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7. Kevin Johnson

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7. Kevin Johnson
One of the great point guards of the 90's, Kevin Johnson could both score and distribute the ball.  A very good player at the University of California, Johnson was drafted 7th by the Cavs in the 1987 draft.  Stuck behind Mark Price, the Cavs unloaded Johnson to the Suns in a huge trade that also involved Larry Nance coming back to Cleveland.  It is with Phoenix where Johnson made his impact.  Johnson was one of the quickest guards in league history and could get to the hoop at any time getting a shot for himself or one of his teammates.  He averaged 20 points and 10 assists in his first 3 seasons in Phoenix; something only two others have done (the others being HOFers Oscar Robertson and Isaiah Thomas).  The Suns were serious title contenders throughout the mid 90's especially when they made the move to get Charles Barkley form Philly.  Johnson gladly accepted the role of second fiddle to Barkley's huge personality.  Close title runs marked this team, with the closest being a trip to the finals against eventual champion Chicago in 1993.  Ironically that looks like what his legacy will be as far as getting into the Hall. Close but no cigar.  Now the mayor of Sacramento , Johnson is the leading advocate for keeping the Kings in town.



Should Kevin Johnson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 71.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 19.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.1%
No opinion. - 0.3%
No way! - 3.7%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Sacramento, California, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Sunday, 01 January 2006
  • Position: Point Guard
  • Played For: Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns
  • College: California
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 7th Overall in 1987
  • Major Accolades and Awards: All-NBA Second Team (4) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91 & 1993-94)
    All-NBA Third Team (1) (1992-93)
    NBA All-Star (3) (1990, 1991 & 1994)
    NBA Most Improved Player (1988-89)
    Most Minutes Played: (1) (1996-97)
    Highest Three Point Field Goal Percentage: (1) (1996-97)
    NBA Championship Rings: (None)
    FIBA World Championship Gold Medal (1) (U.S.A., 1994)
    First Team All-Pac 10 (1986 & 1987)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Assists (6) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1993-94 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: Assists per Game (7) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1993-94, 1995-96 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: Steals (1) (1990-91)
    Top Ten Finishes: Steals per Game (1) (1990-91)
    Top Ten Finishes: Free Throw Percentage (2) (1988-89 & 1997-98)
    Top Ten Finishes: 3-Field Goal Percentage (1) (1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: True Field Goal Percentage (2) (1995-96 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: Free Throws (5) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: Free Throw Attempts (4) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91 & 1991-92)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (1) (1988-89)
    Top Ten Finsihes: Minutes per Game (1) (1988-89)
    Top Ten Finishes: PER (4) (1989-90, 1990-91, 1995-96 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: Win Shares (2) (1988-89 & 1990-91)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Win Shares (5) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1993-94 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: Box Pus/Minus (1) (1990-91)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Box Plus/Minus (5) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1993-94 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten Finishes: VORP (2) (1988-89 & 1990-91)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rating (2) (1995-96 & 1996-97)
    Top Ten FInishes: Assist Percentage (7) (1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1991-92, 1993-94, 1995-96 & 1996-97)
  • Notable All-time Rankings: 6.    Assists per Game: 9.1
    13.  Assist Percentage: 38.8
    24.  Offensive Rating: 118.1
    26.  Assists: 6,711
    32.  Offensive Box Plus/Minus: 3.9
    38.  Box Plus/Minus: 3.9
    61.  Offensive Win Shares: 70.4
    66.  PER: 20.7
    68.  True Shooting Percentage: .585
    76.  VORP: 37.3
    90.  Free Throws: 3,943
    91.  Steals per Game: 1.5
    100.  Free Throw Percentage: .841

Should Kevin Johnson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 71.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 19.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.1%
No opinion. - 0.3%
No way! - 3.7%

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