"One of the greatest Celtic acquisitions of all time" - Danny Ainge paid the highest compliment to Dennis Johnson after the latter's tragic demise
The Boston Celtics' legacy in the 1980s is often defined by the legendary "Big 3" of Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and Larry Bird - players who were reckoned as true cornerstones. However, as complete as the trio seemed, their status as one of the great dynasties in the league's history would have never come to fruition had it not been for Dennis Johnson, whose game filled the team's voids on both ends of the floor.
While DJ's heroics were often overshadowed by the aura of "Larry Legend," his contributions were impossible to overlook. So, when the 6'4" guard untimely passed away, Danny Ainge was one of the first to remind fans how important Johnson was for the franchise's success.
Johnson was vital for Celtics' continued dominance
Johnson's NBA career had a modest start, with him averaging 10.9 points over his first two regular-season campaigns. However, DJ announced his arrival into the league when he played a huge role in leading the Seattle Supersonics to the NBA Finals in his sophomore year. What many expected to be a one-off performance turned into a preview of greatness.
The 6'4" guard elevated his performance in the 1978-79 season, averaging 15.9 points to earn his first All-Star nod and registering 20.9 points in the playoffs, including 22.6 points per outing (won the Finals MVP award) in the championship round to help his team avenge the Washington Bullets and win their lone championship.
Over the next two seasons, "Airplane" thrived, averaging 18.9 points and 1.5 steals, logging All-Star as well as All-NBA nods. He even cracked in the Top 10 in MVP voting each year, cementing his place as one of the best two-way guards in the league. Moreover, when some thought Johnson's heroics were limited to Seattle, he led the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference semifinals in his first two campaigns with them.
Ultimately, when the Celtics were clean-swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1983 playoffs, they quickly adjusted DJ as the player who could help keep their boat afloat. Though the five-time All-Star knew that joining a set and star-studded Celtics team would mean him not earning the individual accolades his talent merits, he accepted the role. To everyone's surprise, his impact was immediate.
In his first season in Boston, the 1979 Finals MVP showcased his defensive brilliance by holding Sidney Moncrief to 17.2 points per game in the playoffs, helping the Celtics dispatch the Bucks in five games en route to the Finals. Afterward, the California native elevated his game again, averaging 17.6 points (the second-highest on the team) while effectively neutralizing Magic Johnson.
Eventually, DJ's defensive prowess and playmaking were on full display once more during the 1986 NBA Finals, where he emerged as the team's third-best player, helping Boston claim another title, this time against the Houston Rockets.
Ainge knew how valuable Johnson was
Even after his playing days were over, Johnson remained dedicated to basketball, taking up coaching and office roles. However, in 2007, as the head coach of Austin Toros, Dennis suffered a fatal heart attack during practice. As his untimely death saddened the entire NBA community, Ainge wanted all the fans to understand the magnitude of his consistency in the '80s for the Celtics.
"He was one of the most underrated players in the history of the game, in my opinion," Ainge said. "One of the greatest Celtic acquisitions of all time."
Though the 14-year veteran didn't always receive the recognition he deserved during his career, the reverence from his C's teammates speaks volumes about his impact. Safe to say, had the media given him enough spotlight, who knows where Johnson would've ranked in the all-time player's list.
