Celtics guard Dennis Johnson has earned an official spot among the all-time NBA greats.
According to Boston.com, Johnson has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. A formal announcement will be made Monday in Indianapolis as part of the NCAA Tournament championship festivities.
Johnson passed away Feb. 22, 2007, at age 52 from a heart attack. The Celtics retired Johnson’s No. 3 on Dec. 13, 1991, but the guard’s Hall of Fame support grew tremendously following his sudden death.
A seven-time first-team All-Defensive Team selection, Johnson played 14 NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, Seattle Supersonics and Celtics. Johnson helped the C’s capture two NBA championships, and was named the 1978-79 NBA Finals MVP.
Celtics fan may remember Johnson best for his layup in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Larry Bird stole an inbound pass from Isaiah Thomas and passed the ball to Johnson, who converted a layup in the closing moments of the game, leading Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most to make one of the most memorable calls in NBA history.
Johnson averaged 14.1 points and five assists per game in his NBA career. The point guard is considered to be one of the best of his era, a point proven by his Hall of Fame election.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place Aug. 13 at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. Former NBA greats Karl Malone and Scottie Pippen and high school coach Bob Hurley Sr. also will be a part of this year’s Hall of Fame class, the Deseret News reports.
