American · Natchitoches, Louisiana · Born 8 February 1956American basketball forward who starred for Milwaukee Bucks in late 1970s-early 1980s, five-time NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year winner.
Marques Kevin Johnson was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1956. Milwaukee Bucks selected him third overall in the 1977 NBA Draft after two NCAA championships at UCLA. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1978. His 11-season career produced 20.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game along with five All-Star appearances. He was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1979. He averaged over 21 points per game in three consecutive seasons with Milwaukee. His combination of scoring from the perimeter and post, rebounding and playmaking made him the most versatile small forward of his era — comparable in skill profile to players who received significantly greater recognition. Persistent neck and back injuries curtailed his effectiveness in his later seasons. He became a prominent television basketball analyst after retirement, working for Fox Sports and the Los Angeles Lakers broadcasts. He also appeared in the film White Men Can't Jump. His Milwaukee career — five All-Star appearances and consistent 20-point scoring — was among the finest individual careers in franchise history outside the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar years.
High-scoring forward for Milwaukee Bucks, 5x All-Star
How They Played
Versatile scorer, strong in transition, excellent mid-range shooter
Lasting Impact
One of the most prolific scorers of late 1970s/early 1980s NBA
Career Honours
- Rookie of the Year (1978)
- All-Star 5x
- All-NBA First Team
- NBA 50th Anniversary Team consideration
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | 1977–1984 | 440 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 1984–1987 | 164 |
American Athletes