Amir Johnson
From Hoopedia
Amir Jalla Johnson (born May 1, 1987 in Los Angeles, California) is an American professional basketball player.
Johnson is a power forward who was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 56th pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. He is listed at 6'9" (2.06m) and 210 lb (95 kg) but has reportedly grown to 6'11" (2.11m) since being drafted. Known for his athleticism, he was drafted straight out of Westchester High School in Los Angeles, deciding to skip a collegiate career. He had committed to play at the University of Louisville.
At present, he stands to be the last high school player ever selected in the NBA Draft. Starting with the 2006 NBA Draft, American players must be at least one year removed from the graduation of their high school class in order to be eligible for the draft.
Johnson scored his first NBA basket on a very impressive windmill dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 2006.
On February 27, 2006, the Detroit Pistons assigned him to the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA D-League.
Johnson was recalled by the Pistons and on April 17, 2006 scored a career high against the Milwaukee Bucks with 18 points (6/6 field goals, 2/2 3-pointers, and 4/4 free throws), all scored in the second half of the game.
Johnson spent most of the 2006-07 season playing for the D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he earned D-League Player Of The Week honors and notice for his play. The Pistons recalled him for the final four games of the season.
On April 19, 2007, Amir Johnson scored a new career high 20 points to go along with 12 rebounds (6 of them offensive), 3 steals, and 4 blocks in 37 minutes in the season closing game against the Boston Celtics.
