Former Celtics guard Dennis Johnson dies at 52

[Confused Mark Wahlberg]

Former Celtics guard Dennis Johnson dies at 52

02/22/2007 13:15 PM - Former Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, coach of the Celtics' team in the NBA Development League, collapsed during practice Thursday and died, ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher is reporting. Johnson was 52.

Former Boston Celtics guard Dennis Johnson, coach of the Celtics' team in the NBA Development League, collapsed during practice Thursday and died, ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher is reporting.Johnson was 52.Johnson was the MVP of the 1979 NBA Finals, averaging 22.6 points as his Seattle SuperSonics beat the Washington Bullets.After a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns, Johnson rejoined the Boston Celtics, where he teamed with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish for a glorious run in the 1980s that saw Boston win the 1984 and 1986 NBA championships.Known throughout the league as "DJ," Johnson played in five NBA All-Star games and was named to the All-Defensive First Team six times.In 14 NBA seasons, he scored 15,535 points (a 14.1 points-per-game average) and averaged 17.3 points in 180 playoff games.

[Thread Pirate Roberts]

RIP DJ.
You were a true hero to many.

[Joie De Vivre]

He gave the Lakers hell in the 80's. R.I.P to a great competitor.

[dirtydickraines]

Thats really sad news, definetly not what the Celtic's need as of late. I've been listening to a Boston sports radio show all day, and I haven't heard a thing.

[seanwalsh]

Dammit.

He was basically the D'Artagnan of the Bird-McHale-Parrish Musketeers.

RIP, Dennis.

[andre29bc]

When I was 9 years old, I waited outside an autograph signing in 90 degree heat for something like 4 hours to get his autograph. Holy frickin hell does this suck.