Marques Johnson played college basketball at UCLA and was a member of the last championship team of the great Bruin dynasty under legendary coach John Wooden in 1975. Johnson was a great college player winning the first ever John Wooden college basketball player of the year award in 1977 and gained consensus first team All-American honors. Selected 3rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, Johnson quickly became a star under Coach Don Nelson. In his second season he averaged 25.6 points a game which was good for third in the league and earned first team All NBA honors. Johnson helped the Bucks win 5 straight division titles in the early 80's but they never could get over the hump of beating the dominant Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference to make the Finals.
Nelson made a bold move in trading away his star player, Johnson to the LA Clippers in a 6 player deal that included bringing Terry Cummings to the Bucks. The Clippers were not a good NBA team and Johnson got lost in the abyss playing there. A neck injury in the 1986-87 season effectively ending his career, all but for a short comeback in 89 for the Warriors. One of the great combo forwards of his time, Johnson will always be remembered for his ability to post up and score against anybody. A 5 time NBA All-Star, Johnson may have never been to an NBA final but his legacy is one of those great players who just never got the chance he deserved.
Should Marques Johnson be in the Hall of Fame?
Definitely put him in! - 81.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.1%
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