Profile Text
Birth Name: Dennis Wayne Johnson
Date of Birth: September 18, 1954
Place of Birth: San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of Death: February 22, 2007
Place of Death: Austin, Texas, U.S.
Ethnicity: African-American
Dennis Johnson was an American professional basketball player, and coach. A point guard and shooting guard, he played for the Seattle SuperSonics, the Phoenix Suns, and the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, a coach for the La Crosse Bobcats, an assistant coach, and an interim coach, for the Los Angeles Clippers; and a coach for Florida Flame and Austin Toros. His number 3 jersey was retired with the Boston Celtics, and hangs from the rafters of the TD Garden. He was nicknamed “DJ.” He was 6′4″.
Dennis was the son of Margaret, a social worker, and Charles L. Johnson, a bricklayer. He was raised in Compton. He was married to Donna, until his death, with whom he had three children. His brother Joey was also a basketball player, and his nephew, Joey’s son, is professional basketball player Nick Johnson.
Dennis’s paternal grandfather was Herbert Johnson (the son of Charlie Johnson and Elnora Thornton). Herbert was from Arkansas. Charlie was born in Texas, the son of Drayton William Johnson and Nancy Jane Chancellor.
Dennis’s paternal grandmother was named Minarva Scot. Minarva was from Arkansas.
Dennis’s maternal grandfather was Rudoff/Rodoff Jason Thompson (the son of Will Thompson and Gertrude Dillard).
Dennis’s maternal grandmother was named Sarah E.