Dennis Johnson died Thursday after collapsing at the end of practice for the Boston Celtics’ developmental team. Johnson coaches the Austin Toros. He was 52.
Johnson, better known as “DJ” for his 14 year career, was a Celtic great at the time of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. Winning titles in 1984 and 1986 as part of the great Boston dynasty during that time. He also won the Finals MVP in 1979 as a member of the world champion Seattle Supersonics.
The Toros had just finished practice and Johnson was outside the facility speaking with Toros’ spokeswoman Perri Travillion. Johnson was said to be joking about receiving a parking ticket when he collapsed to the sidewalk.
“We were laughing,” she said. “He just collapsed.”
Paramedics arrived and tried to revive Johnson for 23 minutes before bringing him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is being called for.
Dennis Johnson has long been called the most underrated player in NBA history, and I believe that statement is 100% accurate.
Johnson is survived by his wife Donna, his daughter Denise, and sons Dnaiel and Dwayne.
DJ was a part of many great things during his NBA career and most notably would have to be one of the most memorable plays in Celtic history. In the 1987 Eastern Conference finals against another great dynasty, the Detroit Pistons, Larry Bird stole Isiah Thomas’ inbounds pass and got it to DJ for the winning basket.
“I hate to lose,” Johnson once said. “I accept it when it comes, but I still hate it. That’s the way I am.“
We all here at InsidePulse send out our deepest sympathies and thoughts to his entire family. May DJ rest in peace.
