40 Facts About Avery Johnson

Early Life and Education

Avery Johnson's journey began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was born on March 25, 1965. His early years were marked by a strong family foundation and a passion for basketball.

1. Avery Johnson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2. He attended St. Augustine High School, leading the team to a 35-0 record and the Class 4A Louisiana State Championship in 1983.
3. After high school, he attended New Mexico Junior College before transferring to Cameron University.
4. Johnson eventually graduated from Southern University with a degree in psychology in 1988.

Undrafted but Determined

Despite his college success, Johnson faced a significant hurdle when he went undrafted in the NBA. However, his determination and hard work paid off.

5. Johnson was not selected in the NBA draft but didn't let this setback deter him.
6. He signed with the Golden State Warriors in 1993 after tirelessly improving his skills.

NBA Career Highlights

Johnson's NBA career spanned 16 years, during which he played for six different teams. His most notable achievements came with the San Antonio Spurs.

7. Johnson played for the Golden State Warriors, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, and Houston Rockets.
8. His most notable stint was with the San Antonio Spurs from 1994 to 2001.
9. In 1999, he played a crucial role in the Spurs' NBA championship win against the New York Knicks.
10. Johnson made the go-ahead, championship-clinching shot in Game 5 of the 1999 NBA Finals.
11. The San Antonio Spurs retired his number 6 jersey in 2007.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Johnson transitioned to coaching, where he continued to make significant contributions to the sport.

12. In 2006, Johnson was chosen to coach the NBA All-Star team for the Western Conference.
13. He was awarded the 2006 NBA Coach of the Year Award for his leadership with the Dallas Mavericks.
14. Johnson became the fastest coach to reach 50 wins, achieving this milestone in just 50 games.
15. He also became the fastest coach to reach 150 wins with the Mavericks' win over the Grizzlies on November 18, 2007.
16. Despite his success, Johnson was dismissed as head coach of the Mavericks on April 30, 2008.

Life After Coaching

Johnson's career didn't end with coaching. He continued to share his basketball knowledge and insights through various platforms.

17. After leaving the Mavericks, Johnson joined ESPN as a studio analyst in October 2008.
18. In 2009, he became the head coach of the New Jersey Nets.
19. In 2012, Johnson took on the role of head coach for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team, where he coached until 2019.
20. Currently, he serves as an NBA and college basketball analyst for CBS Sports.

Personal Life and Values

Beyond basketball, Johnson's life is marked by his strong faith, family values, and commitment to positive influence.

21. Johnson is married to Cassandra, and they have two children, Avery Jr. and Christianne.
22. Avery Jr. played for the Alabama basketball team under his father's coaching.
23. Johnson is a Christian and often speaks about the importance of faith in his life and career.
24. He emphasizes the importance of being cautious and positive on social media.
25. Johnson warns about the dangers of cyberbullying and identity theft on social media.
26. He encourages his players to use social media as a tool for encouragement and community engagement.
27. Johnson aims to inspire his players to be positive influencers on social media.
28. As a role model, he sets an example by being transparent about his priorities on social media.

Legacy and Influence

Johnson's impact on basketball extends beyond his playing and coaching career. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.

29. Johnson's leadership skills were a hallmark of his career as a point guard.
30. Despite not being drafted, he persevered and signed with the Golden State Warriors.
31. He played in 1,054 regular-season games and 90 playoff games.
32. Johnson's career statistics include 8.4 points and 5.5 assists per game.
33. He was invaluable as a floor leader, playing 25.3 minutes per game.
34. Johnson has been inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
35. At St. Augustine High School, he helped the Purple Knights achieve a 35-0 record and the state championship as a senior.
36. During his time at Southern University, Johnson set NCAA Division I records for assists per game.
37. His most memorable moment came in 1999 when he made the go-ahead shot in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
38. Johnson has been involved in various charitable initiatives throughout his career.
39. He prioritizes his faith and family, listing his priorities as Christian, husband, father, and athlete.
40. Johnson continues to influence basketball through his work as an analyst for CBS Sports.

Avery Johnson's Lasting Impact

Avery Johnson's journey from New Orleans to NBA stardom and coaching greatness is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Known as "The Little General," he led the San Antonio Spurs to a championship in 1999 and later became a respected coach, earning the 2006 NBA Coach of the Year award with the Dallas Mavericks. His influence extends beyond the court, with a strong emphasis on faith, family, and community involvement. Johnson's dedication to mentoring young athletes and his role as an analyst for CBS Sports showcase his ongoing commitment to the sport. Whether it's his iconic game-winning shot or his strategic prowess as a coach, Avery Johnson's legacy in basketball is undeniable. His story continues to inspire future generations, proving that with determination and leadership, anything is possible.