Anthony Johnson (basketball) facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 2, 1974 Charleston, South Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| High school | R. B. Stall (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Listed weight | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | College of Charleston (1992–1997) |
| NBA Draft | 1997 / Round: 2 / Pick: 39th overall |
| Selected by the Sacramento Kings | |
| Pro career | 1997–2010 |
| Career history | |
| 1997–1998 | Sacramento Kings |
| 1999–2000 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2000 | Orlando Magic |
| 2000–2001 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2001–2002 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2001–2002 | Mobile Revelers |
| 2002–2003 | New Jersey Nets |
| 2003–2006 | Indiana Pacers |
| 2006–2007 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2007–2008 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2008 | Sacramento Kings |
| 2008–2010 | Orlando Magic |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Anthony Mark Johnson (born October 2, 1974) is an American former professional basketball player. He played as a point guard for many teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was 6 feet 3 inches tall.
Anthony Johnson made history as the first player from the NBA D-League (a minor league for basketball) to play in the NBA Finals. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He played college basketball at the College of Charleston before being drafted into the NBA in 1997.
Contents
Early Life and College Career
Anthony Johnson grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. He played football at R.B. Stall High School. He even helped his high school team win the South Carolina AAA football championship.
After high school, he received a basketball scholarship. He went to the College of Charleston, where his older brother Steven had also been a great player. By his final year, Anthony became one of the best players in his college conference.
In 1997, he was named the conference player of the year. He led the College of Charleston to a big win. They beat the University of Maryland in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament.
NBA Journey and Highlights
Anthony Johnson was the first player from the College of Charleston to be picked in the NBA Draft. The Sacramento Kings drafted him in the second round in 1997. In his first full season (1997–98), he started 62 games. He averaged 7.5 points per game.
Over the next few years, Anthony played for several teams. These included the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Jersey Nets. In 2001, he also played 15 games for the Mobile Revelers in the NBDL.
Finding Success with the Pacers
In the 2003–2004 season, Anthony joined the Indiana Pacers. This was a turning point in his career. He played nearly 22 minutes per game and scored 6.5 points per game. Before the 2004–2005 season, he signed his first long-term contract with the Pacers. It was a four-year deal.
During the 2004–2005 season, the Pacers' main point guard was injured. This gave Anthony Johnson a chance to start many games. He played a key role for the team.
In November 2004, Anthony received a five-game suspension from the NBA. This was due to an incident that happened during a game.
Career Highs and Trades
In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, Anthony Johnson had an amazing game. He scored a career-high 40 points against the New Jersey Nets. Even with his great performance, the Pacers lost that game and the series.
After the 2006 season, Anthony was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He then returned to the Atlanta Hawks in February 2007. This was his third time playing for the Hawks.
In February 2008, Anthony was traded again. He went back to the Sacramento Kings as part of a larger trade.
Final Seasons with the Magic
On July 15, 2008, Anthony signed a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic. This was his second time playing for the Magic. He played in 111 games over two seasons. He also started 12 games.
Anthony Johnson was part of the Magic team that reached the 2009 NBA Finals. His contract ended after the 2009-10 NBA season. He then became a free agent, ending his professional playing career.
See also
In Spanish: Anthony Johnson para niños
