James Johnson (basketball player)

James Johnson (born 20 February 1987 in Cheyenne, Wyoming ) is an American professional basketball player who was drafted in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls.

High School-/Collegekarriere

Johnson played at the high school for the Cheyenne East High School before moving to Wake Forest University. Even as a freshman he led his team in both points and rebounds in what he succeeded rebounds as a sophomore in the area. In his final college season, he scored an average of 15.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. After the season, Johnson explain his participation in the NBA Draft 2009.

National Basketball Association

Johnson was selected in the 2009 NBA Draft as the 16th pick by the Chicago Bulls. He played two years for the Bulls before he was transferred in February 2011 for a draft pick to the Raptors. For the Raptors, Johnson has developed into a key player and put in the 2011/12 season 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per game to go.

In the summer of 2012, he was transferred to the Sacramento Kings.

After he received a contract for the 2013/14 season, he joined the NBA Development League of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Since December 16, 2013 Johnson plays for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Trivia

Johnson's father Willie was world champion in kickboxing and teaches several martial arts in his hometown. His son James has a black belt in karate and was 17 and 18 kickboxing world champion.