Kevin Johnson

Kevin Johnson's 12-year career (1987-1998, 2000) with the Phoenix Suns (after a mid-season trade from Cleveland during his rookie season) ranks him as one of the five greatest point guards in the history of the NBA. He was a ferocious, blindingly quick penetrator - perhaps the quickest player in the history of the game while dribbling the basketball - and few players have been so proficient at both scoring and passing (his career assists per game average ranks sixth all-time, and he is one of only five players in history to average over 20 points and 10 assists per game in three different seasons). Standing just 6'1", he was noted for his speed, fearlessness, and courage in attacking the basket and challenging players almost twice his size. An electric, explosive, inspirational floor leader, he led a renaissance of the Phoenix Suns franchise and the Arizona sports scene, in general. His signature play was a one-handed, baseline, tomahawk dunk over Hakeem Olajuwon - who stood almost a foot taller - during the 1994 playoffs. KJ and Charles Barkley led the Suns to the 1993 NBA Finals against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Born in 1966, KJ grew up in Sacramento, California and attended UCal.-Berkeley in the eighties. He is also renowned for his charity work and for helping at-risk youth put focus and meaning in their lives. He is a member of the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. Show less «