A four-time NBA champion and one-time NBA Finals MVP, known for his tenacious on-ball defense and clutch shooting.
Dennis Johnson, aka "DJ," was a professional basketball player who etched his name in NBA history by leading the Seattle SuperSonics to their first and only championship in 1979, earning him the Finals MVP award. This prototypical late bloomer's successful career spanned 14 years, including stints with the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, where he won two more championships.
Born on September 18, 1954, in Compton, California, Johnson was the eighth of sixteen children to a social worker and a bricklayer. Initially, he was more interested in baseball, playing Little League, but his father taught him the fundamentals of basketball. Johnson's high school career at Dominguez High School was unremarkable, standing at 5'9" and playing only a minute or two each game.
After high school, Johnson worked odd jobs, including a stint as a forklift driver, before attending Los Angeles Harbor College and then Pepperdine University. It wasn't until his junior year in college that he began to develop his basketball skills, eventually earning a spot on the Pepperdine Waves team. Despite being drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson's determination and work ethic propelled him to become a dominant force in the NBA.
The Boston Celtics retired Johnson's No. 3 jersey, which hangs from the rafters of the TD Garden. In 2010, he was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Many sports journalists consider Johnson one of the most underrated players in NBA history.
Dennis Johnson's impact on modern basketball is undeniable. His defensive skills and clutch performances have inspired generations of players. As a coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, he instilled his defensive mindset in his players, paving the way for future NBA generations.
Johnson's legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. Despite his humble beginnings and early struggles, he rose to become an NBA champion and a Hall of Famer, earning his place among the all-time greats.
69 Years Old
A legendary basketball player and coach who dominated the court with his clutch shooting and all-around skills, leading the Boston Celtics to multiple championships.
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American actor, singer, dancer, and radio personality best known for playing Artie Abrams on the hit TV show Glee and being a member of boy band N Sync.
Born in 1916
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Ten-time NBA All-Star and champion known for clutch shooting and leading the Boston Celtics to a championship in 2008.
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A Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and director known for her iconic roles in film, television, and theater, including the iconic TV show "The Sopranos".
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The all-time leading scorer in NBA history, a six-time NBA champion, and a 19-time All-Star, known for his dominance on the court and his iconic skyhook shot.
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A legendary basketball player and entrepreneur who dominated the court with exceptional passing ability and later became a successful businessman and HIV awareness advocate.
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A dominant small forward who won three NBA championships and was a seven-time All-Star, known for his smooth playing style and clutch performances.
