Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff
Former Celtics guard and current head coach of the NBA Development League's Austin Toros, Dennis Johnson passed away today at the age of 52. He collapsed shortly after a Toros practice.
Toros owner David Kahn released the following statement this afternoon:
“On behalf of Southwest Basketball and the Austin Toros family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our head coach, Dennis Johnson. Dennis was a remarkable man and an excellent role model for our young players and front-office staff. He instantly commanded respect based on his past accomplishments in the NBA, but earned far more from us with his unpretentious demeanor, his dedication to the job, and his community service in Austin. He was a delight to be around, with a one-of-a-kind laugh that, like him, deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame. We share our sympathy with Donna and his children, and want them to know they will always be a part of the Toros family."
The Toros are in the first year as the NBDL affiliate of the Boston Celtics.
Johnson, a guard acquired by the Celtics in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, played in Boston from 1983 until 1990. His Celtic career included NBA titles in 1984 and 1986. He averaged 12.6 points per game 6.4 assists per game with the Celtics in seven seasons. Those numbers went up to 16.5 points per game and 6.8 assists per game in the playoffs.
Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge released the following statement today:
"I was deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dennis Johnson. I had the great privilege of playing alongside DJ in the backcourt for six seasons and two championships. He was one of the most underrated players in the history of the game, in my opinion, and one of the greatest Celtic acquisitions of all time. DJ was a free spirit and a fun personality who loved to laugh and play the game. He was a good teammate and a good friend.
We had spoken at length just the other night about basketball and his excitement about coaching the Austin Toros. DJ was in good spirits, so his passing comes as a shock.
He will be sorely missed by the Celtics Family."
The Sun's assistant sports editor Barry Scanlon weighs in on the career of Dennis Johnson in Friday's paper.
I was extremely saddened by this news. DJ was the definition of class and Celtics pride. He may not have been as "glamorous" as the Big 3 but he was just as vital to their success in the 80's. He will be missed.
I don't want to sound mean... i've been a huge celtics fan since the 60's. However, is it just me, or is there a serious drug problem with the celtics that has been going on for quite some time now? Not saying that DJ was on dope but it wouldn't surprise me. I mean we got Len Bias, Reggie Lewis,(whose number should have never been retired by the way), Robert Parish, (getting pot sent to him in the mail??? How stupid can you be???) And there were rumors of cocaine use by certain players in the 80's. I'm sad about DJ too, don't get me wrong... but these athletes think they are invincible. You can't do dope all night and then run around and exert yourself as they are required and expect it not to take its toll. Rest in peace DJ but NBA (and all athletes) players wake up. Either be an athlete or use drugs full time. Make a decision. (and i'm not saying DJ was a user, it will be interesting to see an autopsy result). On another note, what's up with the NBA all star game. Every year pro athletes and their entourages, along with successful drug dealers and gang bangers terrorize a different city. Pac Man Jones??? 81,000 cash??? Beating strippers??? Is that not a demeaning profession in itself? Do you have to degrade these glorified prostitutes even more than they have allready degraded themselves?? Just cancel the all star game all together Stern, nobody gives a rat's ass about it anyway. It's just an excuse for all proffessional athletes to get together and make asses of themselves. Oh, and Mr. Worthy, good article, finally something significant. I enjoy your writing and listening to you on sun talk live, but as far as the blogs....WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WRITING ABOUT??? UML girl's hoops??? Softball?? You may as well be writing about the Lowell ymca rec leagues...