Amir Johnson facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 1, 1987 Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| High school | Verbum Dei (Los Angeles, California) Westchester (Los Angeles, California) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight | 253 lb (115 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA Draft | 2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall |
| Selected by the Detroit Pistons | |
| Pro career | 2005–2022 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 2005–2009 | Detroit Pistons |
| 2006 | →Fayetteville Patriots |
| 2007 | →Sioux Falls Skyforce |
| 2009–2015 | Toronto Raptors |
| 2015–2017 | Boston Celtics |
| 2017–2019 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2019 | →Delaware Blue Coats |
| 2020–2022 | NBA G League Ignite |
| As coach: | |
| 2023–2024 | NBA G League Ignite (assistant) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Amir Jalla Johnson (born May 1, 1987) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for several teams in the NBA, including the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. After his playing career, he became an assistant coach for the NBA G League Ignite.
Contents
Early Life and High School Basketball
Amir Johnson was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in different parts of Los Angeles, including South Central Los Angeles, Harbor City, and Watts. Even though he was tall and athletic, it was hard for him to find a spot on a high school basketball team at first.
Finding His Place in High School
During his first year of high school, he attended two different schools but didn't play basketball. In his second year, he went to Verbum Dei High School and had a good season. After that, he moved to Westchester High School. He had to sit out his third year of high school basketball.
Becoming a High School Star
Amir made up for lost time in his senior year (2004–05). He led Westchester to a state championship and was named the 2005 California Mr. Basketball. This award goes to the best high school basketball player in California. He was also chosen as a McDonald's All-American. This means he was one of the best high school players in the whole country and played in the special McDonald's All-American Boys Game.
Choosing the NBA Over College
Amir had planned to play college basketball for the University of Louisville. However, he decided to skip college and enter the NBA draft right after high school.
Professional Basketball Career
Detroit Pistons (2005–2009)
The Detroit Pistons picked Amir Johnson as the 56th player in the 2005 NBA draft. He was one of the last players to go straight from high school to the NBA. The NBA later made a rule that American players must be at least one year out of high school to be eligible for the draft.
During his first year (2005–06), Amir played in only three NBA games. He scored his first NBA points with an exciting windmill dunk. He also spent some time playing in the NBA Development League (now called the G League) for the Fayetteville Patriots. He played well there and was called back to the Pistons.
In the 2006–07 season, Amir spent most of his time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the D-League. He was a great player there, averaging almost 19 points and 10 rebounds per game. He also blocked many shots. Even with his strong play in the D-League, he only played eight games for the Pistons that season.
In 2007, Amir signed a new contract with the Pistons. Over the next two seasons, he became an important player coming off the bench. He played in many games and helped the team with his rebounding and shot-blocking.
Toronto Raptors (2009–2015)
In 2009, Amir Johnson was traded to the Toronto Raptors. He quickly became a fan favorite in Toronto. In 2010, he signed a new five-year contract with the Raptors.
The 2012–13 season was his best year yet. He played more minutes and scored more points than ever before. He also grabbed more rebounds and made more assists and steals. Amir really loved playing in Toronto and said, "Toronto is part of me. I've been around, the people are very kind, I love it here." In December 2013, he scored a career-high 32 points in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Boston Celtics (2015–2017)
In 2015, Amir signed a two-year contract with the Boston Celtics. He made a strong debut for the Celtics, scoring 15 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in his first game. In January 2016, he had a season-high 18 rebounds in a win against the Indiana Pacers. He continued to be a strong rebounder and defender for the Celtics.
Philadelphia 76ers (2017–2019)
Amir joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017. In 2018, he won the NBA Hustle Award. This award goes to the player who shows the most hustle and effort on the court.
In 2019, Amir volunteered to play for the Delaware Blue Coats, the 76ers' G League team, to get more playing time. During a playoff game, he was seen using a cell phone on the bench. This is against NBA rules, and he was fined by the 76ers. Amir later apologized for breaking the rule.
NBA G League Ignite (2020–2022)
In 2020, Amir Johnson joined the NBA G League Ignite. This team helps young players get ready for the NBA. He played for the Ignite for two seasons.
Coaching Career
After his playing career, Amir Johnson became an assistant coach. In October 2023, he was hired as an assistant coach for the NBA G League Ignite, the same team he played for.
Personal Life
Amir Johnson comes from a family of athletes. His sister, Indi, played basketball for Southern University. His cousins, Kevin and Kaelin Burnett, both played football in the NFL.
Amir is very involved in helping his community. He often hosts events to give school supplies to kids, visits hospitals, and pays for young people from low-income families to attend basketball games. He is also known for doing kind things for others. Once, he bought all the copies of a new music album by Drake from two stores and gave them away to people on the street in Toronto.
See Also
In Spanish: Amir Johnson para niños
- List of NBA career field goal percentage leaders
