Amir Johnson
Encyclopedia
Amir Jalla Johnson is an American
professional basketball
player for the Toronto Raptors
of the NBA
. He plays the position of power forward
.
. He is listed at 6'9" (2.06 m) and 210 lb (95 kg) Known for his athleticism, he was drafted straight out of Westchester High School
in Los Angeles, deciding to skip a collegiate career. He had committed to play at the University of Louisville
. He is the last high school player
to be selected in the NBA Draft
, as the NBA instituted a rule prior to the 2006 Draft
that requires American players to be at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class to be eligible. Then-Pistons head coach Larry Brown
commented that he thought Johnson will become a special player someday.
Johnson spent the 2005–06 NBA season on the Pistons' roster, but appeared in only three games. He scored his first NBA basket on a windmill dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves
on January 24, 2006. On February 27, 2006, the Pistons assigned him to the Fayetteville Patriots
of the NBA Development League
. Johnson was recalled by the Pistons and on April 17, 2006 scored 18 points against the Milwaukee Bucks
, making all six of his field goal
attempts, both 3-point attempts
, and all four of his free throw
attempts.
Johnson spent most of the 2006–07 season playing for the D-League
's Sioux Falls Skyforce
, where he earned Player of the Week honors and notice for his play. In 22 games for the Skyforce, Johnson averaged 18.9 points per game, 9.7 rebounds
, and 3.1 block
s per game, while shooting 62.3% from the field.
Johnson was recalled by the Pistons on two occasions during the 2006–07 season, including prior to the final week of the regular season. Altogether, he appeared in eight games for the Pistons, averaging 5.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 54.5%. On April 19, 2007, Johnson scored a career-high 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (6 of them offensive), and recorded four blocks and three steals in 37 minutes against the Boston Celtics
.
On July 12, 2007, Johnson signed a 3-year, $11 million extension to remain with the Pistons.
On June 23, 2009, Johnson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks
as a part of a three-team trade between Bucks, Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs
, which included Richard Jefferson
.
On August 18, 2009, Johnson was traded to the Toronto Raptors
along with Sonny Weems
in exchange for Carlos Delfino
and Roko Ukić.
On July 1, 2010, Johnson signed a 5 year, $34 million contract with the Toronto Raptors
, on the first day of free agency.
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Detroit
| 3 || 0 || 13.0 || .700 || .667 || 1.000 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .0 || .7 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Detroit
| 8 || 0 || 15.5 || .545 || .000 || .786 || 4.6 || .4 || .6 || 1.6 || 5.9
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Detroit
| 62 || 0 || 12.3 || .558 || .000 || .673 || 3.8 || .5 || .4 || 1.3 || 3.6
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Detroit
| 62 || 24 || 14.7 || .595 || .000 || .657 || 3.7 || .3 || .3 || 1.0 || 3.5
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Toronto
| 82 || 5 || 17.7 || .623 || .000 || .638 || 4.8 || .6 || .5 || 0.8 || 6.2
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Toronto
| 72 || 54 || 25.7 || .568 || .000 || .787 || 6.4 || 1.1 || .7 || 1.2 || 9.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 289 || 83 || 17.8 || .586 || .182 || .710 || 4.7 || .6 || .5 || 1.1 || 5.9
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Detroit
| 8 || 0 || 5.4 || .750 || .000 || .500 || 1.6 || .1 || .0 || .4 || 2.6
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Detroit
| 3 || 0 || 4.3 || 1.000 || .000 || .000 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .3 || .7
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 11 || 0 || 5.0 || .769 || .000 || .500 || 1.5 || .1 || .0 || .4 || 2.1
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player for the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
of the NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
. He plays the position of power forward
Power forward (basketball)
Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
.
NBA career
Johnson was selected by the Pistons with the 56th pick of the 2005 NBA Draft2005 NBA Draft
The 2005 NBA Draft took place on June 28, 2005 in the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In this draft, NBA teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and non-North American leagues...
. He is listed at 6'9" (2.06 m) and 210 lb (95 kg) Known for his athleticism, he was drafted straight out of Westchester High School
Westchester High School (Los Angeles)
Westchester High School is a public high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Local District 3.It is located in Westchester , USA, a suburban neighborhood adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport and bordered by Playa Vista to the north, Inglewood to the east, El Segundo to the...
in Los Angeles, deciding to skip a collegiate career. He had committed to play at the University of Louisville
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, Kentucky. When founded in 1798, it was the first city-owned public university in the United States and one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university is mandated by the Kentucky General...
. He is the last high school player
NBA high school players
The NBA high school draftees are players who have been drafted to the National Basketball Association straight out of high school without playing basketball at the collegiate level. The process of jumping directly from high school to the professional level is also known as going prep-to-pro...
to be selected in the NBA Draft
NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the thirty teams from the National Basketball Association can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. These players are usually amateur U.S. college basketball players, but international players are also eligible to be drafted...
