Vinnie Johnson

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Vincent "Vinnie" Johnson (born September 1, 1956 in Brooklyn, New York) is a retired American professional basketball player and a key player on the Detroit Pistons who won the NBA championship in both 1989 and 1990.

Vinnie attended Baylor University for two seasions 1977-78 and 1978-79. The most prolific scorer in Baylor basketball history, Vinnie Johnson averaged 24.1 points per game in his two seasons in Waco, TX. A two-time All-American, Johnson ranks eighth in career points, sixth in career assists and second in career assists average at Baylor. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native was named All-SWC in both 1978 and 1979. Johnson also holds the Baylor record for most points scored in a game with 50 against TCU in 1979. He was the No. 7 overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft.

At 6'2", Johnson's skill set allowed him to replace either Isiah Thomas or Joe Dumars from the bench. Johnson earned the nickname "the Microwave" from Boston Celtics guard Danny Ainge for his ability to score many points in a short period of time (i.e., Johnson could heat up the offense of the team in short order) and his "instant defense". On June 19, 1990, Vinnie made a 14-foot shot in the last second, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 92-90 in Game 5 of the finals, and giving Detroit the championship.

The Pistons honored Johnson's remarkable career contribution by retiring his number 15 jersey in a ceremony on February 5, 1994 at The Palace. He was influenced by Earl Monroe growing up and only wore number 15 throughout his playing days. When asked about it by a fan later he said, "It was a huge honor. The fact that they retired my jersey tells me that I did some great things for the organization."

External links

• Vinnie Johnson Q & A
• Official Vinnie Johnson Website
• Motor City Bad Boys Listing for Vinnie Johnson

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