Edward Johnson, Jr.
Johnson as a member of the Hawks in 1981
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born |
February 24, 1955 Ocala, Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Lake Weir (Summerfield, Florida) |
| College | Auburn (1973–1977) |
| NBA draft | 1977 / Round: 3 / Pick: 49th overall |
| Selected by the Atlanta Hawks | |
| Playing career | 1977–1987 |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Number | 3, 15 |
| Career history | |
| 1977–1986 | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1986 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1986–1987 | Tampa Bay Thrillers |
| 1987 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 10,163 (18.3 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,522 (2.7 rpg) |
| Assists | 3,436 (6.2 apg) |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
Edward Lee "Fast Eddie" Johnson Jr. (born February 24, 1955) is a retired American professional basketball player. A 6'2" guard from Auburn University, Johnson played 10 seasons (1977–1987) in the NBA, mainly as a member of the Atlanta Hawks. Eddie's younger brother Frank played and coached in the NBA, also being a guard.
He represented the Hawks in two NBA All-Star Games (1980 and 1981) and scored 10,163 points in his career. As a player, he was known for his great speed and slashing ability, with a capable outside shot. However, Johnson is known today for how his life spiraled out of control, beginning with his expulsion from the NBA.
A product of Auburn University, Johnson joined the Atlanta Hawks as a relatively unsung prospect; 48 players were chosen before the Hawks selected him in the third round of the 1977 NBA draft. Johnson spent his first season sharing time in the backcourt with 5-foot-8 Charlie Criss. Averaging 10.5 points, the rookie helped the Hawks return to the playoffs after a four-year absence, a feat repeated in six of Johnson's eight full years with the club.
With Criss injured the following year, Johnson became a starter in 1978–79. During that season, Johnson advanced as far as he ever would in pursuit of an NBA ring, losing in the conference semifinals to the Washington Bullets. He was a starter four consecutive seasons, averaging at least 16 points each season. In only his third year in the league, fans voted Johnson into a starting spot in the NBA All-Star Game. He scored 22 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the 1980 midseason classic and 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting as a starter one year later. During that latter regular season, Johnson ranked second on the Hawks in scoring, with a career-high 19.1 points per game.
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