50 Facts About Tyler Johnson

Early Life and Education

Tyler Johnson's journey to the NBA began in the small town of Grand Forks, North Dakota. His early years were marked by a strong family influence and a passion for basketball.

1. Birthdate and Place: Tyler Johnson was born on May 7, 1992, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
2. Height and Weight: He stands at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds (91 kilograms).
3. High School: He attended Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California, where he led the Lancers to the Northern California Division II Championship in 2010.
4. Family Background: Johnson is the son of Jennifer and Milton Johnson. His mother, Jennifer, served in the United States Air Force.

College Career

Johnson's college years at Fresno State University were pivotal in shaping his basketball career. He honed his skills and made a name for himself on the court.

5. College Education: Johnson attended Fresno State University, where he played college basketball for four years.
6. Early Career: After high school, Johnson played for Fresno State University from 2010 to 2014, earning All-Mountain West Second-Team honors in his senior year.
7. College Statistics: During his college career, Johnson appeared in 127 games (87 starts) and averaged 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range.
8. Career Points: He finished his college career ranked 16th on Fresno State's all-time scoring list with 1,346 career points.
9. College Honors: His senior year at Fresno State saw him named to the All-Mountain West Conference second team and shoot 43.2% from three-point range, the sixth-highest single-season three-point field goal percentage in school history.

NBA Journey

Despite going undrafted, Johnson's determination and talent earned him a spot in the NBA, where he played for several teams and made significant contributions.

10. NBA Draft: Despite his impressive college career, Johnson went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft.
11. Professional Debut: He made his professional debut with the Miami Heat in 2014, signing a two-way contract with the team.
12. Miami Heat (2014-2019): During his time with the Heat, Johnson played a significant role off the bench, contributing to the team's success during the 2016-2017 season when he averaged double figures in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
13. Phoenix Suns (2019-2020): In 2019, Johnson joined the Phoenix Suns, where he played for one season before moving to the Brooklyn Nets.
14. Brooklyn Nets (2020-2022): With the Nets, Johnson played for two seasons, averaging 5.4 points and 2.0 rebounds per game while shooting 36% from beyond the arc during the 2020-2021 season.
15. Philadelphia 76ers (2023): In December 2023, Johnson signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his latest stint in the NBA.
16. Number on Jersey: Johnson wears the number 8 jersey with the Philadelphia 76ers.
17. NBA Experience: As of 2023, Johnson has appeared in 348 career games (78 starts) with Miami, Phoenix, and Brooklyn.
18. Career Averages: Over his seven-year NBA career, Johnson has averaged around 7 points per game, with his highest averages in points (13.7), rebounds (4.0), assists (3.2), and steals (1.2) coming in the 2016-2017 season with Miami.
19. Playoff Experience: In the 2018 NBA Playoffs, Johnson started all five games against the Philadelphia 76ers as a member of the Miami Heat, averaging 8 points in 16.2 minutes per game while shooting 60% from beyond the arc.

Contract and Controversy

Johnson's career took a significant turn when he signed a lucrative contract with the Miami Heat, sparking debates and discussions in the basketball community.

20. Contract Controversy: In 2016, Johnson signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Miami Heat, which caused significant controversy due to his relatively short NBA career at the time.
21. Contract Reaction: The contract was so large that it left many in the basketball community questioning whether Johnson was truly worth the investment. However, Johnson remained focused on his goal of proving himself as a valuable player in the league.
22. Contract Negotiations: The contract negotiations were intense, with multiple teams vying for his services. The Nets’ back-loaded offer was particularly significant, causing Johnson to feel overwhelmed but ultimately leading to a life-changing decision.
23. Contract Details: The four-year, $50 million contract with the Miami Heat was a significant milestone in Johnson’s career. The deal was structured in a way that rewarded him for his performance over time, providing a substantial increase in salary as he continued to play well.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the basketball court, Johnson has a rich personal life filled with diverse interests and hobbies that showcase his multifaceted personality.

24. Personal Life: Off the court, Johnson enjoys cooking and has mentioned it as one of his biggest hobbies.
25. Family Influence: His great-grandfather, Prof. Conrad Johnson, was a significant figure in jazz music and the first Black jazz big band director in Texas, influencing Tyler's musical inclinations.
26. Artistic Pursuits: Beyond basketball, Johnson is also an artist and producer, primarily working in hip-hop and R&B genres. He has collaborated with other artists and entrepreneurs, showcasing his versatility in creative fields.
27. Education: Johnson graduated from Tulane University with an Economics major, further demonstrating his diverse interests and skills.
28. Residence: Currently residing in New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnson has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures and artistic projects in the city.
29. Fashion Interest: Johnson is also interested in fashion and often overdresses for occasions, reflecting his creative and expressive personality.
30. Hobbies: Besides cooking and music, Johnson enjoys playing basketball and thrift shopping, showcasing his multifaceted interests.
31. Business Ventures: He has been involved in cutting hair as a business venture, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore different career paths.
32. Collaborations: Johnson has collaborated with entities like Ten/18 Productions, owned by his friend D.J. Edgar, on music and clothing designs, demonstrating his commitment to creative collaborations.

