Kevin Johnson
One of the top point guards of his era but is often over looked by the shear magnificence of fellow point guards, but Kevin Johnson had a spectacular career which should not be forgotten. A capable point guard who started nearly every game he played for the Phoenix Suns and helped them reach the 1993 NBA finals.
Johnson attended the University of California and become one of the schools greatest players ever. When he graduated from Cal he held the schools all-time record for points, steals and assists and was the first Pac-10 player to ever get a triple double. His records have since been eclipsed but he remains top 5 in most of them.
After four years at Cal Johnson went pro. Johnson was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers to challenge Mark Price for the starting point guard spot. Price won the job and Johnson became his backup. Johnson only played with the Cavs for half a season before he was traded to Phoenix for Larry Nance. Once in Phoenix Johnson exploded and became the teams starting point guard.
Johnson’s improvement from his rookie year to his sophomore season was so great that he won the NBA’s most improved player award. His rookie year he averaged 9 points a game, his second year he averaged 20. Johnson also helped the Suns make the playoffs, the Suns would build a streak lasting from that season until the 2003 season of playoff appearances.
In his third season he made the all-star team for the first time. He wore #41 in the game instead of his familiar #7, some have speculated that was to honor teammate Mark West who was not selected as a member. This would also be Johnson’s best statistical year as a pro as he averaged 22 points and 11 assists.
After the Suns acquired Charles the Suns made a run to the 1993 NBA finals where they lost to the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately for Johnson he missed a good portion of the season with an injury. Injures would begin to plague Johnson in the latter half of his career and kept him from making the all-star team more often.
Injuries or not Johnson made the Suns a constant playoff threat. Even after Barkley was traded to Houston the Suns remained a top team in the west because of Johnson. However, the success the Suns seen was only in the regular season as they constantly lost in the first round of the playoffs.
John retired after the 97-98 season, but would come back a year later when Jason Kidd got hurt. Johnson helped the Suns win their first playoff series since 1995 before retiring again and this time for good.
Currently Johnson is the Mayor of the city of Sacramento, California.
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