Vinnie Johnson

The Microwave who heated up the Pistons' back-to-back championships.

Vincent Johnson (born September 1, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player and a key player as sixth man for the Detroit Pistons during the team's National Basketball Association (NBA) championships of 1989 and 1990. He was nicknamed "the Microwave" in the NBA for his ability to score quickly off the bench. He also played for the Seattle SuperSonics and San Antonio Spurs.

Quick Facts

Born: 1 September 1956
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
College: McLennan CC (1975–1977); Baylor (1977–1979)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 7
Drafted by: Seattle SuperSonics
Career position: Shooting guard; point guard
Career number: 15, 25

Lore & Background

Johnson earned the nickname "the Microwave" from teammate Bill Laimbeer for his ability to heat up an offense by scoring both fast and frequently when inserted into the game. On June 14, 1990, Johnson made a championship-clinching 14-foot shot with 0.7 seconds left to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 92–90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, securing Detroit's repeat championship.

Reader's Guide

Johnson began his collegiate basketball career in 1975 at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. He transferred across town to attend Baylor University for the 1977–78 and 1978–79 seasons. He was chosen as the No. 7 overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics. He was traded to the Detroit Pistons in November 1981, in exchange for forward Greg Kelser. Johnson left the Pistons following the 1990–91 season, playing a final season with the San Antonio Spurs before retiring from the NBA in 1992. The Pistons honored Johnson's career by retiring his number 15 jersey in a ceremony on February 5, 1994, at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Did You Know?

Johnson averaged 29 points per game in his junior college season and was named a junior college All-American.
Johnson holds the Baylor record for most points scored in a game with 50 against TCU in 1979.
Johnson was influenced by New York City playground legend and basketball Hall of Famer Earl Monroe growing up.
Johnson only wore number 15 throughout most of his playing days until his final season when he wore 25 for the Spurs.
Following his career, Johnson established Piston Automotive in 1995 and serves as the Piston Group's chairman and chief executive officer.