Challenges and Lessons

Throughout his career, Johnson has faced numerous challenges, from injuries to misunderstandings, but he has always found ways to learn and grow from these experiences.

33. Learning Lessons: Johnson has emphasized the importance of unlearning lessons, particularly avoiding the trap of following established trends without staying true to his artistic vision.
34. Misunderstandings: Throughout his career, Johnson has faced misunderstandings and mischaracterizations related to his career choice, race, culture, sexuality, and art styles. He has learned to approach these situations with an open mind, forgiveness, self-awareness, and direction.
35. Career Choice: Despite the challenges, Johnson remains committed to his career choices, believing in his abilities and the value he brings to the table. He knows that only he can define what is possible for him, guided by his faith and self-awareness.
36. Philosophy: Johnson’s approach to life is centered around self-awareness, direction, and the belief in his own abilities. He invests heavily in himself and his work, ensuring that he remains true to his vision and values.
37. Shoulder Injury: During his time with the Miami Heat, Johnson suffered from a shoulder injury that required significant rehabilitation. This experience taught him the importance of listening to his body and managing his physical health more effectively.
38. Rehabilitation: After the injury, Johnson made a conscious effort to slow down and focus on his rehabilitation. He understood that his obsession with shooting had contributed to the injury and made a commitment to pay more attention to his overall well-being.
39. Criticism: Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding his career, Johnson remains focused on his goals. He acknowledges that there may be envy from critics but refuses to engage with them, choosing instead to concentrate on his performance on the court.

Team Dynamics and Support

Johnson's relationships with his teammates and the support he has received from them have played a crucial role in his career development.

40. Team Dynamics: Johnson has spoken highly of his teammates, particularly Chris Bosh, who supported him during the contract negotiations. The camaraderie and support from his teammates have been crucial in his career development.
41. Team Contributions: Throughout his career, Johnson has contributed significantly to his teams. His ability to score, rebound, and assist has made him a valuable asset on the court.

Offseason and Fashion

Even during the offseason, Johnson remains active and engaged, focusing on his physical health and exploring his interest in fashion.

42. Offseason Concerns: During the offseason, Johnson has faced concerns related to his physical health. The shoulder injury and subsequent rehabilitation have been major focuses for him, ensuring that he returns to the court in optimal condition.
43. Fashion Influence: Johnson’s fashion sense is often highlighted by his tendency to overdress for occasions. This reflects his creative and expressive personality, which extends beyond basketball into other areas of his life.

Artistic Expression and Community Involvement

Johnson's artistic pursuits and community involvement highlight his commitment to creativity and giving back to society.

44. Artistic Expression: As an artist and producer, Johnson has explored various genres including hip-hop and R&B. His music reflects his diverse interests and creative talents.
45. Collaborative Spirit: Johnson’s willingness to collaborate with other artists and entrepreneurs demonstrates his commitment to creative projects and entrepreneurial ventures. This spirit of collaboration has been instrumental in his success both on and off the court.
46. Educational Background: Graduating from Tulane University with an Economics major has provided Johnson with a solid educational foundation. This background has likely influenced his business ventures and financial decisions.
47. Community Involvement: Johnson’s involvement in various community projects and artistic collaborations showcases his commitment to giving back and contributing positively to society. This aspect of his personality reflects his broader interests beyond basketball.

Legacy and Future Goals

Johnson's legacy in basketball will be defined by his performance on the court and his contributions to his teams' success.

48. Career Milestones: Johnson has achieved several career milestones, including starting all five games in the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers and averaging double figures in points, rebounds, assists, and steals during the 2016-2017 season with Miami.
49. Legacy: Ultimately, Johnson’s legacy in basketball will be defined by his performance on the court. His goal of being remembered as a skilled player who contributed significantly to his teams’ success will be a lasting testament to his dedication and perseverance in the sport.
50. Future Goals: Johnson remains committed to his goals and values, ensuring that he leaves a lasting impact on the world of basketball and beyond.

Tyler Johnson: A Multifaceted Talent

Tyler Johnson's journey through basketball and beyond showcases a unique blend of athletic prowess, artistic creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. From his early days at Fresno State to his impactful stints with NBA teams like the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers, Johnson has proven his worth on the court. Off the court, his interests in cooking, music, fashion, and business ventures highlight his diverse talents and passions. Despite facing challenges like injuries and contract controversies, Johnson remains focused on his goals, driven by self-awareness and a strong belief in his abilities. His commitment to personal growth and community involvement further cements his legacy as more than just a basketball player. Tyler Johnson's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.