Larry Johnson Three-Time All-Star
Two-time NBA All-Star and 1991 Rookie of the Year
Larry Demetric Johnson (born March 14, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for ten seasons as a power forward with the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks. A two-time NBA All-Star, Johnson is a member of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame and College Basketball Hall of Fame. Johnson won a version of national player of the year at the high school, junior college, and NCAA Division I levels.
Quick Facts
- Team
- Charlotte Hornets
- Draft year
- 1991
- All-star selections
- 2
- Position
- Power Forward
- Status
- Retired
- Nickname
- Grandmama
Lore & Background
Johnson was selected first overall in the 1991 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in his first season. He was voted to start in the 1993 All-Star Game, making him the first Hornet in franchise history to receive that honor. He signed what was at the time the most lucrative contract in NBA history, a 12-year, $84 million deal with the Hornets in October 1993. After a back injury, he developed an improved outside shot and was selected to the 1995 NBA All-Star Game. He was traded to the New York Knicks in 1996 and was a key member of the Knicks' 1999 Eastern Conference championship team. He retired on October 10, 2001 due to chronic back problems.
Reader's Guide
Johnson played at Skyline High School in Dallas, Texas, where he was named Texas Mr. Basketball, a consensus All-American, and Mr. Basketball USA. He played at Odessa College from 1987 to 1989, winning the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 Player of the Year award both years. He then transferred to UNLV, where he was a First Team All-American twice, won Big West Conference Player of the Year and tournament MVP in 1990 and 1991, and won the John R. Wooden Award and Naismith College Player of the Year in 1991. He is ranked 12th in career scoring and 7th in rebounding at UNLV despite playing only two seasons, and holds the record for single-season and career field goal percentage.
Did You Know?
- Johnson went by the initialism 'LJ' and the nickname 'Grandmama' due to a popular series of commercials for Converse.
- He was featured on the cover of the premiere issue of SLAM magazine.
- Johnson competed in the 1992 Slam Dunk Contest, finishing second to Cedric Ceballos.
- He played for Dream Team II in the 1994 FIBA World Championship, winning the gold medal.
- Johnson was inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many All-Star games did he attend with the team?
Larry Johnson earned three All-Star selections while wearing the Hornets uniform. These honors came in consecutive seasons, solidifying his status as a league standout.
What is the origin of his nickname Grandmama?
The name referenced his massive physical frame mixed with a playful and sometimes unorthodox personality on the court. It highlighted his unique ability to combine size with finesse as a power forward.
When did his career chapter with Charlotte conclude?
Johnson played for the Hornets until he was traded in 1998, ending his original stint with the club. This move signaled the close of his dominant era with the organization.
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