led by the "Twin Towers" of centers Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon. During the fifth game of the 1987 Eastern Conference finals against Detroit, Bird stole Isiah Thomas' inbounds pass under Boston's basket and fed Johnson, who drove in for the winning layup. He was named the Finals MVP as he averaged 22.6 points, six rebounds and six assists in five games. was a free spirit and a fun personality who loved to laugh and play the game. Dennis Johnson, the star NBA guard who was part of three championships and teamed with Larry Bird on one of the great postseason plays, died Thursday, collapsing after his developmental team's. After his playing career, Johnson remained with the Celtics organization working as a scout for the team. If you read the prosecutions of death by electric chair or firing squad it is horrendous" said Rep. Gloria Johnson of District 90. In a 9392 Game 3 victory, Johnson blocked seven shotsthe most blocks in NBA Finals history for a guard. It was shocking news for everyone across the NBA as they couldnt believe what happened. Save. Johnson, known by fans. Here's everything Tony Smith had to say. He was 64 years old. Drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson began his professional career as a shooting guard. [3] Known as a defensive stalwart, he was elected into nine straight All-Defensive First or Second Teams. "D.J. He spent 14 seasons in the league and retired after the 1989-90 season. After three seasons with the Phoenix Suns, he became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, with whom he won two more championships.