May 30, 2008
Game 6 - NBA Eastern Conference Final
September 14,
2007
Amir Jalla Johnson (born May 1, 1987 in Los Angeles,
California) is an American professional basketball
player for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. He plays
the position of power forward.
Johnson was selected by the Pistons with the 56th
pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. He is listed at 6'9"
(2.06m) and 210 lb (95 kg) but has reportedly grown
to 6'11" (2.11m) since being drafted. Known for his
athleticism, he was drafted straight out of
Westchester High School in Los Angeles, deciding to
skip a collegiate career. He had committed to play
at the University of Louisville. He is the last high
school player to be selected in the NBA Draft, as
the NBA instituted a rule prior to the 2006 Draft
that requires American players to be at least one
year removed from the graduation of their high
school class to be eligible.
Johnson spent much of the 2005-06 NBA season on the
Pistons' roster, but appeared in only three games.
He scored his first NBA basket on a windmill dunk
against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24,
2006. On February 27, 2006, the Pistons assigned him
to the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA Development
League. Johnson was recalled by the Pistons and on
April 17, 2006 scored 18 points against the
Milwaukee Bucks, making all six of his field goal
attempts, both 3-point attempts, and all four of his
free throw attempts.
Johnson spent most of the 2006-07 season playing for
the D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he earned
Player of the Week honors and notice for his play.
In 22 games for the Skyforce, Johnson averaged 18.9
points per game, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per
game, while shooting 62.3% from the field.
Johnson was recalled by the Pistons on two occasions
during the 2006-07 season, including prior to the
final week of the regular season. Altogether, he
appeared in eight games for the Pistons, averaging
5.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks,
while shooting 54.5%. On April 19, 2007, Amir
Johnson scored a career-high 20 points, grabbed 12
rebounds (6 of them offensive), and recorded four
blocks and three steals in 37 minutes against the
Boston Celtics.
On July 12, 2007, Johnson signed a 3-year, $11
million extension to remain with the Pistons.