, as the NBA instituted a rule prior to the 2006 Draft
2006 NBA Draft
The 2006 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2006 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players,...
that requires American players to be at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class to be eligible. Then-Pistons head coach Larry Brown
Larry Brown (basketball)
Lawrence Harvey "Larry" Brown is an American basketball coach and former player. He most recently served as head coach of the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Bobcats....
commented that he thought Johnson will become a special player someday.
Johnson spent the 2005–06 NBA season on the Pistons' roster, but appeared in only three games. He scored his first NBA basket on a windmill dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
on January 24, 2006. On February 27, 2006, the Pistons assigned him to the Fayetteville Patriots
Fayetteville Patriots
The Fayetteville Patriots were a NBA Development League team based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, United States. Its logo design features a bald eagle's head and a basketball in the middle of a capital letter "P" with stars and stripes filling the rest of it.-Season By Season:- Franchise history...
of the NBA Development League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
. Johnson was recalled by the Pistons and on April 17, 2006 scored 18 points against the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
, making all six of his field goal
Field goal (basketball)
In basketball, the term field goal refers to a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. "Field Goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association in their rule book,...
attempts, both 3-point attempts
Three-point field goal
A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
, and all four of his free throw
Free throw
In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
attempts.
Johnson spent most of the 2006–07 season playing for the D-League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
's Sioux Falls Skyforce
Sioux Falls Skyforce
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a professional basketball team that plays in the NBA Development League. They are based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. The team plays at the Sioux Falls Arena. The Skyforce began in the CBA in 1989...
, where he earned Player of the Week honors and notice for his play. In 22 games for the Skyforce, Johnson averaged 18.9 points per game, 9.7 rebounds
Rebound (basketball)
A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
, and 3.1 block
Block (basketball)
In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
s per game, while shooting 62.3% from the field.
Johnson was recalled by the Pistons on two occasions during the 2006–07 season, including prior to the final week of the regular season. Altogether, he appeared in eight games for the Pistons, averaging 5.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 54.5%. On April 19, 2007, Johnson scored a career-high 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (6 of them offensive), and recorded four blocks and three steals in 37 minutes against the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
.
On July 12, 2007, Johnson signed a 3-year, $11 million extension to remain with the Pistons.
On June 23, 2009, Johnson was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
as a part of a three-team trade between Bucks, Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
, which included Richard Jefferson
Richard Jefferson
Richard Allen Jefferson is a 6 ft 7 in American professional basketball player currently playing for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association...
.
On August 18, 2009, Johnson was traded to the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
along with Sonny Weems
Sonny Weems
Clarence "Sonny" Weems is an American basketball player who plays for Zalgiris Kaunas. Weems was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft and shortly thereafter traded to the Denver Nuggets. Weems played collegiate basketball at the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas...
in exchange for Carlos Delfino
Carlos Delfino
Carlos Francisco Delfino is an Argentine professional basketball player. He also has Italian citizenship. Delfino plays at the small forward and shooting guard positions. He stands tall and weighs . He is also noted for his defensive skills...
and Roko Ukić.
On July 1, 2010, Johnson signed a 5 year, $34 million contract with the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
, on the first day of free agency.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Detroit
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
| 3 || 0 || 13.0 || .700 || .667 || 1.000 || 1.3 || 1.0 || .0 || .7 || 6.7
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Detroit
| 8 || 0 || 15.5 || .545 || .000 || .786 || 4.6 || .4 || .6 || 1.6 || 5.9
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Detroit
| 62 || 0 || 12.3 || .558 || .000 || .673 || 3.8 || .5 || .4 || 1.3 || 3.6
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | Detroit
| 62 || 24 || 14.7 || .595 || .000 || .657 || 3.7 || .3 || .3 || 1.0 || 3.5
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Toronto
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
| 82 || 5 || 17.7 || .623 || .000 || .638 || 4.8 || .6 || .5 || 0.8 || 6.2
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
| align="left" | Toronto
| 72 || 54 || 25.7 || .568 || .000 || .787 || 6.4 || 1.1 || .7 || 1.2 || 9.6
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 289 || 83 || 17.8 || .586 || .182 || .710 || 4.7 || .6 || .5 || 1.1 || 5.9
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2007–08
2008 NBA Playoffs
The 2008 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2007–08 season which ended with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers 4–2....
| align="left" | Detroit
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
| 8 || 0 || 5.4 || .750 || .000 || .500 || 1.6 || .1 || .0 || .4 || 2.6
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2009 NBA Playoffs
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was the postseason for the National Basketball Association's 2008–09 season. The playoffs started on April 18, 2009 with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcasting the games in the United States...
| align="left" | Detroit
| 3 || 0 || 4.3 || 1.000 || .000 || .000 || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .3 || .7
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 11 || 0 || 5.0 || .769 || .000 || .500 || 1.5 || .1 || .0 || .4 || 2.1