James Johnson
The well-traveled forward who joined the Memphis Grizzlies midway through the 2013–14 season.
James Johnson is an American professional basketball forward whose long NBA journey included a stop with the Memphis Grizzlies. A former starting power forward at Wake Forest, he was drafted 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2009 and went on to play for more than ten franchises, most recently the Indiana Pacers. Known for his versatility and toughness, he signed with Memphis on December 16, 2013, after a strong run in the D-League, and appeared in 52 games for the Grizzlies before moving on.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Power forward; small forward
- Team
- Free agent
- Born
- 20 February 1987
- Birthplace
- Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.
- High school
- Cheyenne East (Cheyenne, Wyoming)
- College
- Wake Forest (2007–2009)
- Draft round
- 1
- Draft pick
- 16
Facts from the source article.
Background
Johnson grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, starring at Cheyenne East High School, where he averaged 28 points a game as a senior and also played wide receiver. Rated a four-star recruit, he went to Wake Forest in 2007 and made third-team All-ACC in both his seasons, leading the Demon Deacons to a 24–5 record and a #1 ranking in 2008–09. After being picked by Chicago, he moved to the Toronto Raptors in 2011 and the Sacramento Kings in 2012. Waived by the Atlanta Hawks in October 2013, he rebuilt his value with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, posting 18.5 points and 3.4 blocks a game before Memphis signed him.
Did You Know?
- In 2012 he beat the New York Knicks 106–105 with a buzzer-beating three for Sacramento.
- His dunk on Andre Drummond in December 2014 sparked a popular fan catchphrase and charity T-shirts.
- He came off the bench in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals for Indiana.
- He was born on February 20, 1987.
More in Legendary Players & Coaches
Elsewhere in Memphis Grizzlies
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced