Marques Johnson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Johnson claims to have coined the term 'point forward,' a position he played out of necessity in 1984. During the 1984 playoffs, Milwaukee became short on point guards due to injuries. Coach Don Nelson instructed Johnson to set up the offense from his forward position. Johnson responded, 'OK, so instead of a point guard, I'm a point forward.' While with the Bucks, he was first-team All NBA in 1978-79, and second-team All NBA in 1979-80 and 1980–81; and was an All-Star four times, starting in 1979 and 1980. On May 2, 1983, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Johnson scored 33 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the Bucks to a 4–0 sweep of Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. The Bucks retired his number 8 in 2019.

In Their Own Story

On December 12, 1978, Johnson scored 40 points on a remarkable 74% shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 120–114 win against the Phoenix Suns. On February 27, 1980, he recorded a triple double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 119–110 victory against the Phoenix Suns. On November 2, 1980, Johnson scored 40 points, along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists, to lead the Bucks to a 135–121 victory against the Indiana Pacers, despite key teammates Junior Bridgeman and Sidney Moncrief being limited with injuries. When asked about his favorite experience on the Bucks upon the announcement of his jersey being retired in 2019, Johnson said: 'It was a compilation of everything. It was getting there in 1977, 21 years old out of L.A., stars in my eyes, and thoughts of being a great NBA player was my goal. And winning a championship in Milwaukee.'

Reader's Guide

Marques Johnson is a versatile forward known for his smooth offensive game and high basketball IQ. His arc in Milwaukee is one of immediate impact, transitioning from a top college prospect to an NBA All-Star within just two seasons. His primary skills included exceptional ball-handling for his size, reliable mid-range shooting, and the ability to facilitate offense. He was not just a scorer but a complete player who could defend multiple positions effectively. Defining moments of his Bucks tenure include consecutive All-Star selections and leading the team in scoring during several seasons. His departure marked the end of an era, yet his legacy remains intact as one of the most talented players to ever wear the green and cream.

Did You Know?

• Johnson was the third overall pick in the 1977 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, not second.
• While on the Bucks, both Johnson and teammate Mickey Johnson were the first two players in NBA history to have their full first and last names displayed on their jerseys.
• Johnson claims to have coined the term 'point forward' during the 1984 playoffs.
• The Bucks retired his number 8 in 2019.
• Johnson won the inaugural John R. Wooden Award in addition to the Naismith College Player of the Year and USBWA College Player of the Year as the nation's top collegiate basketball player.